THE Community Sports Foundation is delighted to unveil Norwich City Hall of Fame member Darren Eadie as its newest ambassador.
Eadie, a Norwich City Academy product, made 204 appearances for the Canaries over a six year period in the '90s, scoring 38 goals and winning the respect and adoration of the Carrow Road faithful.
His debut came in September 1993 in Norwich's first ever competitive European fixture; the UEFA Cup clash against Vitesse Arnhem at Carrow Road, before scoring on his league debut three days later in a 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers.
In the following years, Eadie would become a fan favourite; topping the Norwich City goal scorers list for the 1996-97 campaign and receiving the prestigious Barry Butler memorial trophy as fans' choice for player of the season.
In 1997, Eadie's goal scoring exploits earned international recognition with a call up to Glenn Hoddle's England squad for the Tournoi de France. Cruelly however, injury would force his withdrawal from the squad and as a result, he never won a full England cap.
Despite continued speculation of interest from top flight clubs, Eadie remained loyal to the Canaries for several years, further endearing himself to the passionate Yellow Army.
However, Eadie did leave City when Martin O'Neill's Leicester City offered Norwich £3million for Eadie in December 1999, breaking the Foxes' record transfer fee at the time.
Due to injury, Eadie made just 40 appearances in four years for Leicester and was forced to retire at the end of the 2002-03 season.
Eadie will join the team of CSF ambassadors that includes former City stars Iwan Roberts, Dean Ashton, Paul McVeigh and Craig Fleming as well as the BBC's Jake Humphrey, Sky Sports' Simon Thomas, Paralympian Danny Nobbs, NCFC Director Delia Smith and Daily Express Football Correspondent Mick Dennis.
The team of ambassadors have a number of qualities in common that make them ideal for the role. Each has a strong affinity with Norwich City and Norfolk and a good understanding of the role that football and sport in general can play in helping thousands through the Foundation.
The former Canaries star said of his new role: "I am extremely proud to give my support to a brilliant charity working with the club I love. Sport is such an important part of any person's wellbeing, no matter what level it is at."
CSF Director Ian Thornton said: "We are thrilled that Darren has agreed to join our team of ambassadors. I firmly believe that the success of the charity is due in no small part to the excellent people we have involved including ambassadors, staff, volunteers and partners. Darren's contribution on the pitch for Norwich City was extremely memorable and he will now add to that legacy by representing the club's official charity partner."
For more information on the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation visist: http://www.communitysportsfoundation.org.uk/
