Common Connections – Norwich v Brighton
Chris Hughton will return to Carrow Road on Friday evening when his title-chasing Brighton side take on the Canaries, aside from Hughton, numerous staff and players both past and present have a connection with the two clubs.
A handful of Hughton’s backroom staff will also be returning to Carrow Road, Paul Trollope and Paul Nevin, both having been employed by City during Hughton’s stint as manager.
In recent memory, Andrew Crofts and Elliot Bennett spring to mind as players that have turned out for both City and Brighton, Norwich having purchased both players from Brighton in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
City captain Russell Martin was born and raised in Brighton but only ever played for the clubs under-18’s, before moving on to Wycombe Wanderers.
Former canary fan favourite Bradley Johnson, currently at Derby County, has also represented Brighton, having joined the club on loan during the 2008-’09 season.
During the previous decade both Leroy Lita and Jason Jarrett plied their trade at both clubs, the former having also scored for both clubs during loan moves.
Further back in the clubs’ history; Ade Akinbiyi, Justin Fashanu, Mark Barham – part of City’s 1985 Milk Cup winning side – and Jeff Wood, former City goalkeeper coach briefly held the position of manager at Brighton in 1999.
Finally, a slightly left-field connection, Alex Pritchard joined City last summer after a last minute bid, Pritchard was, literally, on the M25 driving down to Brighton with his agent to sign for the club, however, after learning of City’s interest he decided to turn around and join Norwich.