Quotes from Chris Kamara

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.

Whenever I go shopping with my wife, all I ever seem to come home with is a new pair of shoes.

My dad always told me that shoes should be clean and shiny, so I'm really particular about it.

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.

When I got my first professional contract from Ian St John - the Portsmouth manager at the time - my wages went up to £75 and the big bonuses stayed the same.

I actually fell down the steps on 'Ninja Warrior.'

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'm not going to change my name unless I know that the public are behind England and show that they want me to become Chris Cabanga.

I know it might be surprising to some, but anyone who knows me - especially those who shared a changing room with me in my playing days who first told me I could sing - will tell you what a big fan I am of big band music.

And I know it's an old cliche, but winning and being in a winning position breeds confidence - cliche or not, it's still true.

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 spent the best part of 20 years trying to stop people like Chris Waddle from playing. Now I'm convinced that good touch and loads of movement are the way forward.

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 I started at Portsmouth in 1974 there was a strong National Front element in the crowd and they would abuse me even though I played for their team. Racist abuse was part of the game and it was never challenged.

I've been invited to do 'Strictly and they told me who I would be dancing with because, apparently, you have to train with them for six weeks before. But it's just not going to happen because my body is knackered.

I drink tea like Oliver Reed used to drink beer. I must get through about 12 to 15 cups a day.

It's a privilege to be a football manager, even when you've been beaten or you're bottom of the table.

I know that every football fan would love to do my job; get paid to watch football and say it how they see it, and I know I'm in a very privileged position.

I get racist letters all the time from people who aren't Bradford City supporters. You just laugh at them, tear them up and throw them in the bin.

When I was 15, I used to pick the school football team.

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.

For managers to win the treble isn't easy.

Football's about winning and I'm a winner, but you also have to set standards and entertain people.

My only regret is that I didn't play for Howard Wilkinson earlier. I would have achieved more and played even longer if I had.