HUCKERBY AND DUBLIN or HOW TO BOW OUT!

[Rudolph Hucker 0]

Darren Huckerby will always be a key figure in the history of Norwich City and his play has exhilarated us all. I am so glad to have seen him play for my Club and very pleased he now sees himself as a Norvicension who, in the future will still be involved - if only as a supporter.

Darren is a niche player, a personality like a Rodney Marsh or a Stan Bowles and the game needs people like that. I truly believe Norwich City have been good for him too and that he acheived more genuine footballing pleasure here than he would have done almost anywhere else for where his ability was sufficient to play.

Dion Dublin is a man amongst men, he is an exemplar professional, but it wasn''t always that way. He began at Norwich but didn''t make the grade and I recall him coming to the fore at Cambridge United in the FA up when in an interview his manager spoke about this and basically said that Dion had got his attitude right and was now progressing in the game. He never looked back. Now, he is setting the Norwich record straight in the way Jamie Cureton wanted to.

Darren likes the adulation, he seems to have a high opinion of himself although his honesty cannot be denied. Dion seems to be self effacing, perhaps his time in the Cambridge School of Hard Knocks taught him a few things and he has got where he is through work and application.

So, here the two of them are in the twilight of their careers. Dion, the battling warhorse and Darren the temperamental thoroughbred.

On the face of it Dion is carving himself out a fine departure. He is a vital member of the team and a major influence to other players. He is set to prove the mantra that people do not always remember what you did but do remember what you were like.

Darren, on the other hand has done himself no favours by leaking his thoughts on retirement to the media. Is it his last year? How much of his performance is down to injury and how much to attitude. Is he perplexed because he has no contract offer and doesn''t know his future? It seems Dion only has to say the word and he would be retained another year, why not Darren?

Huckerby has always wanted to decide his own fate and he and his agent have had  differences of opinion over the years and still do today. Huckerby takes this attitude into his role in the team and is now having to get used to the idea that Roeder has taken this self-determination away from him. Suddenly, whether or not he will be around next year is no longer within his gift, it is a question of whether Roeder wants him just as Roeder decides if Huckerby makes the squad for matches. Today, he did not.

I for one do not want to see Darren Huckerby cast as a faded star for the rest of the season. If this is his last year I want to see him sign off on a positive note with a few classic cameos along the way. I wonder if he is approaching the situation in the wrong way? I suggest he looks at Dublin who is just getting on with his job in the way he had to learn to all those years ago and through saying little gets everyone else singing his praises.

Darren''s latest comments, however true, do him a disservice. He should avoid this type of self-promotion and just get on with what he does so well. That way, like Dublin, he will end this season or the next if he is still here with others stating his legend.

Look to Dion, Darren.......this is how you bow out!

[CJ 1]

Oh please get of Darren''s case. Dion I agree is great however he has not achieved anything like that of Darren for this club. He has kept this club going over many years not only getting us promotion but also saving us from the drop.

I can more than sympathise with Darren when he finds the club forever relying on him to produce the goods whilst players like Green Ashton Earnshaw etc move on.

Yes he may seem arrogant at times but so what, most of the top players are! Thats what gives them the focus and belief to do what they do!

[Mister Chops 7]

Well thought out post, and I agree with much of what you say.  However, we need to recognise that Huckerby is frustrated at being injured and out of the squad, whereas Dion is still first pick on the teamsheet every week.  Dion also hasn''t seen his place threatened by the arrival of several players competing for his place. (Pattison, Bertrand, Gibbs?).  Under Roeder, Huckerby has gone from something like hero to zero at eighty miles an hour, and that does have to be hard to take.  Not condoning the way he publicly airs his views, but trying to set a context for the difference between the Dublin and Huckerby reactions.

[BCanary 0]

[quote user="RUDOLPH HUCKER"]

Darren Huckerby will always be a key figure in the history of Norwich City and his play has exhilarated us all. I am so glad to have seen him play for my Club and very pleased he now sees himself as a Norvicension who, in the future will still be involved - if only as a supporter.

Darren is a niche player, a personality like a Rodney Marsh or a Stan Bowles and the game needs people like that. I truly believe Norwich City have been good for him too and that he acheived more genuine footballing pleasure here than he would have done almost anywhere else for where his ability was sufficient to play.

