After Dinner Speakers: David James, Eddie Izzard, Nick Hancock

David James is the commanding figure who became Glenn Roeder's first major signing at West Ham United when he arrived from Aston Villa for a fee of Ł3.25million. For James, it provided a welcome reunion with the Hammers boss, who played in front of him at Watford when the two were at opposite ends of their careers back in the early 90s. Born in Welwyn Garden City, James began his career at Vicarage Road and made 98 League and Cup appearances for the Hornets before a Ł1million move to Liverpool in July 1992. He spent seven years as first choice goalkeeper at Anfield, making a total of 277 League and Cup appearances before Aston Villa snapped him up for Ł1.7million in June 1999. A regular England squad member, David has much to tell about Svens rule over England football.