Vinny Peculiar Signs The Smiths

The songwriter - who has been compared to the likes of Luke Haines, Stephen Jones and Ray Davies - recently released his third album, 'Growing Up With Vinny Peculiar', on his own label, Shadrack And Duxbury.

Lifelong footy fan Vinny was last seen proudly strutting round Villa Park as his latest single, Replica Shirt was played at half time in the Aston Villa vs. Leeds United encounter, alongside a feature on the band in the match programme.

Radio One sessions and press coverage have also spiralled for the band recently, and the collaboration with the rhythm section of what Mancs are prone to call "the real fab four" is another step toward bemused stardom for The Official Nicest Bloke In Pop.