Josh Sargent, an American superstar, recently won a match at Carrow Road to the tune of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.” Additionally, there are more connections between the Fine City and the Land of Opportunity thanks to businessman Mark Attanasio’s anticipated purchase of 15.9% of the club from Michael Foulger.
And according to a Norwich City resident who lives in Florida, the connections are helping the Canaries gain ground abroad. Wisbech-born Roger Mallett, 42, moved to the United States in 1993 and established his furniture business, Mallett’s Emporium.
Given that his grandfather was an avid Norwich City supporter, he grew up rooting for the team. Mr. Mallett continues to watch Norwich City games on ESPN and via the team’s streams. The superfan recently had the opportunity to attend his first live Norwich game in 25 years at Birmingham last week while on vacation.
I was very emotional, especially after hearing “On The Ball City,” Mr. Mallett said. “Before the match, a few people approached me and said they had seen me online. “Are you the lad from Florida?” they questioned. The businessman’s Canaries shirt, which he wore to a The Darkness concert in Tampa Bay the previous year, helped him make friends in influential circles.
Justin Hawkins, the lead singer and a native of Lowestoft, noticed Mr. Mallett’s yellow shirt and enquired whether he might wear it on stage. After meeting them, the band invited Mr. Mallett to sign the shirt. The first time Mr. Mallett saw Norwich City and Tottenham play to a 2-2 draw was in 1989. He also resides in Tampa Bay, where the team recently expanded its partnership with Visit Tampa Bay.
When I can, I love discussing Norwich with American soccer fans, he continued. Josh Sargent was beginning his current hot streak when I arrived in the UK, according to several people who have mentioned him to me. I always carry a Norwich top from the Rocky Mountains to California to Colorado to Vancouver, Canada.
US athletes who have competed in England
With five goals in eight league games, Josh Sargent has so far defeated his demons from the previous season. However, the forward with the flame-colored hair is not the only American to have succeeded in the UK.
Robert Friedel
The seasoned goalkeeper, who played in every league game from 2004 to 2012, holds the record for the most consecutive Premier League appearances. During his 18 seasons in the Premier League, Friedel played for Tottenham, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Liverpool, and Blackburn.
C. D. E. Dempsey
Dempsey, the American with the most goals in Premier League history, played a crucial role in Fulham’s unexpected run to the Europa League final under Roy Hodgson in 2010.
Harry Harkes
In 1992, Harkes made history by becoming the first American to play for Sheffield Wednesday in the Premier League. Additionally, he scored at Wembley Stadium, becoming the second American to do so, as Wednesday fell to Arsenal 2-1 in the 1993 League Cup Final.
