Huckerby A Wanted Man

San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Darren Huckerby has revealed that several teams in England have approached him since the MLS season ended, all with offers for him to resume his playing career on the island, but he has respectfully declined all potential suitors out of loyalty to his former team, Norwich City.
The one-time Canary fan favorite has had instant success since landing upon America’s shores in July. Huckerby led the Earthquakes in scoring with six goals in only 14 appearances while fueling their late-season run that ultimately ended just short of a playoff spot, earning him a nomination for MLS Newcomer of the Year in the process.

“I have already had three or four phone calls from teams and nothing’s changed from what I said when I left,” said Huckerby. “I have been lucky that I have done all right over there and obviously people have noticed that, but nothing’s changed.

“We didn’t get to negotiating because when the answer is no that’s as far as it goes. My stance has been pretty clear from day one: I won’t play against Norwich.”

Back in England during the off-season, Huckerby also reflected on his stay so far in America.

“I was very lucky that the fans over there took to me straight away,” said Huckerby. “It was just like being at Norwich really. I think they liked the way I play – I was a little bit different because there aren’t that many players over there that like to run with the ball; it’s more pass, pass, pass.

“I think I settled there better than I thought I would, but football-wise I always believed in my ability so that wasn’t really a big problem. I knew that if I was fit I could still play a little bit so that wasn’t a big issue. I knew if I got myself fit I could contribute to the team.”

Huckerby also talked about crossing paths with another Englishman – David Beckham – and the overall level of play in Major League Soccer.

“We played against LA – he was playing right wing, I was playing left wing and we had a little chat before the second half started – we were lucky enough to win that game 3-2 and they were one of our biggest rivals, so it was kind of nice.

“There are some very good players over there,” Huckerby admitted. “There are the ones you hear about, like Beckham, but Beckham didn’t get in any of the top 10 voting – over there it is stat-driven with assists and goals and Beckham wasn’t in any of the top 10s. He is in the top 10 of getting paid, and he is a massive ambassador for the league, but I think that sometimes undermines how good some of the other players are.”