Former Premier League star Darren Huckerby is barely recognisable from his playing days after putting in serious work at the gym. The ex-forward netted 140 goals during a career that included spells at Lincoln City, Newcastle, Coventry, Leeds, Norwich City and San Jose Earthquakes.
Premier League Career Highlights
The speedy striker enjoyed a number of stints in the Premier League. His most productive top-flight season saw him score 15 goals for Coventry. It was with the Sky Blues that he scored an iconic solo effort in a 3-2 win over Manchester City.
He also fired Manchester City to promotion to the Premier League with 26 goals in the 2001/02 season. He went on to play for Norwich, where he is regarded as a legend and still acts as a club ambassador.
Life After Retirement
Following a stint with San Jose in the MLS, he hung up his boots at the age of 33. Many footballers allow their physical condition to deteriorate after retiring, but not Huckerby, now 50, who boasts an enviably muscular frame.
Huckerby is clearly a dedicated gym-goer and enjoys the occasional run as well. When he is not cheering on his former clubs, he can be spotted enjoying a pint, with Guinness his tipple of choice.
He regularly posts on social media about his former sides. Huckerby recently waded into the title race by throwing his weight behind Man City.
During Arsenal's clash with West Ham earlier this month, he posted: "I think for the next 45 minutes the whole country are all West Ham!" Huckerby has since posted from the FA Cup final, which City won, and hailed Pep Guardiola following his departure from the Etihad.
Regret Over Leeds Move
His time 18 months at Leeds was probably the most disappointing period of his career. He subsequently admitted he had no desire to leave Coventry, who were then under the stewardship of Gordon Strachan.
He told CoventryLive in 2010: "I remember getting the phone call from my agent that a fee had been agreed with Leeds. I didn't want to go but I went to Gordon Strachan's office and he explained that they couldn't refuse that kind of money for me. I was enjoying playing week in week out, and although Leeds were a higher-placed side at the time, I didn't want to go there and sit on the bench. I was really disappointed when I left but the club needed the money so that was it."
