I have to admit I'm a bit obsessed with Steve Coogan, and in particular Alan Partridge. It could be that I'm particularly susceptible because I was born in Norwich and removed at a young age but, as a Canaries supporter in the North West I have always been associated with all things Norwich.
Mustard, Turkey and Delia (bless her) don't offer much, but Alan Partridge is the gift that keeps on giving. Much like the character in the book I'm currently reading, Slam by Nick Hornby, who can find a quote from skate hero Tony Hawk to apply to any situation, I and several of my friends can counter almost anything with an appropriate Alanism.
Of course, living in a world where Alan is never far away makes it all the more hilarious when life imitates art. This week, I've been cast back to Norfolk Nights by a couple of footballing stories.
The first and most hilarious concerns Norwich legend Darren Huckerby. Huckerby has enhanced what is a mildly tentative legendary status with his insistence that he would never play against the Canaries, a move which has earned him a contract in the good old US of A with the San Jose Earthquakes (managed, I believe, by former Ipswich stalwart Frank Yallop).
Darren, who I cannot think of without thinking of the video above, has such a love of Carrow Road that he has bought season tickets for the pending disappointment that is The Coca Cola Championship 2008-2009. Despite living about as far from Norwich as you can get.
He has also, upon starting to settle in in his new Californian surroundings, seen fit to describe the beautiful, enormous, sunny, mountainous state as 'The Norwich of America'. Superb. With footballers short of options when they quit the game, Hucks has guaranteed himself a place on the Norfolk Tourist Board. He might be a bit of a pariah in his new home, however, if anyone decides to test the comparison for themselves.
Another player who I've thought could do with watching a bit of Partridge is Crystal Palace's Clinton Morrison. Morrison is the sort of player you hate unless he plays for your club, but who you would expect the majority of second tier sides to secretly covet.
Norwich were linked with a big money move for the Irish International but he chose a return to Selhurst Park. He has now, it seems, been cast adrift, but is keen to stay 'in London'.
May I present a solution. The fictional 'Linton Travel Tavern'. The genius of its location is that it's equidistant between Norwich and London. With many footballers suffering from constant relocation, staying in Linton would provide Clinton with an excellent base during the week. Go on, Clinton. It was good enough for Alan.
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