I met James outside the players exit at Valley Parade after Villa had drawn 1-1 against Bradford City. The keeper had not played that day due to injury but he was still in good spirits as he emerged. He quickly signed an autograph with his signature smiley face and after making an even quicker comment he left for the bus.
The personality of the man seemed to me to reflect his stature on the pitch. He was commanding and upbeat. He would of course have to be jovial after all the criticism that has been thrown at him. The 'Calamity James' tag is harsh to say the least. He may have made some mistakes but doesn't every keeper?
The reason the big keeper makes mistakes is because he comes for more balls than any other. He commands his area more than any keeper I have seen at Villa Park. He may have been blamed for the goal which won Chelsea the F.A. Cup at Wembley, but those who laid the blame at his door forgot that he had got us to the final. James saved two penalties in the semi-final against Bolton not to mention making some superb stops during the run to the latter stages of the competition.
Since his departure in 2001, Villa have struggled for consistency in the number one jersey. The list of replacements is hardly impressive. First there was Peter Enckelman (Blues player of the season in 2003), then Peter Schmeichel (a not so wondrous one season wonder). He was followed by Tommy Sorensen (near post nightmare) and currently Scott Carson (a shot stopper who stops little).
The consistency has not been there whilst James has become a cult hero at Fratton Park. He may be 37, but he has aged well and England still turn to him solve the keeper crisis.
On Saturday Villa might just see what they have missed. As well as missing James, Villa could also be missing Gabby Agbonlahor due to a foot injury and Craig Gardner who has a back problem.
If both miss out then ready made replacements Marlon Harewood and Olof Mellberg will step in. Even if Gardner is fit it is likely the Swede will replace him due to a poor showing against Middlesbrough on Wednesday.
For Pompey Sol Campbell is a doubt, while Lassana Diarra is likely to replace Papa Bouba Diop in the holding role.
Villa will be looking to gain revenge for a 3-1 thumping at Villa Park earlier in the season and will also be eager to retain sixth spot, which Harry Redknapp's men are threatening to take.
James will be hoping to help his side's European push whilst Scott Carson will be looking to prove that he is the right man to replace the former Villa stopper on a permanent basis.
For Villa this is a must not lose game, but the fact that Portsmouth have gained James could mean they gain three points. Having said that, the Claret and Blue will have enough confidence in their away record and in Marlon Harewood they have a striker bang in form, who will be confident he can beat James.