The 6ft 4in footballer – known by the tabloids as ‘Calamity’ James owing to his track record of wrecking vital games in the closing minutes – recently splashed out £2,500 converting his BMW M3 to run on environmentally-friendly fuel.

“I’m a tree hugger and proud of it,” admits the keen painter and current Portsmouth number 1. “It was pointed out to me that I drove more than 1,000 miles a week in a petrol car – and a big one at that. Now the car runs on rapeseed oil, which leaves a zero carbon footprint.” Now that’s a save David Seaman would be proud of!

But not only does the former Liverpool goalie have to endure regular ribbings from the red top newspapers, he’s also repeatedly ridiculed by his team mates for conscientiously recycling used cans and bottles at his club’s training ground. However, the 36-year old believes that if he can convince his high profile contemporaries to change their high emitting ways, then collectively they can have a huge influence on their fans.

“If kids saw stars like Wayne Rooney or Michael Owen actively trying to make a difference, the initiative would take off,” argues James. “If we can have the slightest influence to slow down global warming, then we should go for it.”