Terry Whittaker, managing director of QBE National, is a Gills fan but he knows his way around the Premier League.
Pre-season for the Insurance Times Fantasy Football competition is drawing to a close and the new season – and the inevitable Monday morning bragging rights in the office – will commence in earnest next week. But before the banter begins, we have one final preview. This week it is Terry Whittaker, managing director of QBE National. Terry is responsible for the delivery of QBE’s regional expansion plans and product delivery in the UK outside of London.
Terry joined Syndicate 386, which was subsequently taken over by QBE, in 1979 as a claims trainee. At 386 he moved from claims to manage the reinsurance function, administration area and syndicate management team before finally becoming operations officer. He was appointed managing director of QBE National in August 2007.
Terry grew up in the East End of London near West Ham and models himself on Upton Park’s most famous son, Bobby Moore, describing himself as “cool and calm under pressure”. But despite his upbringing, he supports Gillingham, who currently reside in League 2.
Terry’s team is called Zenith08. In goal is Jose Reina. The Liverpool stopper has been an integral part of his team’s success and, with a strong defence in front of him, ought to bag a few clean sheets this term.
In defence, it seems past loyalties have affected one of Terry’s selections. “Nyron Nosworthy [of Sunderland] is an emotional selection,” he says. “I know him from his Gillingham days, so I’m being loyal to a local player.”
At right back is Aston Villa’s Luke Young. “He’s an attacking player that makes things happen,” says Terry. Completing the back four are Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United, a popular choice, and Arsenal’s William Gallas.
The midfield has a steely look with Kevin Nolan of Bolton and Chelsea’s Michael Essien. Terry, whose Premier League team is Chelsea, says: “Essien was probably player of the year last year as he played out of position a lot.”
Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal joins Deco, Chelsea’s new playmaker, in midfield.
“He has a box of tricks and nothing will intimidate him in the Premier League,” says Terry of the Portugal international.
For the second week running, Fernando Torres of Liverpool and Portsmouth’s Peter Crouch are picked up front, with Terry describing both as “consistent” and “always likely to get a goal”.
With the niceties of pre-season finally over, let the scoring begin.
