Legends are all too many these days. Paddon, however, was always the real deal

Not many players who pull on the yellow and green can really claim legendary status.

Of course, many great footballers have played for our club in their time, making their name at City before looking to pastures new.

By the same token, several lesser mortals have passed through Norwich City on their way to nowhere in particular. But only a relative few achieve an affection in the supporters' hearts and memories that attains to genuine greatness.

Without doubt, Graham Paddon was one of those.

For City supporters around and beyond Stan's age, Paddon is, and forever will be, a hero.

He was a player who could always be relied upon to give his all for the cause, who played through pain to dig his comrades out of trouble, and who kept the green-and-yellow flag flying through thick and thin.

He also had a cultured left foot, meaning he fitted seamlessly into the two very different teams built by Ron Saunders and John Bond over the 1970s.

Throughout his time at City, he was – with Kevin Keelan – the first name on the team sheet, week in week out. It was with Graham Paddon ensconced in the side that Norwich first won promotion to Division One; that City first visited Wembley; and that the Canaries became a cultured top flight team who garnered the respect of the football elite.

For those reasons, Paddon is an integral part of our club's and our own histories.

Of course, Paddon did briefly pop over to West Ham and win an FA Cup winners' medal. In so doing, he proved that the Canary-Hammer link worked two-ways – we helped them out just as much as they helped us.

Nevertheless, he soon returned to the fold, teaming up with the likes of Martin Peters and Colin Suggett to forge one of the best midfields ever to work its magic at Carrow Road.

He also looked fantastic – with a golden mane that could take an opponent's eye out whilst simultaneously putting to shame the array of dodgy perms bobbing along beside him. Even his moustache had style.

Three things come immediately to mind when Stan thinks of Graham Paddon.

First, he always played. In 1970-71, he played 45 out of 47 games; in 1971-72, he played 46 out of 48 games; in 1972-73, he played 54 our of 60 games. Then, on returning, he played 49 out of 51 games in 1979-80, and 48 out of 48 in 1980-81.

Imagine a Safri – or most of our lot today – dealing with that? Two hairs out of place and half the current team downs tools.

Second, take yourself back to Highbury, 21 November 1972. City are in the League Cup fifth round (such giddy heights), playing one of the great Arsenal teams – one that will finish second come the end of the season.

Norwich are new to Division One but giving it a go; showing some fight and some spirit, and even having a cup run. Across from the red ranks of the North Bank, the Norwich contingent pull their woollen scarves tight across their Ben Shermans or tank tops, light their cigarettes, and stamp their feet against the cold.

We could get a hiding, but we know this team can do almost anything. And they do. 3-0 City, Paddon scores one of the great hat-tricks of all time, and 'On the Ball, City' resounds across north London. Beautiful.

Third, Nottingham Forest come to Carrow Road on 25 February 1978. They are on their way to winning the league. We have been doing all season what John Bond teams tended to do – play well, but not always get the result that such culture deserved.

A few weeks back, Man City demolished us 3-1 at home; young Stan cried.

Now, it's 3.35 pm and we are 3-0 down. In such situations, there is always one player to whom the crowd and his team-mates looked: Graham Paddon.

A John Ryan penalty before half-time gets out hopes up, before a second-half performance, in which Paddon begins to cut into and work his way around the Forest defence, ensures we get a 3-3 draw.

For whatever reason, Stan will always remember Paddon leaving the pitch after that game – a gladiator leaving the coliseum, a true hero being applauded for his endeavour, a City legend showing the fight and the heart that will always make this club great.

Rest in peace Graham, we love you?