Position: Central defender
Age: 33
Born: Calder, Halifax (Oct 6, 1971)
Height: 6ft, 0in.
Weight: 12st, 0lbs.
Date signed: June 30, 1997
Signed from: Oldham, £600,000
City debut: v Wolves H (Aug 9, 1997)
Contract: June 2007
Former clubs: Halifax, Oldham

Season 2004/05 Appearances (max 41): 41 Goals: 1
Norwich City appearances: 330 (19th on all-time list) Goals: 11

Career:
Halifax (90-91): 66 appearances, plus 3 as sub, 0 goals.
Oldham (91-97): 185 appearances, plus 7 as sub, 1 goal.
Total: 251 appearances, plus 10 as sub, 1 goal.

Fleming is one of the experienced cornerstones the current City side is built on and, with his testimonial season fast approaching, continues to be a vital part of Nigel Worthington’s plans. His formidable partnership with Malky Mackay was broken up last summer when the Scotsman joined West Ham and, although Fleming missed his partner’s aerial power last season, he fought to the bitter end to try to keep the Canaries in the Premiership.

Played in every minute of every game last season – a marvellous achievement for a 33-year-old competing at the top level for the first time since his early 20s. It wasn't all plain sailing – far from it – and there were times when Fleming found it difficult to cope. But, by and large, he did a solid job.

Verdict: Fleming still has another year to run on his contract and will be an important member of the squad next season. It remains to be seen if he remains a regular in the starting line-up. Much will depend on whether or not there are any arrivals or departures during the summer.

OFF DUTY (2004):

Marital status: Married, to Nicola.
Children: Katie (9), William (7).
Home: Thorpe End.

Current car: Saab estate.
First car: Vauxhall Astra.

How do you relax away from football: First and foremost by spending time with my wife and the kids – but I also enjoy the occasional game of golf. I didn’t play much during pre-season – I never get on the course then. I also had an injury which didn’t help. But I can play to a reasonable standard – something between nine and 12 handicap – and I had the privilege of playing against Justin Rose earlier in the summer. I enjoyed giving him one or two tips!

Favourite other sport to watch: I’ll watch anything on the telly as the wife will tell you. I’d say cricket and golf are my two favourites.
Favourite television programme: The Office.
Favourite holiday destination: That’s a tricky one. If pushed I’d say Naples, in the United States, and Rome.
Favourite restaurant/eating place: Tommy T’s (with the kids) and Morston Hall.
Favourite read: A Lot Of Hard Yakka by Simon Hughes (the former cricketer and current Channel Four pundit).
Favourite film: Gladiator.
Recommended listening: I’ve got fairly broad tastes – how about Elvis and Lennie Kravitz?

Best thing about living in Norfolk: The quality of life.
Worst thing about living in Norfolk: I’m a long way from home (Yorkshire).

Whose is the first result you look out for: There’s two, Halifax and Oldham, my previous clubs.

What would you have done for a living if you hadn’t made the grade: I would have loved to have been a professional golfer.
What will you do when your playing career is over: I haven’t given it too much thought up to now. I love the game and I’d like to stay in it, maybe in a coaching capacity. But I’d like to think I have got plenty of years left in me as player yet!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

First footballing memory: Kicking a ball around with my brother Paul at a local park. He also went on to be a professional.

First match attended: It would have been a Halifax Town match at the Shay when I was about five or six – but I can’t remember any more than that.

First footballing hero: That’s easy, Bryan Robson. He was just awesome, the complete midfield player I would say. I was fortunate enough to play against him a couple of times when I was with Oldham which was a big thrill.

First team (amateur): Friendly Youth, Halifax.

First team (professional): My home club, Halifax Town.

First team debut: It was during the 1988-89 season against Scunthorpe when I was just 16. I think they just ran out of numbers and threw me in on the bench. My full debut came the following season against Torquay. My brother was also in the side – but the games must have passed me by because I don’t remember the scores.

First manager: That would be Billy Ayre who sadly died not too long ago. He was a lovely man and did an excellent job for a number of other clubs as well as Halifax.

First captain: Paul Futcher, a vastly experienced defender who helped me a lot when I was a youngster starting off in the game.

First goal: I once scored for Halifax in a penalty shoot-out but I suppose that doesn’t count. I only ever scored once before I came here and that was for Oldham against Everton not long after I joined them in 1991. I seem to remember I got the better of Matt Jackson to nod one in.

First game for City: The 2-0 home defeat against Wolves on the opening day of the 1997-8 season. Iwan Roberts and Victor Segura also made their debuts in that game.

First goal: I got off the mark for Norwich in a 5-0 defeat of Huddersfield towards the end of my first season at Carrow Road.

First honour: I waited a long time for it – the 2003-4 First Division Championship!