We find out a little bit more about the Club's regular Coach Driver Colin Waites.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Lintz Colliery, which was north-west Durham. It's a lovely place, a real pit village which is sadly no longer there as everyone was knocked down.

What did you want to do when you were younger?

I wanted to do anything to do with transport really - that's what I enjoyed the most from a young age.

How did you first get in to coach driving?

I knew somebody in the business and went along there and had a ride out in the coach and after a couple of practice runs I took a test. That was about 35 years ago now.

What's the best thing about coach driving?

The variety of places you go to and seeing the seasons change. Basically making your own decisions and being out and about - I prefer that to being tied inside all day.

What's the best thing about being HUFC driver?

I've always had a love of football and I thoroughly enjoy being involved on that side. The people that I have worked with Hartlepool United are the most enjoyable to be with - that's staff and players.

What do you reckon is the worst ground to get to for a coach driver?

Brentford. It's awkward to get to and you don't really get much help there so that would be the worst even though it's not as far away as some grounds.

What are the Hartlepool United players like to drive?

They're all very well behaved! Well, better than the staff are anyway! Only joking. I get a bit of stick from time to time from the players - usually from the likes of Andy Monkhouse - but that's part and parcel of the job and it shows they've accepted me.

Do you drive for any other football teams?

Not on a regular basis. I've been with both Darlington and Sunderland but I prefer it when I'm driving Hartlepool United. I know the people there a lot better and feel more at ease.

Have you driven any really famous people?

I drove Jools Holland once, and Paula Radcliffe another time. There's also been quite a few European teams such as Milan, Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven when they played at Newcastle. I think the biggest one was when we were involved in the transport of President Bush when he visited the North East - I didn't meet him personally but I was driving people from the CIA around!

This feature was first published in the Club's Matchday Programme 'Never Say Die'.