Mickey Thomas is the former player in question, a cult hero among Reds fans of a certain age, who loved his sweet left foot and energetic style in the late 1970s and early 1980s - not to mention his penchant for conjuring goals against arch-rivals Liverpool, with an assist for Jimmy Greenhoff's winner in the 1979 FA Cup semi-final replay standing out.
But if supporters were also drawn to his cheeky and buoyant personality, then this week's guest on our official podcast - available to download or stream now - has a confession to make.
“That was just an act really,” Thomas tells the hosts Helen Evans, Sam Homewood and David May.