My question for Darren is why did you leave Lincoln at the first opportunity and was the money something that influenced you? And despite, in a double-page spread in the Lincolnshire Echo, you said you would like to end your career with Lincoln City you did not approach us after being dumped by Norwich.
As soon as a club accept a fee for you it virtually means that they don’t want you, let’s not forget that I cost Lincoln City nothing and my wages were poor so £400,000 at the time a club record fee was good business for the club, it wasn’t a money decision for me I got only a £200 pay rise in joining Newcastle the vast majority of players I left were earning much more than that, as for leaving Norwich I said I’d never play against them, I got plenty of offers in Championship and even Premier League but decided I’d try something different
Why did you choose Lincoln to start your career?
Basically Keith gave me a trial when nobody else wanted me, owe him my start in the game.
Which club did you enjoy your time at the most and why?
Was definitely at my best and most complete in my time at Norwich, the fans really took to me and I hope I repaid their faith.
Who was the best player you ever played with & against?
Dion Dublin was my best strike partner one season we were the best strike force goal wise in the Premier League, not bad for a team like Coventry. Best player I played against was either Shearer, Ronaldo or Henry.
Is it true that Kevin Keegan often used to say to you: ‘Don’t forget what I rescued you from.’?
Doubt Kevin would save anything like that, he started at the about the same level as me at Scunthorpe.
What are your future ambitions?
I’m a very busy man since I’ve been retired I’ve started working through my coaching badges, wrote a book, started a charity in Norfolk, still work at Norwich in a corporate capacity on match days, I hope to get back into the football side of the game as soon as I can, I did apply for the Lincoln Job but heard nothing back!
Any regrets during your career?
No regrets, but the only club I didn’t do myself justice was at Leeds but sometimes that happens.
What’s the most memorable goal you scored in your career?
My most famous goal is probably for Coventry against Man Utd, but it wasn’t my best goal, scored some Cracking goals for Norwich and Man City.
When are you coming back to Lincoln?
My best friend ex Lincoln City player Ben Dixon still lives in Lincoln and my wife is from there so I do get back now and again.
What did he find the quality of the MLS to be in his short spell over there and were there any cultural problems he encountered playing in a different country?
The best team in the MLS would easily compete in the Championship, with players like Donavon, Beckham and Keane.
Were the sandwiches really that bad in your time at your digs as a yts?
The food wasn’t the best, to be honest, but it made you appreciate home.
Do you still have a collection of shirts/match balls etc that you’ve collected over the years?
I’ve kept all hat trick balls and league winners medals from my time at Norwich and Man City.
What’s the best game you have played in?
3-2 win for Coventry v Man Utd was pretty special, 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go, get fouled for the penalty the scoring the winner
Do you have aspirations to be a manager?
I’ll get all my badges then make a decision, want to get back in the game ASAP.
What is your lasting memory of the club?
I’m glad I started at Lincoln City and managed to progress up the leagues, being an apprentice was tough but it gave me a great work ethic that I used all my career, it was an honour working under big Keith, learning the game at the lower levels made me always aware how tough it was. My claim to fame is (I think) I’m the only player to score in every competition in English football (Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, Auto windscreen, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League) for a lad who started a Lincoln in the 3rd Division it’s something I’m very proud of.
