Like many other Norwich fans today, I was sad to hear the passing of former midfield star Graham Paddon. Now I can’t pretend I saw him in action very often. In fact I only saw him play seven times as his career quietly drew to a close with the Canaries in 1981. Yet Paddon had a link to me that will never be broken.

On the night of 21^st November 1972, Paddon scored a hat-trick at Arsenal to send Norwich into the semi-finals of the League Cup. A memorable match for many but not one I can claim to remember. The reason? It was the day I was born! As I was coming into the world at 20.00 that evening, Paddon was writing himself into Canaries folklore. I’ve often wondered what minutes the goals were. Did I arrive at the same time a Paddon thunderbolt hit the net?

Paddon was one of the first Norwich players I ever met. On returning from his spell at West Ham, he moved into a house just a couple of minutes from where I lived.  When he opened my school fete, I had my picture taken with him. I’d love to say I remember every minute of it, but I genuinely can’t. The photo proves it happened though, and is one of the few times I’ve ever posed for a pic with one of my heroes.

I know a few older Canaries fans who are upset at the news today. Paddon was a player that was always talked about with great fondness by a generation of fans, whether for his spectacular goals or his workrate in the middle.  He was No.10.  A stylish blonde bombshell who could be mistaken for a prima-donna but could look after himself when needed.  In a Norwich side known for its work ethic, Paddon provided the flair but had the graft to match it.  How I would have loved to have seen him in action more than I did.

Supporters often say he was never the same after he broke his leg at Sunderland, but he still came back and racked up the appearances, 340 in all. His career was successful in comparison with many others, winning an FA Cup medal with the Hammers and a Division Two title with City. He helped take the Canaries to heights they had never been before 1972 and turned out to be one of Ron Saunders best ever signings.

If I have one more regret this week, it is that I’m unable to attend the Coventry game on Saturday and pay my respect in the minute’s applause. Therefore when I am out on my birthday Wednesday night, I’ll raise a glass to a man who was a fine City player and by all accounts, a decent bloke too.

I hope you get the ovation you deserve Graham. RIP.