Lee Sharpe

Lee Sharpe is best known for the time he spent as a professional footballer who predominantly played as a left-winger between 1988 to 2004. He also devoted his time to being a sports television pundit alongside as well as a reality TV personality. Lee began his footballing career at Torquay United, which allowed him to build quite the reputation as a promising young player. After playing with Torquay for only 16 games, Manchester United realised Lee’s potential and signed him to the team for £200,000. This figure was very significant as it set a record fee for a youth training scheme player at the time.

Lee made his debut for Manchester United in 1988, aged just 17 playing in the Football League First Division. He finished his first season having made 22 appearances for his team and hoping to continue that success. In his second season, Lee scored his first goal, and in his third season, he was a key player in Manchester's success at the European Cup Winners Cup 1990-91. After creating such an impeccable first impression on the press and public alike, Lee earned a call up to the England national team just before he turned 20.

Unfortunately, Lee had to take a period out of football as he suffered from viral meningitis in 1992. After recovering he returned to top form, getting to play in a number of prominent games for Manchester. One of his most memorable goals came in the 1994-1995 Champions League in the match against Barcelona, spectacularly back heeling a cross right into the back of the net. After spending eight years at Manchester United, Lee was signed to Leeds United, having played in 265 games for Manchester. Between 1999 to 2004 Lee frequently changed teams. He spent time playing for Bradford City, Portsmouth, Exeter City, Grindavik and Garforth Town. He also spent time on loan to Italian team Sampdoria. He announced his retirement as a professional footballer aged just 32 years of age, properly retiring in 2004/2006.

After retirement Lee chased the media and television limelight, developing a career on reality television. In 2005 he appeared as a competitor on the ITV show Celebrity Wrestling as Sharp Shooter. He also forged a well-known name on the programme Celebrity Love Island, ITV's Dancing On Ice and Coronation Street as a taxi driver extra. He has also appeared on Saturday Night Takeaway, Hider in the House and Superstars. Lee also became a football pundit after retirement, joining ESPN Star in Singapore. He also spent time as a pundit on the BBC programmes Match Of The Day 2 and Football Focus. Lee also released his autobiography, titled My Idea Of Fun which documented his time as a footballer and how it achieved his celebrity status.