TIM BOOTH

The James frontman on going to an Old Firm game with Gordon Strachan and becoming pals with Gary Neville

- Richard Purden

What's your earliest memory of being a Leeds fan?

It was 1968, and it was Don Revie's Leeds team. I grew up in a little village 12 miles from Leeds. There was no culture - I'd never been to anything like that. I walked into the stadium and heard men singing. I'd never heard men sing before, besides church. These were filthy, funny songs, and it just hit me - these men singing with such passion and showing emotion. Where else do men gather in that way? I think it's a deep shame they don't. It's something that should be more a part of our communities; you see it in any tribal situation - people sing and dance. We go to gigs, but it's different. So why save it up for football?

Who were some of your Leeds heroes?

Eddie Gray was classy and not really part of the 'Dirty Leeds' aspect of the team. I loved Norman Hunter, I thought he was amazing, and Terry Cooper - I played at left-back because of Cooper. I wasn't equipped as I didn't have his speed and could be pushed off the ball quite easily.

Were you aware of the team's reputation at the time?

Back then, I had no idea they were a dirty team, but I'd hear people saying things about Billy Bremner and Norman 'Bites Yer Legs' Hunter. I knew the name was reflecting something, but I didn't get it at the time. Every team was a bit dirty. Those FA Cup games with Chelsea in 1970 were a war of attrition. Chopper Harris ended Eddie Gray's career to some degree. It was a tougher time in general and Leeds also played to that. I was too young to understand comparisons to other teams, or that Leeds were dirtier than sides like Chelsea or Man United. That reputation was down to the trio of big Jack Charlton, Bremner and Hunter.