Former Norwich City players and fans groups have today led tributes to one of the club's greatest ever servants following the shock announcement that injury has forced Darren Huckerby out of the game and into retirement.

Former Norwich City players and fans groups have today led tributes to one of the club's greatest ever servants following the shock announcement that injury has forced Darren Huckerby out of the game and into retirement.

Fans groups and former players expressed sadness at the way Huckerby's 16-year career has been brought to such a sudden end, but most hope to see him back at his spiritual home, Carrow Road, in some form or another.

Former City winger Darren Eadie, knows only too well the pain of being forced to retire from the game through a serious knee injury.

He said: “I'm disappointed for him, obviously know the feeling more than anyone else of what its like to have to retire through injury. He was quite keen to come back and play for Norwich one day if he could but injury has scuppered that. It's not a nice day for him.”

Eadie, who made 204 senior appearances for City scoring 38 goals, said he would love to see Huckerby return in some capacity.

“It's great to have people around the club who have performed well and love the club and who have a good rapport with players and the fans. I think having someone in there like him would be a good thing for the club.”

Eadie added that Huckerby would always be looked on by City fans as a hero, adding: “Every club needs a talisman and Huckerby was when he was here.”

Former City winger Neil Adams said it was a sad day not only for Huckerby but for Norwich fans, who will not get to see the player returning - on the pitch at least.

“I think everyone had it at the back of their minds that it might happen and considering the impact he made when he was here I don't think anyone would have minded him coming back and having one last hurrah,” he said. Adams added it would be great to see Huckerby return in “whatever capacity”.

Kathy Blake, secretary of the Norwich City Independent Supporters Association (NCISA), said: “I'm not completely surprised. I think we all hoped he would come back one day but with the injury problems he's had and all the things that have gone on since he left we all feared he would never come back as a player.

“As far as coming back in another capacity I think he would probably be better on the PR side. He would be a great ambassador for the club.”

Alex Warren, a member of the Waveney Yellows Supporters Group hopes Huckerby has jumped the gun in making the announcement.

“I would love not to give up on him,” he said. “It's a big, big shame. We all dreamed of him coming back half way through the season, particularly at this level. Even Huckerby half fit at this level would've been enough.”