Damian Hilton, currently player/manager of Wroxham, begun his football here at Long Stratton F.C., playing two years above his age group at Under-13. On the back of 41 goals at the age of 13 in an under-15 league his manager Brian Lythgoe (now our general manager) wrote to the Canaries to alert them and after many letters and phone-calls finally Damian was invited for a trial, the rest is history with Damian starring for Norwich Youth he played against many of today's top premier stars, inc. Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole..Damian had two season's as a professional at Carrow Road and although his second season did not result in any league appearances he made the substitutes bench. His height enabled him to play comfortably in defence although his passing skills had seen him deployed in midfield with Norwich's Reserves.Damian then joined Third Division strugglers Brighton on 12th March 1998. Damian's sourjourn at the Goldstone Ground was brief as he was released at the end of the 1997/98 season. After a spell playing for IFK Lulea in the Swedish First Division, Damian then returned to England. He played for King's Lynn in their pre-season games and signed for them, playing in their opening Dr Martens league game of the 1998/99 season. After an injury plagued time Damian parted company with Lynn by "mutual agreement" in March 1999. Damian dropped into the Jewson Eastern Counties League, signing first for Watton and playing one game for them. The following week, he joined the masses of ex-Canaries at Wroxham. Wroxham's board of directors appointed Hilton manager on 18th May 2005. On 25th March 2008 Hilton steered Wroxham to Norfolk Senior Cup victory over Sheringham at Carrow Road..

Damian Hilton 2008





Webmaster : Damian, at what age did you when you join L.S.F.C.?

DH : I began playing when i was 11 years old for Long Stratton Under-13's, which was my brothers side (Simon who is still at the club).
I went along originally just to make the numbers up and i struggled phsyically at first.




Damian with the ball at front





Webmaster : Who were your coaches in those early days?

DH : Brian Lythgoe and Roger Eglen ran the side all the way through to Under-18's. They were both very committed and they worked the whole squad hard, but no doubt about it they also made it a lot of fun which kept it enjoyable for everyone. Good times.




Brian Mackie, Roger Eglen (asst manager), Brian Lythgoe (manager), Sid Hubbard, Alan Braddon & Adie Manser





Webmaster : What were your stand out memories from that era?

DH : The two tours of Germany and Holland were the most memorable moments for me, we played in some great grounds, and it was a great experience.




Long Stratton lads, In Germany 1991, Damian front row with pennant





Webmaster : Can you run us through how you went from Long Stratton FC to Norwich City FC?

DH : Without me knowing Brian Lythgoe wrote to Norwich several times to try and get them to watch me play, Brian showed a lot of persistance and eventually Norwich wrote to me, they invited me along for a trial game and i just went from there.




Copy of the letter Brian recieved from NCFC, note Damian was called Darren!





Webmaster : Long Straton with a rich history in bringing players through from youth to senior football are now re-establishing youth football in close connection with the club, do you think this is important?

DH : It's very important for a village of our size, there has been and still is a lot of kids travelling away from the village to join other football clubs as there has been nothing on offer here. Not only is it a good thing for the kids of our village to occupy their time, it will as has happened before benefit the senior sides of Long Stratton in the long run. These boys will stay through with the club now.




Webmaster : What's the best advice you'd give to younger players?

DH : i'm a great believer in you only get out what you put in, if the younger players work hard and concentrate in training and in games, and look after yourself properly you will get a lot more enjoyment out of it than just going through the motions.






Webmaster : You've played at nearly every level of the game, your now well into a management career...which do you find easier, playing or managing?

DH : Playing was a lot easier than managing. As a player you just have yourself, your own game to worry about. At times managing is like having loads more kids to worry about and look after. Actually my children are a lot easier to look after than my players!!




Damian recieves a trophy





Webmaster : Finally Damian, and many thanks for your time with this interview, As a native of the village, a dyed in the wool Strattonite, in what ways would YOU like to see Long Stratton F.C. grow?

DH : I hope that along with the growth of the village our football standards and facilities grow with it. To have our own ground would be great, and then to eventually one day get into Eastern Counties football. Kirkley & Pakefield Football Club is a great role model for us. Come on the Reds!










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