Darren Huckerby has a simple message for any other British players considering taking the plunge into Major League Soccer in the United States – come on in, the water is lovely.

Huckerby, the mercurial former Norwich City winger, was deemed surplus to requirements by Glenn Roeder in May but has found a new lease of life in San Jose since July. More important, for a modest $330,000 (about £194,000) a year, he has become the leading Englishman in the league, overshadowing a certain high-profile international player who plies his trade down the road in Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old detests any comparisons involving David Beckham and shies away from questions on the subject, but he does acknowledge that his impact on the league has raised his profile substantially. With six goals and four “assists” in 11 matches, helping the team to four wins, five draws and two defeats, Huckerby has established himself as a player of significance and has transformed the San Jose Earthquakes. Their play-offs hopes were dealt a blow on Saturday night, however, with a 1-0 defeat by Chivas USA that leaves them in sixth place in the Western Conference.

Yet it is the lifestyle that goes with the football that has captivated this most English of sporting idols, a son of Nottingham who has played for Lincoln City, Coventry City, Leeds United and Manchester City. “Playing here is a completely different experience and has been a lot better than my expectations,” Huckerby said. “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.”

While the footballing chat is fairly prosaic – you can take the lad out of Britain, but you cannot take “the lads” out of his conversation – get Huckerby talking about life in general and it becomes evident that he has discovered the essence of Californian charm. “I love the lifestyle here, and that’s the big difference, even if it is hard training in 90-degree heat,” he said. “You are not limited by the weather at all. I don’t get stuck in my apartment watching TV, it’s a great outdoor lifestyle.

“It’s also a beautiful area to live in and much more laid-back than England. After training, we can sit around the pool, go swimming and use the gym. We train at the university and the facilities are probably on a par with Premiership clubs. The style is not as strict, either. When we travel we are not locked up in a hotel room for days at a time, so we can actually see some of the cities we visit.

“It is a completely different environment after games, too, more to do with going out for a meal and socialising, not just going out drinking. There is no one going on all-day benders. Recently, our game with Houston was called off so we had a pool party, got the barbecue going and had a good American evening of it. The lads still have a few beers, but that’s where it ends.”

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 , mindful of his relatively low s alary in the US .

Not many command Beckham-level wages. “But this is definitely the place to be. It is so much more enjoyable.”

English players in the MLS

Andy Iro Columbus Crew
Danny Dichio Toronto
Rohan Ricketts Toronto
Terry Cooke Colorado Rapids
Tony Caig Houston Dynamos
John Cunliffe San Jose Earthquakes

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• Euro 2008