Darren Beckford did not play for Norwich in 92-93. Beckford was at the club in the late 80's. Newman was what he was, a comitted player who gave his all. Never the most talented or fastest, but gave it all. I always remember him being skinned for pace then giving away the penalty v Inter though.
He did start at the back Maestro. It was a league cup game against Carlisle Utd at Carrow Road where he was tried up front for the first time and scored twice
Er, I think you'll find Beckford did play for us that season old chap, I specifically remember him slamming one in from about 8 inches off his shin when we beat Villa 3-2 We signed Ekoku at the end of that season to replace him after he moved on to Oldham
You know, I think you're right. I'd forgotten all about that. He had been a bit part player for a while though. Remember him signing for us circa 88-9 (?) and getting regular starts despite being pants then hitting 4 past Everton at Carrow road (a feat matched by his replacement Ekoku at Goodisonin the 93-94 season).
Perhaps the finest thing Beckford ever did in a City shirt. Or should that read 'only thing' Robbie Earle went from Port Vale to Wimbledon for exactly the same fee Short straw selected by NCFC. Good old Ruel, for the assists http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxsbSea_deA
Beckford was, and still is a bit of a cult hero of mine. Granted he was absolutely bloody useless (I can't believe I'm actually saying this, first time in twenty years I've actually admitted it!) and never looked like being worth anything like the club record 925k we paid for him, but I've never wanted a player to do well for us as much as him and was gutted it never worked out. It was a hat-trick he got against Everton, but then got himself sent off in a reserves game which ruled him out of the FA Cup semi and that was pretty much the beginning of the end Didn't he go in goal when Gunny got injured in a game once or something as well? I've still got some old A level folders somewhere in the loft covered in newspaper cuttings about him, he had a few good games for Oldham and made a few headlines, never forget footage on MotD of some Latics fans holding a huge banner adorned with "Who need Cantona when we've got Darren B". Clearly he touched a few other people as well, bless him Totally agree with the earlier comment about Chippy being the best midfielder we've ever had. Absolute class in a glass that fella and how he never played for England is an absolute travesty. Guess it just goes to show that the elite clubs bias when it comes to internationals we're currently seeing isn't a new phenomenon.
I think I would say that this IS probably the best season, not through league position obviously, but the mountain we have had to climb to get where we are. Back in the early Prem days, there certainly wasn't the same money sloshing around as there is now and most other teams have International X1's on display with often very strong benches. When you compare most of them to our squad it is laughable in monetary terms and only through brilliant management and team spirit have we bridgeed the gap as far as we have. So yes Kenny good question and in my view good call.
