I've always thought it was a beautiful game and that the ball should be passed around. I also believe you can create goalmouth excitement without resorting to the long-ball game.
I sang 'Your Song' by Elton John, and Silva Screen Records were watching. They got in touch with my agent then had the idea of the Christmas album.
This is an old film from donkeys' years ago, but the first film I ever⦠the first time I ever cried watching a movie was when I was watching 'The Champ.'
When you see the fans all in together - elation and sadness sat next to each other, kids crying and the other half of the family up there, giving it all that - that's just incredible.
Well, when I was at Leeds it was the best and worst time of my career, because when I was a kid it was my ambition to play for Middlesbrough, where I was born, and my dream to play for Leeds, and everyone said I couldn't have two teams.
When I was a kid it was my dream to play for Leeds, and I did that.
All my mates are massive Leeds fans because I live in Wakefield, but my best friend in the entire world is the Middlesbrough chairman.
I know Jonny Howson well because he's a Leeds boy.
I actually fell down the steps on 'Ninja Warrior.'
I got injured just before we filmed 'Ninja Warrior,' which stopped me playing football with my mates. I haven't played football since. I'm crocked now, my back has gone and I feel like my body has packed in.
Here's To Christmas' is something I'm really proud of and I think it stands up as something fun, but something that doesn't sound half bad too - an album to get everyone into the swing of Christmas!
I always have a bet at the start of each season, looking at the teams and the squads. I know there's a big element of unpredictability but if you've got your financial structure sorted out you've got a chance.
I never thought in my wildest dreams I'd ever be offered a record deal, and to get a Christmas No. 1 would be huge for any performer, let alone an ex-footballer.
