| Norwich is clearly more than just a second home to England World Cup hero Martin Peters. The player many felt was before his time, joined Norwich from Spurs in 1975 made his name at West Ham and in England’s 1966 World Cup team. His impact on the Canaries was immediate.
“I used to have my family holidays in Norfolk as a kid which was why I always felt an allegiance with the area. To come to Norwich was not so difficult a decision as they had a good side and some good players. When we got there and the family settled in I really enjoyed playing for the club and getting to know the area,” says Peters.
Peters’ joined City as they bid for promotion from Division 2. Signed by John Bond to make sure that the club had what was required to make it into the top flight of English football, he didn’t disappoint.
“I had so many good moments at Norwich. The first 10 games I was there we managed to get up alongside Manchester United and Aston Villa. There were no play-offs then. Once we were up the supporters were just hoping we could keep them there. We did that as a unit. The supporters were great. They didn’t moan and you felt they were behind you all the way,” says Peters.
Picking his Greatest Ever Norwich XI, Peters chooses players from across the decades. “In goal has to be Kevin Keelan, he was a quality keeper. Full backs would be Ron Ashman – I know what a hero he was in Norwich – and Mark Bowen, a high quality footballer. At centre back I would have Steve Bruce because I’ll get in trouble if I don’t pick him, and Dave Stringer. You need someone to play alongside him. Barry Butler was also a great player for Norwich.”
“In midfield I would play alongside Graham Paddon. We played together when he came back in 1976 from West Ham. He was very left sided and wanted to win as much as anyone else. I enjoyed playing alongside Graham and Colin Suggett and would have him in my team if we were playing 4-3-3.”
“My wingers would be Kenny Foggo and Darren Huckerby. I played against Kenny for England Schoolboys when he was playing for Scotland, I think we lost. Huckerby has done very well at Norwich. Up front I would have Ron Davies and Ted MacDougall. Obviously John Bond would be my manager,” says Peters.
Martin Peter's Greatest Ever Norwich XI:
Goalkeeper
Kevin Keelan
Full backs
Ron Ashman
Mark Bowen
Centre backs
Steve Bruce
Dave Stringer
Midfield
Martin Peters
Graham Paddon
Wingers
Darren Huckerby
Kenny Foggo
Forwards
Ted MacDougall
Ron Davies
Manager
John Bond
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