Any player who can make the switch between the Uniteds of Manchester and Leeds while remaining popular with both sets of fans has to be a bit special.

But the speed with which Lee Sharpe has been adopted by Bradford City fans since his arrival on loan from West Yorkshire rivals Leeds has surprised even the player himself.

The 28-year-old joined City just 22 days ago after returning to England from an ill-fated loan spell at Sampdoria and made his debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Four games and two goals later, the former England international has established himself in the City side to such an extent that the fans serenade him with the song 'Lee Sharpe, he's too good for Leeds'.

Understandably, Sharpe is happy ahead of tomorrow's clash with Huddersfield Town. He said: "I have been fortunate with fans in my career. When I was at Elland Road, the Leeds fans took to me quickly despite me coming from their big rivals.

"That was pleasing so to come here from Leeds and the fans to take to me so quickly is great again. It is so important for a player because it makes playing so much easier. It is a lot easier to go out and express yourself when the fans are on your side."

Sharpe has settled in well in the dressing room, which he says has "more characters than most" while claiming he is one of the quieter members.

He quickly detected the tremendous team spirit which Paul Jewell has created at Valley Parade - something which he feels may be crucial during the race for automatic promotion.

He said: "I am enjoying every minute of being here with such a good set of lads. The main thing now is that we continue to pick up points, good performances are secondary. We are a good side and there is a very strong bond which is getting us through.

"We are aiming for second place and Ipswich have a couple of tough games coming up where we hope they slip up."

Sharpe enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Manchester United after switching from Torquay as a 17-year-old.

He won Premiership, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup medals as well as earning eight full England caps.

Sharpe is therefore well skilled in knowing what it takes to earn success when the nerves start jangling in the vital weeks of a season.

"There is always a little bit of nerves when there is so much at stake. That is only natural. If you don't get nervous then you are not involved enough. I think nerves help keep you on your toes.

"The adrenaline starts, I get pumped up and I can't wait for each game to come round. I know the lads feel the same."

Sharpe is hoping that Valley Parade can continue to be a lucky ground for him after a memorable start to his career with City.

He said: "Two games, two goals - it is not going too badly for me and if it carries on like that we'll be up. I played here once before with Leeds in a 3-1 victory in a friendly so it has been quite a lucky ground for me.

"I am enjoying myself a lot. It is very different from Sampdoria where I didn't speak the language so it was difficult to join in and get to know any of the lads.

"I probably wont be match fit until the end of the season but it is a great feeling to be back involved."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.