Welcome to a version of reality
Or how I came to be where and what I am and what the heck is going on
This is Our Man in Russia, a newsletter from within the belly of the Russian bear, or something pithy that both entertains and makes no sense. I’ve lived and worked in Russia full time since 2010 (after initial introductions). I came back from a season in Malta to work again in sports business before losing faith in 2013. I spent a year and a half in the food and hospitality industry in Voronezh before returning to Moscow to work in biotech in March 2015.
I’ve worked permanently in higher education since 2017 as Director of a University College, 2 x International Offices and an Associate Professor (Sports Management and Entrepreneurship). Originally I’d worked full-time in sports management and consultancy business since returning to Europe in 2003.
I’ve written about, commented on and worked in sports since 1990, with the highlight being a 5 year stint as Co-host and Producer of Russia’s #1 Radio sports show. My love of sports remains as I play and coach Gaelic Football, as well as talking about it every Sunday on Capital Sports 3.0.
I hold no political allegiances, see the good in everybody and am an optimist. As I heard a far wiser person than I say, I’d rather trust people and be disappointed in the few, than distrust everyone.
I grew up in abnormal Ireland where war and violence was reacted to normally. Sitting eating porridge in the morning as RTE Radio 1 told of car bombs, punishment beatings, shootings, hunger strikes and murders just happened a few miles up the road from where I sat. I have held an adversion to violence since, hypocritical given my many years boxing.
With the newsletter I hope to bring something else to the coverage of Russia and from within the bowels of sports, talk sense. I love sports, always have done and will never lose hope that oen day health, enjoyment and fair play will reign supreme.
Alan