Leicester’s twisted firestarter

The former Bradford and Leicester man chats social media animosity and outdoing Dennis Rodman

Hi Jamie. Did you discover anything about yourself during lockdown, or has it been a massive pain?

Hi mate. I’m lucky, because I’ve found it very easy. You know my background – I’ve been to prison twice, so this is like a holiday camp compared to that. I’m allowed outside, I can go to the fridge whenever I want and I can do exercise. My daughters are here. It’s fine. Don’t you feel cheated, though? You already served your time! [ Laughs] No, not at all. I’m working as a personal trainer and I’m really busy. I’ve learned to use online things – I’ve been training people by Instagram and Zoom. I’ve managed to adapt and find a new way forward. Good man. Now, have you ever nearly accidentally killed yourself operating a household device?

No, although I did partly set the house on fire when I was young. I put some chips in the oven while my mum was at work, then went out to play football and forgot. The whole kitchen ceiling was black. Oh, I got a rocket for that. Jamaican parents don’t forgive easily. When you represented Jamaica, did you go of your own accord?

Totally! I would have walked there to play. I love the culture, people, music, sun and food: curried goat, rice and peas, pepper steak. Proper spiced up. Let’s do a reverse Desert Island Discs and ban one song forever...

There’s one that does my head in: my daughter is constantly dancing to it on Tik Tok. Hang on. [ Yells upstairs] Tori! What’s the name of that song I hate? [ Muffled answer]. Lottery by K- Camp. I’d like to ban Tik Tok. Have you ever become friends with a former nemesis?

I have. Dave Anderson, who managed AFC Wimbledon and played in goal for Northern Ireland B, absolutely hated me. I managed a player who went on to play for him, and he mentioned me all the time. We’re friends now! Jamie, your name is an anagram of ‘ American Jewel’. Do you own gems purchased in the States?

I was a big jewellery guy back in the day. I followed the Jamaican fashion and had some chains, but they were UK- bought. The older you get, you’re less bothered. The only thing I have now is a 20- year- old Rolex Daytona. Who had the best hair dyes out of you and Dennis Rodman?

Me all day long! We were very similar as people. I needed to go and blow off smoke; so did he. It never detracted from our performances. My pink hair was probably most famous – it was meant to be red but went wrong in the rain. My favourite was the purple dye I had when Bradford beat Liverpool in the final game of the 1999- 00 season to stay in the Premier League. Some scientists believe immortality, maybe involving robotics, could be possible. Any chance you might still be alive in 100 years?

Absolutely none – I drink far too much Guinness when I’m not training, I love the stuff. When I was young at a trial, someone told me to drink it because I was too small and it would help me grow. But I’ve carried on for fun. Is there any part of your body you would like to replace with robotics?

I’m working OK… but maybe my chin? I like to spar with the young boys, and that would mean I’d feel no pain. You briefly played for Grimsby. How far could you throw a fish finger?

Er, 15 feet? They’re light, so you might have trouble getting distance.

You’re not wrong. Finally, do you ever have any interesting dreams?

That people are trying to murder me! Luckily I always get away and wake up at the right time. Phew! Thanks for chatting.

Cheers.

“I SET THE HOUSE On FIRE WITH SOME CHIPS AS A KID. OH, I GOT A ROCKET FOR IT...”