Next up in ‘My NCFC’, where we interview Vital Norwich members and learn a little bit more about our fellow City supporters, is Yellow Belly
Next up in ‘My NCFC’, where we interview Vital Norwich members and learn a little bit more about our fellow City supporters, is Yellow Belly…
How did you become a City fan?
As a youngster and teenager I was not a football but a Stock Car Racing fan (I was born near and lived close to the Great Yarmouth Raceway).
By 1979 (and aged 27) I was living in West Yorkshire and a lad who came to work for my company came from Norwich. He said Norwich were playing in Leeds soon and would I like to go.
Having never been to a football match I went to the game, was instantly hooked, and have been a fanatical fan ever since.
What/when was your first game?
My first game was at Leeds away in 1979. It was a 2-2 draw and Kevin Keelan and Martin Peters played for Norwich that day.
I can’t remember anything about the game now, but I remember getting a football special from Leeds station. Needless to say, with our Norfolk accent we sat on the bus in silence!
How many games do you get to?
Up to being ill 2 years ago I worked nearly every Saturday, so I generally did three home games and about six aways a season. However during the UEFA Cup season I went to many more games.
Since I switched to part time work I have every Saturday off, so I now manage about six home games and about eight aways.
My best season of support has been this season when I saw Norwich 19 times – nine at home and ten away. I am restricted in my visits to Carrow Road by the distance (185 miles form my house) and the cost involved, but would love to do more.
What is your most memorable moment?
Most memorable moment! I could write a book about the great times I have had, from climbing up the fences at Bradford’s Odsal stadium to scream ‘Portsmouth are losing’ to the players, which meant as we were winning 2-0 we would be promoted to the top division, to the evening I met Iwan Roberts at a Northern Canaries event up here, to some of the great goals I have seen and celebrated in my now well known nutty way.
This year I had the day of my life in London with Drayton Green and Northern Yellow when we went to Charlton, and it meant SO much to me when Elliot put us ahead at Huddersfield. But I have chosen as my favourite moment the final whistle at the end of the 2003/4 season at home to Preston when we went into the Premier League. The sights, sounds, colours and emotions of the day were fantastic.
Which (if any) Norwich players have you met?
As mentioned I met and talked at length to Iwan Roberts, and up until recently he was the only player I had met at length. This season I was invited to the Away Supporters Party and met and talked with Chris Martin, Cody McDonald and Simon Lappin.
Who is your favourite current player?
My favourite current player is Grant Holt. How great to have a terrific striker at the Club and of course it was he who not only scored at Hudderfield away, but put the cross in for THAT goal by Elliot!
Who is your favourite all-time player?
Iwan Roberts was my hero in his 7 years at the Club and I was in tears at his last game, and for me he runs a very close second to the man who almost single handed changed our fortunes and took us into the Premier League…DARREN HUCKERBY.
What are your hopes for the coming season?
I just hope we will become a strong Championship Club and are not humiliated in any game.
What is your all time Canary eleven?
Keelan, Drury, Bruce, Mackay, Bowen, Fox, Goss, Crook, Eadie, Huckerby, Roberts.
If you could change one thing about the club, what would it be?
If I could change one thing I wish I could win the lottery and buy us the class players to take us into the Premier League.
Were you at the Huddersfield game? If so we want to hear from you if you know who the man in the Proton shirt is in this video, any ideas YB?
Tell us your story!
If you want to take part in My NCFC this summer just get in touch by via the forum or the envelope icon to the right of the screen.
Not a Vital member? Fear not! It’s easy to
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