Darren Huckerby

Huckerby was born in Nottingham, England. His mother is of partial Georgian descent. Huckerby started playing professionally for Lincoln City in Football League Division Three. Huckerby was promoted to the first team at Sincil Bank by Keith Alexander, but also played under the stewardship of both Sam Ellis and Steve Wicks before being sold in 1995. He finished his spell with Lincoln having scored 5 goals in 28 league appearances.

Huckerby made a three division step up by signing for Premier League title contenders Newcastle United in a £400,000 deal in 1995. Despite being highly rated by the fans and pundits, Huckerby found first team chances severely limited, especially since manager Kevin Keegan decided to scrap the reserve team, in response to a requirement from the FA that a certain percentage of home reserve fixtures be played at St James' Park. Keegan believed that this would negatively affect the pitch condition, which was already in poor state. This of course meant that, with no reserve team football, Huckerby was not match fit for the majority of his time on Tyneside. Huckerby made only two appearances for the Magpies (one in the league and one in the FA Cup),{{cite news

|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/gullit-puts-newcastle-on-the-spot-1324646.html

|title=Gullit puts Newcastle on the spot

|publisher=Independent

|date=18 January 1996 |access-date=27 February 2023}}{{cite news

|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-newcastle-have-reason-to-fear-the-beardsley-factor-1139209.html

|title=Football: Newcastle have reason to fear the Beardsley factor

|publisher=Independent

|date=17 January 1998 |access-date=27 February 2023}} before being loaned out to Millwall. Huckerby then joined Coventry City for £1 million in time for the start of the next season, signed by then City boss Gordon Strachan.

The striker's pace and dribbling ability, combined with a very successful partnership with Dion Dublin saw Huckerby play a key role at Coventry. Huckerby and Dublin's partnership did not go unnoticed and earned Huckerby a call up to the England B squad, whilst Dublin managed call ups to the full squad, under Glenn Hoddle. Huckerby played a major role in Coventry's Premier League survival, culminating with a final day 2–1 win at Tottenham Hotspur in 1997. His success with the Sky Blues continued throughout the following season as Coventry enjoyed a ten-game unbeaten run and reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup, narrowly losing on penalties to Sheffield United. Huckerby scored several goals, most notably the winner in a 3–2 victory over Manchester United at Highfield Road, a dazzling run past a few defenders before slotting past Kevin Pilkington. He notched up 14 goals that season, his best Premier League return of goals.

He was sold to Leeds United the following summer for a reputed £6 million. In his time at Elland Road, he scored two goals in 40 league games, once against former club Coventry City{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-the-day-hedman-lost-his-head-1117935.html |title=The day Hedman lost his head |work=The Independent |date=11 September 1999 |access-date=6 November 2009 | location=London | first=Jon | last=Culley}} and another against Watford.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/may/04/match.sport3 |title=Leeds ready to join Europe's elite |work=The Guardian |date=3 May 2000 |access-date=6 November 2009

| location=London | first=Daniel | last=Taylor}} He had to compete for a place in the team with some players such as Mark Viduka, Alan Smith and Michael Bridges and as a result he was never a regular, although he did score against Partizan Belgrade in the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup,{{cite web |url=http://www.ozwhitelufc.net.au/30-09-1999%20LUFC%20v%20Partizan%20Belgrade.htm |title=Leeds United 1 Partizan Belgrade 0 |publisher=OzWhiteLUFC |date=30 September 1999 |access-date=6 November 2009}} and in a 6–0 win against Beşiktaş in the 2000–01 Champions League.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/leeds-in-overdrive-to-belittle-besiktas-700832.html |title=Leeds in overdrive to belittle Beşiktaş |work=The Independent |date=26 September 2000 |access-date=6 November 2009 | location=London | first=Phil | last=Shaw}} In all competitions, he scored six goals in total.

Manchester City signed him in December 2000 for £3.38 million, as they attempted to avoid relegation. Huckerby scored on his debut against Charlton Athletic, albeit in a 4-1 defeat.{{cite news

|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1092889.stm

|title=Sorry City gift Addicks vital win

|publisher=BBC

|date=30 December 2000 |access-date=27 February 2023}} Although the club did eventually go down, he stayed on and won a First Division championship medal, adding 26 goals in all competitions during the campaign, including two hat-tricks.

Huckerby started the new campaign as first choice, and scored the team's first goal of the season, a header against former employer Newcastle that secured a 1–0 win.{{cite news

|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2210118.stm

|title=Huckerby haunts Magpies

|publisher=BBC

|date=24 August 2002 |access-date=27 February 2023}} However, the arrivals of Nicolas Anelka and Jon Macken meant less playing time, and he eventually ended up playing out the end of the season on-loan to Nottingham Forest,{{cite news|title=Forest seal Huckerby deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/nottm_forest/2743735.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 February 2003|access-date=17 August 2011}} being part of the team that reached the Division One playoffs in 2003.

