THE official historian of Norwich City Football Club – probably best known for its major shareholder chef Delia Smith – is on a rather unusual quest.

Mike Davage, who lives in Norwich, but is a lifelong supporter of Southampton, where he was born and brought up, is attempting to compile a Who’s Who of everybody who played in the English Football League between the two world wars – from 1919 to 1939.

His research so far has revealed at least one Jerseyman among the 10,000 men who played in the league during those years.

He was Elie Hurel, who was born at Val de la Mare, on 10 April 1915.

Mr Davage says that he was a midfield player, firstly with the St Helier team; then for Everton, from April 1936, as an amateur, and then, from May 1936, as a professional, during which time he played five games and scored once; and, finally, for Northampton Town from April 1938, for whom he played 12 games and scored two goals.

‘I am struggling to find his subsequent whereabouts and his family,’ said Mr Davage, who is hoping that someone in Jersey will be able to help.

If anyone can do so, they can contact Mr Davage by e-mail on mike.davage@btinternet.com, by telephone on 01603 400289; or by writing to him at his home address, 32 Norman Drive, Old Catton, Norwich NR6 7HN.