Dion Dublin is a man amongst men, he is an exemplar professional, but it wasn''t always that way. He began at Norwich but didn''t make the grade and I recall him coming to the fore at Cambridge United in the FA up when in an interview his manager spoke about this and basically said that Dion had got his attitude right and was now progressing in the game. He never looked back. Now, he is setting the Norwich record straight in the way Jamie Cureton wanted to.

Darren likes the adulation, he seems to have a high opinion of himself although his honesty cannot be denied. Dion seems to be self effacing, perhaps his time in the Cambridge School of Hard Knocks taught him a few things and he has got where he is through work and application.

So, here the two of them are in the twilight of their careers. Dion, the battling warhorse and Darren the temperamental thoroughbred.

On the face of it Dion is carving himself out a fine departure. He is a vital member of the team and a major influence to other players. He is set to prove the mantra that people do not always remember what you did but do remember what you were like.

Darren, on the other hand has done himself no favours by leaking his thoughts on retirement to the media. Is it his last year? How much of his performance is down to injury and how much to attitude. Is he perplexed because he has no contract offer and doesn''t know his future? It seems Dion only has to say the word and he would be retained another year, why not Darren?

Huckerby has always wanted to decide his own fate and he and his agent have had  differences of opinion over the years and still do today. Huckerby takes this attitude into his role in the team and is now having to get used to the idea that Roeder has taken this self-determination away from him. Suddenly, whether or not he will be around next year is no longer within his gift, it is a question of whether Roeder wants him just as Roeder decides if Huckerby makes the squad for matches. Today, he did not.

I for one do not want to see Darren Huckerby cast as a faded star for the rest of the season. If this is his last year I want to see him sign off on a positive note with a few classic cameos along the way. I wonder if he is approaching the situation in the wrong way? I suggest he looks at Dublin who is just getting on with his job in the way he had to learn to all those years ago and through saying little gets everyone else singing his praises.

Darren''s latest comments, however true, do him a disservice. He should avoid this type of self-promotion and just get on with what he does so well. That way, like Dublin, he will end this season or the next if he is still here with others stating his legend.

Look to Dion, Darren.......this is how you bow out!

[/quote]The fundamental flaw that throws out your entire arguement is that Darren and Dion''s games are totally different. Dion is a big, tough guy who plays a hold up game that doesn''t require the same amount of energy that Huckerby needs to make an impact. By contrast, Huckerby''s game is about speed. Like it or not, a player who''s game revolves around pace is never going to outlast a player like Dublin when they start getting on.

Huckerby bashing is getting silly now, the guy can''t seem to do anything right, and for what? What has he done to deserve it, other than being the best player at the club for the last 5 years, giving his all and admitting that he''s going to be a City supporter after his retirement?

[Baldyboy 1]

but will Dion come out with comments like i have single handedly saved this club from relegation? NO HE WONT! if hes left out he just accepts it, he doesnt carp on about it, thats why i consider him to be more of a legend and hes only been here TWO years! he is a TEAM player not a me me me player.

[Baldyboy 1]

best player at the club for 5 years? maybe in your opinion but not in EVERYBODYS because surely he would have won FIVE player of the season awards.  all this get off his back is rubbish, people are entitled to their opinion the same as hes entitled to his, its more about how he says the things he says that have annoyed people.

[YankeeCanary 0]

Rudolph''s view is right on the money. He is commenting on the right way for a highly respected player ( he undoubtedly is that ) ) to make his exit a classy one in the best interest of everybody, particularly himself. Darren cannot control what others say and do. He can, however, ensure that he what he says is done with decorum and class.

[Block E Buh 0]

Hucks is a legend and we need him to stay at the club for one more season, what ever he saids or does he has been our best player overall and VERY loyal, something fans are quick to point out when a player is not loyal. Look at Earnie and Etuhu, left asap though Hucks turned down many clubs for us! Im not saying he''s at his best anymore but he is worth a new 1 year contract!

[BCanary 0]

I give up. I honestly hope the guy doesn''t come on this message board and read this rubbish himself. I''d tell the you ''fans'' where to stick it if I were him.

[The Great Drinkell 51]

[quote user="Matt"]Hucks is a legend and we need him to stay at the club for one more season, what ever he saids or does he has been our best player overall and VERY loyal, something fans are quick to point out when a player is not loyal. Look at Earnie and Etuhu, left asap though Hucks turned down many clubs for us! Im not saying he''s at his best anymore but he is worth a new 1 year contract![/quote]

 As he is at the moment a timely and dignified exit fron Carrow road is the best for both parties. If the "hip" problem is stopping him from producing his best form then, with the cover we''ve got give him time and the treatment until the medical people feel he''s back to 100%. Then asses him for a new contract. If he can''t get back to 100% let him go with a great send off.

