We speak to Karren Brady, one of most powerful women in football (From Bournemouth Echo)

We speak to Karren Brady, one of most powerful women in football

7:00pm Friday 5th February 2010 in

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SHE is one of the few women to have carved a successful career at the highest level of football club management, but later this year, will be seen by millions of viewers in one of Britain’s most popular television shows.

Karren Brady, guest speaker at Bournemouth University’s Executive Business Centre, has taken over from Margaret Mountford as Lord Sugar’s right hand woman in the BBC’s The Apprentice.

Although the sixth series will not be shown until after the general election, most of it has already been filmed. “It was really tough – 18 hours a day of hard graft, seven days a week,” she said.

“I have never had such a good time in all my life. I felt like I had been there forever. I still laugh now when I think about some of the things that have gone on.

“A lot of people think it’s a game show, but somebody at the end of it gets a really important, high quality job. It’s almost like holding a mirror against themselves. They start off aggressive, then realise who they are, and more importantly, who they want to be.”

Before filming started, Karren and Margaret – whose straightforward manner won her legions of fans – went out for a “long lunch and a few drinks”.

Said Karren: “I realised what I was taking on board. She’s fantastic in that role.

“She’s done it for five series and has a certain style and elegance that’s unique to her.”

Now 40, Karren became managing director of Birmingham City Football Club at 23, transforming its fortunes and marrying one of its players, Paul Peschisolido, who now manages Burton Albion.

“My best achievements would floating the business in 1997, getting promoted to the Premier League, and selling it for £82 million last year. I bought it for £1 million,” said Karren.

In January, she was appointed as vice-chairman of West Ham, where she is hoping for similar success.

Karren admits it has been difficult juggling her career with two children, now 13 and 11.

“I always go home, wherever I am.

“If I’m not there to put my kids to bed, I will be there in the morning. “I have a cleaner two days a week and someone to do my ironing. I really need a wife.”