James: I was 'drunk'

The former England goalkeeper arrived at Ashton Gate on a free transfer after leaving Portsmouth in the summer despite being heavily linked with a move to Celtic as well as several Premier League clubs.

However, the 40-year-old decided on a move that would not mean a move for his family, although he was recovering from a heavy night out when he was first contacted by Robins boss Steve Coppell.

James told the Daily Star: "I thought I would either stay with Portsmouth, move to a Premier League club or go to Scotland.

"In between thinking about all that, there was my wedding to Amanda to organise.

"Somehow it all converged at a single point, the morning after my stag do.

"I received a phone call from an unknown number. I don't usually answer those, but I was still drunk and so I picked it up.

"Much to my astonishment the man on the other end was Steve Coppell. He said, 'All right Dave, I'm the Bristol City manager, and was wondering if you'd be interested in having a look at the club?'

"If it had been anyone else, I would not have considered it, but such was my respect for Steve that Bristol City became a serious contender."