Photograph: PA
Jim Smith, salsa music and a very bad night’s sleep formed the backdrop to the day that would change Paulo Wanchope’s life. Signed by Derby, the unknown Costa Rican was on his way to Old Trafford in April 1997 to make his Premier League debut against Manchester United. The striker, not long out of his teens, was nervous.
“I was very anxious before the game,” says the 45-year-old. “The previous night I woke up every hour and a half. I didn’t sleep well. [Smith] understood that I wanted to be relaxed at that time. He understood that music might help me. He asked me on the team bus what sort of music I liked. So I put on some salsa.”
