Having hung up his skates some time ago, he was credited with turning around the fortunes of Manchester's Belle Vue stadium and now the 55-year-old former management accountant is in charge of Owlerton Stadium, overseeing multi-million pound investments.

Skate Central and Ice Sheffield

I know it's hard to believe, looking at me now, but I did used to skate competitively at what was the Silver Blades in Sheffield (now Skate Central) and I actually beat Torvill and Dean! It's only fair to say they were very young at the time but it's my great claim to fame.

I was a gold medalist at Silver Blades and won a bronze in the British Ice Dance Skating Championships. I was persuaded to abandon it all, though, in favour of a 'proper career' but still love the sport and take my grandchildren along whenever I can.

Sheffield folk

I've been at Owlerton for just over six months and from day one I've been made to feel really welcome. I always thought that Manchester people were friendly but in all honesty Yorkshire people have excelled themselves.

I should have known, really, because my partner comes from Castleford. At the moment we still live in Cheshire but for the last few months we have been busy house-hunting and are looking forward to moving.

Owlerton greyhound stadium

Most people probably wouldn't choose their workplace as a favourite place but I genuinely love the place and enjoy being here for business and pleasure.

A trip to the dogs is a fantastic night out – there's always a brilliant atmosphere, superb food, excitement and loads of fun. My favourite event has to be Ladies Day. No other track in the country has it. Tickets are on sale for this year's, on July 1, in aid of St Luke's Hospice.

Napoleons Casino Owlerton

It's next door to the stadium and part of the A&S Leisure group and we're always looking at linked events. It has a lovely, homely atmosphere and is more like a personal members' club.

Gosling Farm Wortley

This is our state-of-the art rehoming centre for retired greyhounds. It was set up just before I came and I immediately fell in love with it.

I've always had a pet dog and I love to go there and make a fuss of the dogs. The setting is absolutely beautiful so it's a brilliant place to take them for a walk and very relaxing. I like the idea that anyone can 'sponsor' a dog if they can't actually adopt and house one. This allows them to take the animal for walks and treat it as their own pet.

Nonna's restaurant Ecclesall Road

As I'm still commuting I haven't had chance to taste many of the delights of Sheffield's nightscene but this was a great find one lunchtime when I went for a business meeting. It was very busy but I thought the atmosphere, combined with some very unusual and excellent food, was spot-on.

Sheffield train station

I think the improvement there is fantastic. The water feature is really impressive and what a great first impression for visitors to the city.

I can't think of many places where it's actually pleasant and relaxing to sit outside a busy commuter station.

The only downside are the car parking charges, which I think are absolutely extortionate.

Meadowhall

Not that I'm a shopping fan but if I do have to go then this makes it less painful and even fairly pleasant. It's much better than having to charge from one end of the city to the other, probably getting rained on at the same time.

I know it's hardly unique as a concept but it is one of the most stylish and well designed in the country – and it's ours!

The A61

One thing I definitely don't like is the traffic around Sheffield. It may be my imagination but it seems to be even worse than in Manchester.

On the other hand the A61 is a good place to be – because it takes me back to my beloved Old Trafford! I've followed Manchester United since I was a little boy, although in view of our chairman Dave Allen's past position with the Owls, I have been along to Hillsborough. Sorry, lads, it's just not the same as watching Ronaldo or Rooney!

Snooker at the Crucible

I used to work for Riley Snooker Clubs and visited the Crucible for the World Snooker Championships on several occasions. I always felt that there was a wonderful atmosphere there. For everyone associated with the sport – including the top players – the Sheffield Crucible is synonymous with the World Championships and always will be.

Parks

I've been told Sheffield is the greenest city in the country and, as a dog owner, there's nothing like a good park to go walkies in! I've got a cross greyhound/collie I inherited from my mother. (Most people inherit money but I got a soft dog who thinks she's human).

At the moment my favourite is Pugneys Country Park near Wakefield – not exactly Sheffield but at least it's Yorkshire. After a walk you build up quite an appetite and the café provides good, wholesome value-for-money food. I'm looking forward to discovering Sheffield's parks.