CELEBRITY INTERVIEW | DARREN HUCKERBY
started off as a skinny kid with attitude but it wasn’t long before I realised I could, and must, develop speed and strength, and I put hours and hours into gym work and extra training.' Huckerby’s career seemed to be
very much on the up when he went to big-spending Leeds, but 40 games and two goals does not look earth- shattering on the CV. Part of the 'Great Heights' of the title is being signed by big clubs, but big clubs usually have two players for every position and if Darren’s highly individual style did not fit a particular game plan he could find himself all too often kicking the back of the subs seat in front of him, rather than the ball on the field of play. Then there were the nagging injuries, not spectacular but debilitating. True, he has scored in every existing English and European club competition. That means goals in every division of the English League, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the champions League, the UEFA Cup and the Auto Windscreens Trophy. Great stuff, but just one game for England B is not a true reflection of his ability. At Norwich Hucks found his true home. His style of play was just what City wanted and the fans loved him, but the injuries were taking their toll.
Then came the day when Glen Roeder, with little or no sensibility, told him that his time was up. Darren had been smiling a lot during our talk but his face darkened at the mention of Glen Roeder. 'He was not a bad manager, but in
my view he was a bad man manager.' Darren played on in America where the game was less demanding, but eventually had to face up to a life outside football. Outside? Well maybe not. He took
the trouble to take all his coaching badges, but that might mean a move and one feels it will take a great deal to charm him away from the region which he loves and where he is loved in return. Currently he is busy running his charitable trust and enjoying a match day role at Carrow Road. As for Norwich City, he says with
a tinge of regret, 'They will have to change if they want to stay in the top division. Currently they are a super group with a great manager, but I fear they will have to take a gamble on spending big if they want a permanent place at the top table of football.' Rather like the gamble they and
Darren Huckerby both took those eight years ago. That turned out pretty well.
Darren Huckerby’s autobiography Hucks Through Adversity to Great Heights is published at £18.99. The Darren Huckerby Trust aims to make tangible contributions to local charities, community projects and to individuals living in Norfolk who are in need, which has included helping the Teenage Cancer Trust. Charities, community groups or individuals based in Norfolk and can be considered for support from the Darren Huckerby Trust. Every request is considered by Darren personally, and his beneficiaries team. More information on the book and Trust on Darren's website
dh6.co.uk
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