Former attacker Darren Huckerby impressed in a short space of time during his loan at Nottingham Forest - and he says he came close to staying longer.
The 43-year-old netted five goals in 11 appearances for the Reds when on loan from Manchester City in the second half of the 2002/03 campaign.
As well as memorably helping Forest thump arch-rivals Derby County 3-0, Huckerby played his part as the team reached the play-offs that year.
And he says a deal had been agreed for him to return to the City Ground after his spell ended, only for the Reds to pull out.
Instead, Huckerby went on to join Norwich City on loan the following season and eventually joined the Canaries permanently, racking up close to 200 league appearances for the Carrow Road outfit.
Reflecting on a throwback clip on Twitter of him scoring his last goal in the Garibaldi 17 years ago today - in a 4-0 triumph over Norwich - Huckerby wrote: “Probably got me a move to @NorwichCityFC!”
When one fan responded, ‘wish you’d signed for Forest’, he replied: “Contract was already agreed, Forest pulled out.”
Explaining the club’s decision, Huckerby said: “Went a different way, a lot of players sold off.”
And he added: “As a Clifton Estate lad it would’ve been perfect, but can’t complain, went to #ncfc and had great years and special bond with fans.”
