Why ex-Portsmouth, Liverpool and Aston Villa keeper David James' life had become a misery on this day in 2007

And the cut-up keeper ditched his ‘lucky’ beard in a bid to end his bad fortune.

Pompey prepared to face Newcastle with James craving shutout number 142 in his Premiership career.

That would finally edge him ahead of David Seaman in the all-time list.

He came agonisingly close to achieving the memorable feat against Fulham and Manchester United, only to be thwarted by last-minute goals.

Now James was hoping for a change of luck for the Fratton Park visit of Glenn Roeder’s side.

And to ensure it happened, he sacrificed the beard he grew since his last clean sheet against Reading on March 17.

He said: ‘The record’s getting on my nerves simply because I haven’t broken it yet.

‘It’s always going to be a selfish gain because it’s my record. It is a badge of honour. But it’s just hanging over me at the moment, I can’t seem to get it.

‘I’ve even shaved my beard off. It was a symbol of failure. The longer the beard got, the more depressed I was. I was growing my beard until I got a clean sheet and was actually liking it as well, it was a good excuse for keeping it.

‘Then all of a sudden it’s getting a bit long and wiry and I’m thinking: "If I keep it after conceding a goal, how long is it going to be?".

‘Imagine, five more goals conceded in five games and I’ll be waiting until next season. I’d be looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway.

‘The lads were doing it with their hair which turned out to be fun. Gary O’Neil scored his goal against Sheffield United and I think the fans enjoyed it.

‘Then again, they were in a position where they weren’t expected to score goals each week anyway, so it was acceptable.

‘But I expect to keep clean sheets and for me it’s just not happening and it’s getting annoying.’

Pompey would go on to beat Newcastle but the clean-sheet recorded still eluded James at the final whistle.

The Blues ran out 2-1 winners, with Benjani and Matt Taylor on target, while Emre netted from the penalty spot for the Magpies.