 I have been one of Darren''s biggest critics ( in fact I thought we should of kept Crouch and released Hux?) but fair play to him he has been excellent for us in the past. He does need to reproduce this level of performance to warrant another 12 months.

 It''s a bit like Beckham for England 100 caps for what he''s done or because he''s worth it?

[lucky green trainers 0]

good post rude old.  for my money - hucks has no need to prove himself in any shape or form in my eyes (although maybe to roedy)- ''cos he''s loyally stood by city and expects maybe a bit of consideration in return (like worthy got in buckets) however, having been city''s best player by a mile for the past 4 years, its tough for the lad to take the downslope - but he should know no-one is big enough to deserve special favours (although in practice we know thats not true - becks & england in the past??? for example).  but he''s obviously disappointed not to be advised  of the contract situation  by now - but should he be surprised given our lack of funds and his below par-performances.  the bottom line must be performances, and at the mo he''s not upto scratch - we can''t afford to carry players who can''t contribute 100% and who are earning a big wedge.  not possible.however, whats the medical advice??? if an op would cure it, he should have it now, and be fit for next campaign???  a fully fit hucks would be worth another season with us, or is it a case of we simply can''t afford to pay the player now???however, hucks is hucks, and he''s a big hearted, emotional lad with a special talent, and while i''d prefer the end game (if that''s what it is) played out smoothly, i know the lad cares for city and thats enough for me.  he''s apt to sound off - but when he does i listen, cos usually its worthwhile and spot on - unlike the letsbeavenue and onwards and upwards b/s i''ve seen in recent years. 

[methcanary 0]

"It is disappointing, but I want the team to win, and the team are winning,” he said. “I want to play, don''t get me wrong, but at the minute everything is working out pretty well and the most important thing is Norwich City. Long after I am gone there will still be a Norwich City - I know the gaffer likes to use that but it''s true,

“I am only going to be playing for a few more years anyway, then I''ll be watching Norwich, so I want them to do as well as anybody.”

I think this quote from Darren from this very website just about says it all about him. His contribution and loyaly to this club is beyond question. Yes sometimes he has not contributed to the team''s cause but, hell,  I''ll forgive him all that if his last game for his club is as good as the home game against Cardiff City which was the last game of  his initial loan period. I will never forget that game. It is up there in the top three most memorable games of my entire time watching Norwich City.

[Rudolph Hucker 0]

Clearly some of you understood my points and some did not. I was giving a comparison on two players probably in their final year with us who I would like to see bow out gloriously a la Iwan Roberts (although he should have been kept on).

I have criticised Huckerby in the recent past but recognise what he has acheived here and do not want to see things go sour on him. I accept what LGT says that we need to appreciate the nature of the man and make allowances, but many will not hence the personal attacks such as have been written on here.

Huckerby is not above criticism, none of us are, and he needs to respond positively and not try the self promotion because he finds himself out of the squad. Under a manager like Roeder he would probably have been rotated more anyway, thus potentially extending his career.

Slagging off players is a pastime bourne out of many things and goes with the territory to an extent and I''m sure Darren is capable of seeing the bigger picture which is he is a highly regarded and respected figure in this City (as Bryan Gunn used to be if some people on this forum are to be believed).

But what Huckerby needs to do now is keep quiet in the media and concentrate on his football and fitness. He has tried exercising his choices but the fact is, under a strict manager like Roeder the choices are not fully his to make and he has a contract which will expire and it will be GR who decides if a new one is offered or if he leaves in the meantime.

As I said before, if Huckerby wants an example Dion is one to follow.

[Smudger 0]

So is Hucks no longer good enough to pull on a City Shirt then???

Honestly, some of you lot are unbeliveable... no wonder Darren''s agent wants him to get the hell out of Norwich.

Why is it our fans applaud utter plop just because in their humble opinion they put in 100% effort?

Yes Dion has done ok for us (far better than I expected), but he has always been a player in the twighlight of his career looking for the best possible deal that he can get from a club.

Let''s not go over the top and start comparing him to a true City legend.

Who will be remembered most in 10 or 20 years time?

I am sure that many fans will not raise the name Dion Dublin when it comes to stating a team full of City Greats!!!