Huckerby spent a three-month loan spell with Norwich City, before signing permanently in December 2003, for a fee of £750,000, which rose to £1 million when the Canaries were promoted at the end of the season. At Norwich, Huckerby's career settled, and he netted 14 league goals in the First Division in the 2003–04 season. He was instrumental in Norwich's march to the First Division championship in 2003–04, and came second in the supporters vote for player of the season behind Craig Fleming.

Reverting to a left wing role for much of Norwich's Premier League spell in 2004–05, Huckerby scored seven goals. He was linked with a transfer to either Liverpool or Celtic the following summer, but spoke of his intention to see out his contract in East Anglia.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15255822 |title=BBC Sport - Darren Huckerby admits regret at manner of Norwich City exit |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 October 2011 |access-date=22 December 2013}}

He was voted Norwich City player of the year by supporters in 2004–05 and 2006–07, and placed second behind Gary Doherty for the 2005–06 season, winning the award twice and adding two runner-up positions in his first four seasons. He was voted into the Norwich City Hall of Fame in 2004. On 13 April 2008, he played his 200th game for Norwich, in the East Anglian Derby against Ipswich Town.

On 4 May 2008, Huckerby scored in his final game for the club in a 4–1 defeat away at Sheffield Wednesday.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7379759.stm| title=Sheff Wed 4–1 Norwich |date=4 May 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 July 2008}} Two days later, it was announced that his contract would not be renewed as he could not be guaranteed a place in the first team in the 2008–09 season.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/7385477.stm| title=Canaries release forward Huckerby |date=6 May 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 July 2008}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/7392943.stm|title=Roeder explains Huckerby release |date=9 May 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 July 2008}} This upset fans who felt that Huckerby, a fan favourite, deserved a proper farewell. However, an opportunity was made with a special tribute at a 'Greatest Ever' event at Carrow Road held later in May.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/7398239.stm | title=City fans get Huckerby farewell |date=13 May 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 July 2008}}

File:Quakes End of Season Autographs Oct 25 2008- Darren Huckerby I.jpg

In 2012, Huckerby returned to Carrow Road to play in Adam Drury's testimonial match against Celtic, coming on in the 76th minute showing his trademark bursts of pace and skill. Former Celtic and Norwich striker John Hartson who was co-commentating on Setanta Sports claimed he looked fit and sharp enough still to be playing professionally.{{cite news|url=http://www.canaries.co.uk/page/NewsDetails/0,,10355~2776739,00.html |title=Squads announced for Drury's game |date=22 May 2012 |publisher=Norwich City FC |access-date=22 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522034628/http://www.canaries.co.uk/page/NewsDetails/0%2C%2C10355~2776739%2C00.html |archive-date=22 May 2012 }}

Huckerby moved to the United States joining Major League Soccer club, San Jose Earthquakes in July 2008.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/07/12/darren-huckerby-joins-san-jose-earthquakes-89520-20641073/|title=Darren Huckerby joins San Jose Earthquakes|date=12 July 2007|publisher=Mirror.co.uk|access-date=13 July 2008|archive-date=3 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803124232/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/07/12/darren-huckerby-joins-san-jose-earthquakes-89520-20641073/|url-status=dead}} MLS rules at the time dictated that Toronto FC owned the right to sign Huckerby. To acquire those rights, San Jose traded allocation money and use of an international roster slot for the 2008 through 2013 seasons to Toronto.{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3681370 |title=TFC and San Jose Involved in Trade - OurSports Central - Independent and Minor League Sports News |publisher=OurSports Central |date=14 July 2008 |access-date=22 December 2013}}

He made his debut on 19 July 2008 against Toronto, in a 0–0 draw, and scored his first goal against New York Red Bulls on 27 July. In a crucial match for the Earthquakes, on 3 August 2008, Huckerby scored his second goal, against Los Angeles Galaxy, in a 3–2 Earthquakes win. On 30 August, he headed in the winning goal in the side's 2–1 victory over Kansas City Wizards, extending San Jose's unbeaten streak to seven games. During this stretch, Huckerby notched three goals and three assists.

On 11 November 2008, it was announced that Huckerby had won the 2008 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.{{cite web |last=San Jose Earthquakes Media Relations |title= Huckerby named Newcomer of the Year |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20081111&content_id=203066&vkey=pr_sje&fext=.jsp&team=t110 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123195204/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20081111&content_id=203066&vkey=pr_sje&fext=.jsp&team=t110 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 November 2008 |access-date=11 November 2008}}

