Leroy Lita's Norwich City reflections ahead of Bristol clash

It was only three months on a loan stint from Reading in the 2008/09 campaign, but Lita packed plenty into his spell at Carrow Road, including a hat-trick, a derby day victory and seven goals in his 17 Championship games. 

Ahead of the Canaries' match against his former club Bristol City, Lita shared his memories from his time in Norfolk. 

The England U21 international only has one regret about his time wearing yellow and green - that he wasn't given the opportunity to stay longer than that short period. 

"I was only there for three months, but I really enjoyed it," Lita told the Pink Un. "You know what the fans there are like - it's big crowds every week. That is what you dreamed of growing up as a kid, playing football in front of massive crowds - so I really enjoyed it down there. 

"The fans were really good to me. I had some really good days. It was only three months, and I probably should have stayed for longer, but I got called back to Reading. I would have stayed until at least the end of the season because of how much I enjoyed it."

The immediate memory for Lita was his hat-trick in City's surprise 5-2 victory over league leader Wolves at Carrow Road. 

"I struggled for a few games before that, and the fans were unsure about me. Everyone goes through a dry spell, but you just have to believe in yourself to work and get into the positions to score. 

"It all came together on that day with a bit of luck that you need for those goals," Lita said. "The fans made me feel welcome and everything just clicked. Sometimes, that is just what you need. 

Leroy Lita netted a hat-trick against Wolves during his loan spell at Norwich in 2008. (Image: Newsquest) "It was a very enjoyable period of my career. It was only three months, but it felt a lot longer because it was so much fun." 

Lita's mind quickly moves to City's 2-0 victory over Ipswich in the East Anglian derby when asked for another standout moment. 

The striker admits to being surprised by the ferocity and intensity of the rivalry having only experienced it through a TV screen before his loan stint in Norfolk. 

"What a day that was! I didn't realise [how big it is]. You obviously watch it on TV and read about it, but you don't give it the respect it deserves until you are actually there," he admitted.

"Playing in it was unreal. I think we had about four days off after that. It was really good. The Norwich fans topped it off because we were at home. It's always on Sky, but I never really gave it the respect until I was involved. 

"They still haven't beat them. It's probably one of the longest streaks in football. They were good times down there with some really excellent fans." 

Lita began his professional career at Bristol City after a spell in Chelsea's academy, making 96 appearances for the Robins between 2002 and 2005 before moving to join Reading for a club record fee. 

The striker will be forever grateful to those who helped him convert hard work into the beginning of a successful career as a teenager. 

"It was a big part of my journey. I got down there as a 16-year-old on trial, so I had it all to do. Luckily for me, there were the right people at the right time to guide me. They wanted me to sign there, and I really enjoyed it," he said.

Lita began his career at Bristol City as a teenager. (Image: PA Images) "The work was down to me, and I made them give me opportunities because, at that time, not many people wanted to. I kept knocking on doors and travelled down there as a 16-year-old on my own. 

"I worked hard to get the opportunity, and thankfully, I got it," Lita said. "Every club that I've played for, I've had a good relationship with the fans. When you're playing against them, then it's completely different. 

"I've always given my all and been 100pc committed and I've always got on with most of the fans of the clubs that I've played for." 

Lita, 39, is still playing in non-league with Barwell in the Southern League Premier Division Central, where Lowestoft Town and Darren Eadie's Leiston are among his opposition. 

The former Middlesbrough, Swansea and Reading forward is still enjoying playing football whilst working towards his next objective of remaining in the game through coaching and management.

Lita played 17 games for Norwich City in 2008, scoring seven times. (Image: Newsquest) "It's only a game a week though, it's not the same as professional football. It's just fun, and you can still enjoy it, have a drink afterwards with people and laugh.  

"It's not like the professional world at all, but I still love playing and scoring goals. It's not the commitment that you have when you're full-time, and you don't have to train every day. It's just playing and I can manage that. 

"I've stayed involved in football by coaching and I'm enjoying that. I am going down that path to eventually get into the management side of it. I'll keep working towards that, and I'm enjoying where I am right now."