Darren Huckerby is delighted with his move to the San Jose Earthquakes. The former Newcastle United and Norwich City star told The Times: "Playing here is a completely different experience and has been a lot better than my expectations.

"I knew the team was struggling and I thought it might be tough playing here, too, but they're a good bunch of lads and took to me straight away.

"The style of play is very pass-orientated and a lot more attack-minded, which suits me down to the ground. I am really enjoying my football and I think it's showing in what I've achieved so far. The standard is probably on a par with the Championship, but there isn't the strength in depth to compare it directly. The top 25 [players] in the league could easily hold their own in the Premiership, though."

This season will not be the end in San Jose for Huckerby because his contract runs to the end of 2009 and he has said that he could be tempted to stay longer.

"I would definitely recommend the experience to other players - but make as much money as you can in England first," he said.