Former Leeds United midfielder Vinnie Jones has discussed just who his favourite players were when he spent his legendary stint at Elland Road 30 years ago - revealing he took 'little brother' David Batty under his wing.
Player-turned-actor Jones, who spent the 1989-90 season with United, has enjoyed a expansive career off the pitch since hanging up his boots in 1999, starring with cinematic heavyweights such as Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone in a variety of projects.
But he is still perhaps most fondly remembered in Leeds for the Second Division title-winning campaign he helped steer Howard Wilkinson’s side to, along with promotion to the top flight.
Interviewed in the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust newsletter last season, Jones spoke on a variety of topics, revealing just who he loved most during his tenure with the club.
“I had a lot of favourites,” Jones, who arrived at Elland Road from Wimbledon, admitted.
“I had a lot of respect for [Gordon] Strachan. Leading into the season there was a lot of talk who would be captain – me or him but he was the obvious choice and he shone out.
“Fun-wise, Mel Sterland. He was great fun. I enjoyed going in every day and listening to his banter and everything else that went with it
“At that point, I’d taken Batts [David Batty] under my wing. He was like my little brother. I even took him to buy his first tie. Can you believe the little gremlin didn’t even have a tie? I became very close to him and his family.
“There was a time when I first got to Leeds, and I thought ‘What have I done?’ This was before I’d even kicked a ball.
"Then I became close to Batts and his family and they were very good to me, his mum and dad especially, they gave me a bit of home life that I needed. A bit of home comfort. It was actually like going around to my nan’s.
“I had a little brother there and I inherited another family. The crack was brilliant up there. I said it the other day that it was probably the best time of my life really, taking everything into account.”
