By Paul Holmes
July 3 2002

Norwich City have signed defender Paul Heckingbottom on a free transfer from Darlington. The 24-year-old was out of contract at Darlington and the Canaries snatched the former Sunderland man on a Bosman transfer.

Heckingbottoms time at Sunderland was a dissapointing one as he failed to make an impression at the Stadium of Light.

In an attempt to kick-start his career Heckingbottom moved to North East rivals Darlington. The move worked and the stopper became a first-team regular during his 3 years at Feethams.

Heckingbottom spoke the Norwich official website to tell of his decision to move South. "I am absolutely over the moon. To move to a club as up and coming as Norwich is great, it is clearly a good time to join.

"I saw the facilities and was really impressed, they are spot on. The footballing differences between playing at Darlington and playing at Norwich are already clear.

Heckinbottom also spoke of the prospect that his favoured position of left back is already taken by Adam Drury. "To be honest, I will be happy wherever I play, as it stands I know it will be hard enough to get into the team, I just want to get out there and prove myself.