Ghent 76 years old he is, but his uninhibited style and playfulness betray that James Storme still the spirit of a man in his twenties possession. Ever, in the sixties, was Storme labeled as the fastest winger of the Belgian league. As a young talent played and he won the first Ghent cup final ever. Today he is a scout, and epicurean. “I am glad that I was a footballer, and not now: today, they earn more money, but we were a ploég.”
Flamboyant, cheerful, and stylish. As James Storme is a space one enters, everyone has seen that. Without that he however makes a lot of noise – and that is an art. A real citizen of Ghent, who have a word of French between dare to throw… and constantly call. The life of Storme never stands still.
An interview arrange with you was so easy, not yet. You just got out of Nigeria flown?
“That’s right. Not a jaunt, eh, I was there as a scout. We have some talented players seen, yes. Two of them will soon be tested at Zulte Waregem. Now is the hope that those guys are of the mentality to break. Because no matter how good they play in their own environment and how much talent they have, the mentality often makes the difference.”
You are 76, but still a busy bee. Why do you so like to scoutingwerk?
“Scouting is a hobby. There are in Africa many professional brokers around, with a lot of money and resources. I do it a little bit as an amateur, and then you get satisfaction when you’re still a supertalent discovered.”
“I find it especially enjoyable because I like scout a lot at the youth am. I feel the mentality of those young guests, and try a bit with them. And it keeps me busy, eh. It is by all day nothing to do, that you are really old. And as long as our wife permitting, we should be taking advantage of that we still even allowed to leave.” (laughs)
don’t you Think: damn, I was but back on the field?
“No – but I have often the impression: that I could do better!’ (laughs) But every age has its charm. We now have our memories to cherish, and hope that we the youth can help to be better than we are now.”
You played football in the sixties and seventies. Would you have life span in the sport today?
“In that time, we had tremendous technical players. And I even think that we were faster than the players of today. Urbain Seghers and I were considered to be the fastest outside players of the country. The difference with now is that we had more time for the execution. Today, players are athletic seen so strong, that they ninety minutes can continue to walk and work. Technically, we were probably better, but the game is much harder.”