Pictured R-L: Brian Pointer, Michael Phillips, James Woodrow, Daren Gilbert
From Malaysia to San Jose, Daren Gilbert has been around the world to see his beloved Norwich City FC Canaries. A season ticket holder for 32 years, Gilbert hasn't missed a single Norwich City FC match since April 16, 1983. SJEarthquakes.com was lucky enough to sit down with Daren on Saturday.
SJEarthquakes.com: You go to every single home and away Norwich game. Where are some of the places you've traveled for games?
Daren Gilbert: Malaysia, Germany, Austria, Holland, Sweden, Italy, Scotland
SJEQ: Any crazy stories from your travels?
DG: None that I'm allowed to repeat!
SJEQ: Where do you hope the Canaries play so you can visit?
DG: I've always wanted to go to Australia.
SJEQ: Favorite game?
DG: When Norwich beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the first leg match of the 1993 UEFA Cup second round.
SJEQ: What made you miss the April 16, 1983 game?
DG: My sister got married. But she got a divorce so if she were to get married again she would have to have it on a non-game day if she wanted me there.
SJEQ: Have you missed any notable events for a game?
DG: Just my parent's anniversary one year- but they understood.
SJEQ: How has your time in the Bay Area been so far?
DG: I got here with my four friends on Tuesday. We went to San Francisco and went to the Golden Gate Bridge and to Alcatraz. It's a bit too hot in San Jose for us but it's been great. We are headed up to Portland next.
SJEQ: What's the your favorite food you've eaten since you got here?
DG: The pancakes!
SJEQ: What do you think of MLS?
DG: It's grown quite a bit. I really started to take it seriously when Darren Huckerby came to play for the Earthquakes.
SJEQ: How are the Canaries going to do this season?
DG: Hopefully they'll stay up. I think they will finish 10th.