David Seaman lifts lid on his humble Rotherham origins
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman has revealed how a tough, working-class childhood in Rotherham shaped the values that carried him through his career.
The one-time goalkeeper was brought up in the Ferham and Kimberworth areas of the town in the 1960s and '70s.
Back then, the area had a strong industrial base: iron, steel, and related heavy industries were key to finding employment.
It was all a far cry from how Seaman, now aged 62, went on to forge a highly lucrative career in football and the media.
These days, the former Arsenal stopper works as a brand ambassador and hosts a podcast.
He also promotes the benefits of fishing for mental wellbeing and is active in charity with his wife Frankie, 52, a professional skater whom he met on TV's Dancing On Ice.
David gave an insight into his background in an interview with the 'This Is Money' financial website.
Asked what his parents (Roger and Pam) taught him about finances, he replied: "They taught me money is hard to come by.
"My mum worked in a pub, my dad was a steelworker.
"I've got memories of him running to work in his overalls and steel-toe cap boots to get there on time.
"Mum and dad were young when they had me. We lived in a terraced house, and we didn't have an inside bathroom or toilet.
"When I was 14, they bought a corner shop, which sold fresh bread, sandwiches and groceries.
"Through watching them, I realised if you work hard, then you can get somewhere, and that echoed into my football career."
David admitted he struggled to make ends meet as a teenager trying to make his way in the world.
"I was an apprentice at Leeds and at 19 was told I wasn't good enough. I earned £12 a week, had a free bus pass and accommodation. That £12 a week didn't last long."
He left Leeds to go "down to Peterborough United in the fourth division – it was a slow burn", said David, who now lives in Buckinghamshire.
"I passed my driving test and was luckily given my dad's old banger – but I went £90 overdrawn tinkering with it.
"I couldn't sleep, worried about where I was going to get money from. It taught me a vital lesson – always know what you're spending and what's in your bank account."
Once he had demonstrated his true potential in goal, the money started rolling in, though.
"Being a footballer, you get paid silly money, but it's the job I did to earn my money. I call it bonkers money, but it's the going rate.
"Even back in my day, I was fortunate enough to be paid the top rate as a goalkeeper. Other stuff that I did, such as Dancing On Ice and Walkers crisps TV adverts, is silly money as well. It's all about having fun but getting paid for it."
As for eventual inheritance, he says: "It's not just my money, it's mine and Frankie's. We will continue to enjoy life and hope the kids will look after us when the time comes!"