The following is part of an interview with Lee Sharpe by the Guardian - it appeared in their excellent Small Talk section back in September 24, 2004. Author is Rob Smyth
Garforth Town new boy and Old Trafford alumnus Lee Sharpe talks goal celebrations, dodgy haircuts and seven-day benders
So, what's your story - how'd you end up at Garforth?
I was with Simon [Clifford, the manager] last Sunday. We were in the studio talking about the Brazil-Bolivia game - we just got talking about it, and he said: "Do you fancy a game?"
What level are Garforth at?
I think Northern Premier.
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Over the last five years, when people like Steve Guppy were playing left-wing for England, did you ever think: 'that should have been me'?
Not really. Things happen for a reason. I got injured, and changed clubs; various things happened and that's football I suppose.
Do you regret leaving United now?
No. It was just that time. I'd spent two years unhappy there.
Really? Even 1994-95?
Yeah. I'd just been playing bit parts.
You were in centre midfield a lot weren't you?
Well centre mid I don't mind, but I'd played left-back and right-wing, and I knew that I wasn't going to play in the big games. I was just filling gaps.
You could've been a dentist. Who's been your best mate in football?
I don't really knock around with players who are still in the game. Gary Pallister I still see a lot of. We play a lot of golf together.
What about people like Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane?
No, I don't really stay in touch with them. I've just bought the Half Moon pub near Wetherby, and some of the Leeds lads come in there still.
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What's the best goal celebration you've ever seen?
Maybe some of these lads who do triple back somersaults and that sort of stuff.
Never fancied it yourself?
No, I'd break my neck I think.
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Small Talkette told us to find out if you're still single.
I am, yeah.
What's the weirdest fan mail you ever got?
I'm actually still getting some off this one girl.
Blimey. What sort of stuff does she send you?
She just keeps sending me chocolate bars.
Zoinks. Have you ever met her?
No. I'm scared stiff.
Whatever gets you off, Sharpey. Moving on, what's your poison?
I'm pretty much just a beer drinker. Beer or wine. I've just got into red wine.
Any favourites?
We've got a couple of nice ones in the pub, and one we got off our wine supplier called GB51. Usually a Spanish Rioja or something like that.
What's the longest bender you've ever been on?
[Laughs] Oh my God. Probably on holiday - seven days, seven nights. I couldn't do it now.
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How much do you pay for a haircut and what do you ask for?
It varies really, I haven't had much done to my hair, but I'm looking for a haircut at the moment. I'll probably spend £40 or £50, and ask for something a bit funky and punky.
It's a silent 's', Lee. What's the worst haircut you're ever had?
Oh my God I've had a few. Blond all over at Leeds wasn't the best. I usually do that to cover up a multitude of sins.
What would you put in Room 101?
[Long period of umming and aahing] I've got a few things I'd put in Room 101. I'd probably abolish tax.
Tell us a joke
An Irishman goes for a job at a farm. The farmer says: "Have you ever shoed horses?", and he says: "No, but I told a donkey to f**k off once". [Sniggers for ages]
What's that story about a house party at yours when Alex Ferguson turned up?
Nah it wasn't a house party: we were all getting ready to go out, and he turned up.
You must have got the shock of your life.
When Giggsy's mate answered the door, he was carrying the only 2 bottles of beer that were left in the house. It looked like a full-blown house party, but it was just bad timing, that's all.
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Lee Sharpe made his Garforth debut as a substitute in a 2-1 win over Hall Road Rangers.
To read the full interview with Lee Sharpe by Rob Smyth please click here