During the 2009 Major League Soccer season, Huckerby underwent surgery to eliminate his hip injury.{{cite web|last=Beatty |first=Patrick |title=Earthquakes Midfielder Darren Huckerby Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery on Right Hip |url=http://www.mls-rumors.net/3617/2009/09/report-earthquakes-midfielder-darren-huckerby-undergoes-season-ending-surgery-on-right-hip/ |access-date=12 October 2009 |date=12 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924043853/http://www.mls-rumors.net/3617/2009/09/report-earthquakes-midfielder-darren-huckerby-undergoes-season-ending-surgery-on-right-hip/ |archive-date=24 September 2009 }} However, on 16 September 2009, at age 33, Huckerby announced that he was '99% sure' of his retirement.{{cite news|url=http://www.pinkun.com/content/pinkun/norwich-city/story.aspx?brand=PINKUNOnline&category=Norwich&tBrand=PINKUNOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED16%20Sep%202009%2009%3A21%3A43%3A073|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923000836/http://www.pinkun.com/content/pinkun/norwich-city/story.aspx?brand=PINKUNOnline&category=Norwich&tBrand=PINKUNOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED16+Sep+2009+09:21:43:073|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 September 2009|title=Huckerby to hang up boots|date=16 September 2009|publisher=www.pinkun.com|access-date=16 September 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1811_5562985,00.html|title=Huckerby hangs up his boots|date=16 September 2009|publisher=.teamtalk.com|access-date=16 September 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911151649/http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1811_5562985,00.html|archive-date=11 September 2012}}

Huckerby made one appearance with the England B team in 1998.

He is a former academy coach for the Under 16s at championship side Norwich City.{{Cite web|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/darren_huckerby_is_promoted_as_part_of_norwich_city_academy_shake_up_1_4144370|title=Darren Huckerby is promoted as part of Norwich City academy shake-up|date=8 July 2015}}

Huckerby lives in Keswick, south Norfolk.[http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/new_industrial_estate_on_edge_of_norwich_runs_into_stop_the_blot_opposition_1_3940598 New industrial estate on edge of Norwich runs into 'stop the blot' opposition - News - Norwich Evening News - Mobile] Retrieved 15 February 2015. His son Tom

sits on the bench for Wroxham{{cite web|url=https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/wroxham-defender-tom-huckerby-impressing-at-trafford-park-with-city-1590296|title='If I'm playing terribly then he definitely lets me know!' - City legend keeping a close eye on son at Wroxham|publisher=Eastern Daily Press|date=18 September 2020|accessdate=16 November 2021}} and has recently passed his driving test in May 2025.

After retiring from football in 2009, Huckerby returned to playing football in the Masters Tournament in June 2011 in which he scored 8 goals in the Yorkshire Masters for his old club Leeds United. In the Grand Masters final Huckerby added a further 6 goals to his tally, making him overall tournament golden boot winner with 14 goals. Leeds were overall runners up in the tournament, losing 8–3 to Rangers in the final.{{cite web|author=Unknown |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110603/darren-huckerby-offer-for-leeds-fans_2247585_2371248 |title=News | Leeds |publisher=Leedsunited.com |access-date=22 December 2013}}

On 14 April 2013, Huckerby played in a charity game at Lowestoft Town's Crown Meadow ground. He played for the ex professionals against a select eleven which included students from Lowestoft College.

Manchester City

• First Division: 2001–02

Norwich City

• First Division: 2003–04

Individual

• Football League First Division Player of the Month: September 2003{{Cite news |date=2003-10-08 |title=Huckerby wins award |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3175416.stm |access-date=2025-02-05 |language=en-GB}}
• PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2003–04 First Division{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Adam |title=PFA Fans' Player of the Year |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2297593/pfa-fans-player-of-the-year |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}
• Major League Soccer Player of the Month: September 2008
• Major League Soccer Newcomer of the Year: 2008{{cite web |date=January 1, 2022 |title=MLS Newcomer of the Year winners |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-newcomer-of-the-year-winners |accessdate=March 26, 2023 |publisher=Major League Soccer}}
• Norwich City Player of the Season: 2004–05, 2006–07
• Norwich City Hall of Fame: 2006{{Cite web |title=Norwich City Hall of Fame |url=http://www.canaries.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HallOfFame/0%2C%2C10355%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324053231/http://www.canaries.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HallOfFame/0,,10355,00.html |archive-date=24 March 2007 |website=Canaries}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [http://www.dh6.co.uk The Official Darren Huckerby Website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100820084415/http://www.darrenhuckerbytrust.co.uk/ Darren Huckerby Trust]
• {{Soccerbase}}

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{{Norwich City F.C. Player of the Year}}

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Category:Living people

Category:1976 births

Category:People from Keswick, South Norfolk

Category:British people of Georgian descent

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Footballers from Nottingham

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:England men's B international footballers

Category:Premier League players

Category:English Football League players

Category:Major League Soccer players

Category:Lincoln City F.C. players

Category:Newcastle United F.C. players

Category:Millwall F.C. players

Category:Coventry City F.C. players

Category:Leeds United F.C. players

Category:Manchester City F.C. players

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Category:Norwich City F.C. players

Category:San Jose Earthquakes players

Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States

Category:English expatriate men's footballers