[a1canary 0]

I love Dion as much as the next man for his attitude and performances but to call him a Norwich legend is frankly absurd.

[Ginja 43]

[quote user="Smudger"]So is Hucks no longer good enough to pull on a City Shirt then???[/quote]Based on his recent performances, I would say no. No player has a right to play for Norwich, Huckerby has been a great servent to this club but that does not entitle him to a guarenteed place in the team. Every player must earn their place in the team every week, and Roeder must feel that Huckerby isn''t doing enough to earn it. Knowing Huckerby though I''m sure he''ll pick up his game with the competition and play a part in the remainder of this season at some point. If not then the only person who''s at fault is Huckerby himself.[quote user="Smudger"]Why is it our fans applaud utter plop just because in their humble opinion they put in 100% effort?[/quote]"utter plop" - Errrrmmmmm I think the team is very far from utter plop at its current time. Facts speak for themselves under glen roeder:Pld 18 || W 8 || D 8 || L 4 || W% 42.1% (Including FA Cup)[quote user="Smudger"]Yes Dion has done ok for us (far better than I expected), but he has

always been a player in the twighlight of his career looking for the

best possible deal that he can get from a club.[/quote]As for Dion, he currently playing head and shoulder above Huckerby, he may not go down as a legend but I''m sure city fans will remember him as a great player for us, certainly as a player that at his age did much more than "ok".

[Lord Horn 0]

[quote user="RUDOLPH HUCKER"]

Darren Huckerby will always be a key figure in the history of Norwich City and his play has exhilarated us all. I am so glad to have seen him play for my Club and very pleased he now sees himself as a Norvicension who, in the future will still be involved - if only as a supporter.

Darren is a niche player, a personality like a Rodney Marsh or a Stan Bowles and the game needs people like that. I truly believe Norwich City have been good for him too and that he acheived more genuine footballing pleasure here than he would have done almost anywhere else for where his ability was sufficient to play.

Dion Dublin is a man amongst men, he is an exemplar professional, but it wasn''t always that way. He began at Norwich but didn''t make the grade and I recall him coming to the fore at Cambridge United in the FA up when in an interview his manager spoke about this and basically said that Dion had got his attitude right and was now progressing in the game. He never looked back. Now, he is setting the Norwich record straight in the way Jamie Cureton wanted to.

Darren likes the adulation, he seems to have a high opinion of himself although his honesty cannot be denied. Dion seems to be self effacing, perhaps his time in the Cambridge School of Hard Knocks taught him a few things and he has got where he is through work and application.

So, here the two of them are in the twilight of their careers. Dion, the battling warhorse and Darren the temperamental thoroughbred.

On the face of it Dion is carving himself out a fine departure. He is a vital member of the team and a major influence to other players. He is set to prove the mantra that people do not always remember what you did but do remember what you were like.

Darren, on the other hand has done himself no favours by leaking his thoughts on retirement to the media. Is it his last year? How much of his performance is down to injury and how much to attitude. Is he perplexed because he has no contract offer and doesn''t know his future? It seems Dion only has to say the word and he would be retained another year, why not Darren?

Huckerby has always wanted to decide his own fate and he and his agent have had  differences of opinion over the years and still do today. Huckerby takes this attitude into his role in the team and is now having to get used to the idea that Roeder has taken this self-determination away from him. Suddenly, whether or not he will be around next year is no longer within his gift, it is a question of whether Roeder wants him just as Roeder decides if Huckerby makes the squad for matches. Today, he did not.

I for one do not want to see Darren Huckerby cast as a faded star for the rest of the season. If this is his last year I want to see him sign off on a positive note with a few classic cameos along the way. I wonder if he is approaching the situation in the wrong way? I suggest he looks at Dublin who is just getting on with his job in the way he had to learn to all those years ago and through saying little gets everyone else singing his praises.

Darren''s latest comments, however true, do him a disservice. He should avoid this type of self-promotion and just get on with what he does so well. That way, like Dublin, he will end this season or the next if he is still here with others stating his legend.

Look to Dion, Darren.......this is how you bow out!

[/quote]

Sorry but I gave up reading this when you used the word ''exemplar'' - I get enough of that sort of bo**ockspeak at work I don''t need it here!

[Rudolph Hucker 0]

Well.........get you!

[Lord Horn 0]

[quote user="RUDOLPH HUCKER"]Well.........get you![/quote]

Well, don''t think you''ve got exclusive rights to be a Rudolph...........