[Red Moon]

Apprentice reject Ian Stringer insists he's not a loser

After Sir Alan gave him the chop last night, Apprentice fantasist Ian Stringer may now officially be one, but he still insists the word "loser" is not in his vocabulary.

And what's more, he reckons the disastrous Italian pub nosh project that led to his downfall was a huge SUCCESS.

The former software sales manager, who famously refused to say the word "loser" on the series, told cameras: "There are two types of people in the world, winners and... I don't know how to say the word. I can't say it."

And despite yesterday's firing, the defiant 26-year-old said: "I have no regrets for not saying the L-word and I still won't say it. I see it as a big achievement getting through from 20,000 to the last 16.

"The thing I said is part of my life. I give everything I go at 110 per cent. If you always try to win and give it your best you don't need to use the L-word. That's my theory."

But his ex-wife Kirsty disagrees. She has described the Blackpool lad as "the biggest loser of them all", claiming he cheated on her while she was pregnant and then left her and their two children with spiralling debts. Kirsty, now on benefits, also claims he gave up a £35,000 job to go on The Apprentice - and now only has a small income from part-time radio work.

All Ian will say is: "I have no regrets in life. I am going to make no comments on my skills as a father or anything that has been written about my personal life."

So what about his business skills? Most people who tuned in last night would expect him to regret some of his decisions - especially as pub food boss.

He struggled to lead a team that bought its food from Tesco - rather than a wholesaler - and appointed a head chef who thought carbonara was made with chicken instead of pasta. The food was poor quality and diners complained that it tasted rubbish.

But Ian says: "I think we took over £800 in a pub that has never done food, with 70 covers. We marketed and got bums on seats. I see that as a huge success. The food was delicious and those pizzas were bang on.

"Pizza Express are going to come knocking for me, sunshine.

"I shouldn't have been fired because I have so much more to offer. I am a team player as well as a leader and a profitable leader."

But there is no sign of Ian getting a bigmoney job after his TV appearance. He is continuing his weekend sport commentary work on BBC Three Counties Radio and, unlike other contestants, does not want to use the show as a springboard for success.

Ian said: "Do I want an office job? No, over the years I have found broadcasting is my passion and what I'm good at.

"I have found what I love in life, which is the industry I work in."

But Sir Alan doesn't work in broadcasting - so what would he have done if he'd won the show? Ian splutters: "I can't predict what would have happened.

I only deal in the here and now."

And then off he goes again talking about his football commentary. Actually, the the only time he seems animated is when he's using footy cliches.

He says: "Like in football, you want to work for the best team and the best gaffer. Everyone in football wants to work with Fabio Capello and everyone in business wants to work for Sir Alan.

"On the show, Lee McQueen looks like Jamie Redknapp, but is playing like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer banging the goals in.

He could win. The tricky one is Kevin Shaw because he did some tricks and turns to escape the chop. But I wouldn't have him in my starting 11.

"The one keeping the goal is Lucinda Ledgerwood, she is like David Seaman and she will get lobbed soon and have egg on her face, mark my words."

One thing's for sure, though. After his red card, Alan Sugar clearly doesn't see Ian as Premier League material...

'Pizza Express are going to come knocking for me, sunshine' - IAN STRINGER YESTERDAY

Source:Daily Mirror

[GiRTh]

HE cant even say the word.

[Harry!]

I cant say a few words but I dont boast about it.