Football: Family Tree

Jon Culley
Sunday 21 December 1997 19:02 EST
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Being the brother of a rising Premiership star has advantages - not least in terms of free tickets - but can also bring unexpected pressures, as Scott Huckerby knows only too well.

Since 21-year-old Darren hit the headlines with Coventry, Scott has found his own progress under close scrutiny, his appearances for Ilkeston Town in the Unibond League inevitably attracting a clutch of scouts.

Like Darren, 20-year-old Scott signed for home-town club Notts County as a boy and went on to join Lincoln. But whereas Darren landed a dream move to Newcastle, Scott is still waiting for his big break.

His father, Billy, himself an active Sunday League player at 47, believes his younger son could also make the grade, but has suffered through comparison with Darren.

"Scott could be as good a player if he puts his mind to it," Billy said. "He has got a problem in that people think he has got to live up to Darren, although Ilkeston say he can do it."

Billy tries to support both in equal measure. He and his wife, Wendy, are as likely to be seen shivering by the touchline at Ilkeston's New Manor Ground as luxuriating in the comforts of Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge.

"From a young age all Darren ever did was kick a ball, Scott as well," he said. "They used to come and watch me as boys and I've always tried to give a bit back."

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