Hello, and welcome to The Engaging Marketeer Podcast! I’m your host, Darren Jamieson. Now, I’m not having a split personality crisis or losing the plot, but today, I’m interviewing… Darren Jamieson! Not me, obviously, but Darren Jamieson, the goalkeeper for Stenhousemuir F.C. in Scotland.
This Darren Jamieson—not me—is a thorn in my side whenever I Google myself. He dominates the search results, from images to the Knowledge Graph at the top of Google. So, in today’s episode, we’ll talk about his footballing career, plans for retirement (so I can reclaim that number one Google spot), and an exciting new project of his—a brand of goalkeeper gloves under the name DJ.
Let’s dive in.
Darren (Host): Darren, most kids grow up dreaming of becoming footballers. When did you know that’s what you wanted to do?
Darren (Guest): Oh, very early on. I remember being asked by my mum when I was 11 what I wanted to be. Without hesitation, I said, “A footballer.” My brother said he wanted to be a chef. Credit to my mum—she’s been my biggest supporter. From driving me to games to paying for my driving lessons when I was 18, she’s done everything to make my dream possible.
Darren (Host): That’s incredible. She’s been a massive inspiration for you, hasn’t she?
Darren (Guest): 100%. She’s the best, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her.
Darren (Host): Was there ever a moment you thought you wouldn’t make it?
Darren (Guest): Definitely. When I was 17, I was at Livingston and only offered a six-month contract to prove myself. That was tough—it felt like they didn’t have much faith in me. But the club changed ownership, and the new management saw potential in me. Still, football has more lows than highs, and you’ve got to push through them.
Darren (Host): That resilience is vital, especially with so many young players not making it. How do you handle the mental pressures?
Darren (Guest): It’s getting better now, thanks to the PFA in Scotland. They offer mental health support and advice for players. When I was younger, I didn’t realise how much pressure I put on myself. Now, at 33, I’m one of the experienced players helping younger ones handle that pressure.
Darren (Host): You mentioned being 33 and nearing the end of your career. How does experience shape how you approach the game?
Darren (Guest):It’s huge. Experience has taught me to stay vocal on the pitch, constantly directing teammates. When I was younger, I didn’t communicate much, but now, I know how important it is. Even off the pitch, I enjoy passing on my knowledge to younger players.
Darren (Host): Goalkeeping requires immense focus. How do you stay sharp during games when you might not be involved for long stretches?
Darren (Guest): I keep directing traffic—positioning defenders, keeping everyone organised. It keeps me engaged. When I was younger, I’d just focus on my own game, but now I know I can impact others’ performances too.
Darren (Host): And penalties? How do you approach those?
Darren (Guest): I enjoy them! The pressure’s off for the goalkeeper. If I save it, I’m a hero; if I don’t, no one blames me. I study the taker’s body language and think, “Where would I go if I were them?” That instinct usually works.
Darren (Host): You’ve clearly got a knack for tactics and communication. Is coaching in your future?
Darren (Guest):Definitely. I’d love to be an assistant manager, working closely with players and helping them improve. Management appeals too, but I’d miss the hands-on coaching side.
Darren (Host): The Scottish league system often gets criticised for its lack of depth. How can it improve?
Darren (Guest): I think merging the smaller leagues into two larger leagues of 20 teams each would be a game-changer. It would create more variety, reduce repetitive fixtures, and help develop young players. As it stands, playing the same team four times a season dilutes the excitement and specialness of rivalries.
Darren (Host): Let’s talk gloves! What inspired you to launch your brand?
Darren (Guest): It’s been a passion project of mine. Earlier this year, I teamed up with my brother, who’s great with the business side of things. Within weeks, we had a design, samples, and a website. The response has been amazing—we’ve already exceeded our six-month sales target in just two weeks.
Darren (Host): Where can people buy these gloves?
Darren (Guest): The best place is our website. We’ve got gloves, apparel, and some exciting new designs coming soon.
Darren (Host): Darren, it’s been an absolute pleasure having you on the podcast. From your football journey to your exciting new venture, it’s been a fascinating chat.
Darren (Guest): Thanks for having me, Darren. It’s been great to finally meet the other Darren Jamieson causing chaos in my Google searches!
Darren (Host): Well, here’s to your continued success—and maybe, just maybe, to me reclaiming that top Google spot someday. Thanks again!
Darren (Guest): Cheers, Darren.
Connect with Darren (Guest):
Website: https://deejaygk.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-jamieson-418462172/?originalSubdomain=uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darren.jamieson.12/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeejaayy1/?hl=en
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/
Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com
Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk
