My NCFC: Rex

Next up in 'My NCFC', where we interview Vital Norwich members and learn a little bit more about our fellow City supporters, is REX.

How did you become a Canary?
My path to becoming a dedicated Norwich City fan has been rather convoluted.

It started when I was at school in King's Lynn. I had seen a few local games, which did not inspire me much and in any case, Saturday morning school was compulsory with school matches in the afternoon so the opportunity to watch live games was limited.

City's cup run drew my attention and I started to show an interest from a distance although I did not get to a live match.

In 1976, my parents had moved to Norwich but I was living and working away. On a visit, my father expressed an interest in going to a match so we went.

What/when was your first game?
In February 1976, Norwich played Arsenal at home. We got seats in what is now the City stand. Wooden benches near what is now the Snakepit; you had to pay extra for a cushion, we didn`t bother.

What is your most memorable moment?
Martin Peters was playing and Norwich won a free kick just in front of us. Peters curled the ball into the net; the goalie never stood a chance.

The whole stadium erupted, I had never experienced a feeling like it. It was that moment that made me understand the appeal of the beautiful game. Norwich went on to beat Arsenal 3-1, if my memory serves me right.

It is interesting how curling the ball is regarded as an innovation of the late eighties yet Peters could do it with the older ball back then.

How many games do you get to?
Work always seemed to keep me away so I didn't get to many games until I retired (for the first time).

I bought season tickets for the 2005-2006 season and subsequently, getting to most home games until they dragged me back out of retirement to work away.

I managed about half the home games last season (my son deputised for me, when I could not make it) but I also got to a few away matches. I must say, the away games came closer to the euphoria I experienced in that first match.

The games at Wycombe and Bristol are very high in my memorable games league. This season, we plan not to miss any home games and to fit in as many away fixtures as we can.

Which (if any) Norwich players have you met?
Kevin Keelan, Bryan Gunn and Darren Huckerby. Oh and Robert Fleck in a supermarket after he left Norwich. I also met Malky Mckay`s brother (I don`t think that counts).

Who is your favourite current player?
Tricky, this. I love the way Holt takes the game to the man, challenges every ball, and he scores goals. There have been moments of magic from players in all positions; Hughes, Smith, Drury even Doc but, for shear brilliance in moving and passing and confounding the opposition, it has to be Wes Hoolahan.

Who is your favourite all-time player?
This is even more difficult! Hoops has to be there although he is a recent find, I remain convinced he has much more to give.

Dear Darren immediately springs to mind with his dazzling destruction of defences and his passionate support of the club; if he were fit, I`d have him back tomorrow.

Similarly, Bryan should be there (we will ignore the manager bit) for his outstanding skills and passion. Rob Green was terrific as was Roberts and Sutton and Fleck in his day. The 'old boys`, Peters, Channon, Dublin all led the way. But, the one who stands out (just) above them all has to be Kevin Keelan.

What are your hopes for the coming season?
It`s not as crazy as it first seems. With the brilliant manager we have and the potential in the team that is developing, promotion as Champions is not out of the question (well, you did say 'hopes`).

What is your all time Canary eleven?
Impossible but, here goes: Keelan, Culverhouse, Bowen, Bruce, Drury, Crook, Hoolahan, Huckerby, Peters, Sutton, Holt.

All brilliant players in their time but I don`t know how they would play together.

What is the best thing about being a Norwich City supporter?
It`s got to be the fans. If the team falters and, boy, they have faltered, the fans always seem to find their voice.

If you could change one thing about the club, what would it be?
Well, money, obviously but one little thing I would change would be the last home game of the season. With appropriate safeguards for pregnant ladies and old codgers, invite (note: invite not let) the fans on the pitch to mingle with the team, players, management and why not, even Delia

We are the best fans (Clarkson style pause, here) in the world. We know how to behave, don`t we?

Tell us your story!
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