20 Oct 2008

The popular Fulham midfielder is the latest high profile supporter of the competition – and who can blame him?

Jimmy has forged an incredibly successful career in football after beginning life as a painter and decorator, no doubt using a selection of Johnstone’s paints along the way.

So when he encountered the silverware on Soccer AM last weekend, he was quick to have his photo taken with the glittering trophy.

Bullard, 29, began his career at non-league Gravesend, earning £60 a week and working for his dad stripping walls and painting ceilings.

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy sponsorship manager Teresa Hardwick said: “We were in the Soccer AM studios for the second round draw of the competition, and Jimmy was also present as a guest of the show.

“He was quick to have his picture taken with the trophy and we are delighted to get this snap of him.

“We knew all about his history as a painter and decorator as well, so if we had to choose a sporting personality to hold the trophy, we wouldn’t have looked further than Jimmy.”

Jimmy said recently: “At the start I was a painter and decorator with my dad. I did that for three years and it was hard at times.

“But my dad looked after me, he always gave me a day off when I was playing.

“It was hard to play as well as having a 9-5 job or 7am-7pm. It was my dad’s company so he looked after me but it was still hard work, rubbing down walls and ceilings.”

Bullard eventually made it into the big time via West Ham, Peterborough and Wigan and was recently picked in Fabio Capello’s England squad to complete a remarkable rags to riches story.

Johnstone's. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.