FORMER Norwich and Colchester striker Adrian Coote faces a double punishment when he appears in court next month after admitting speeding charges - a driving ban and the demise of his dream to appear on TV show Countdown.

FORMER Norwich and Colchester striker Adrian Coote faces a double punishment when he appears in court next month after admitting speeding charges - a driving ban and the demise of his dream to appear on TV show Countdown.

Coote, who played more than 60 games for Norwich City between 1996 and 2001, was clocked by a hand-held radar doing 48mph along the main road through Filby, near Yarmouth, which had a limit of 30mph.

Yesterday the former Northern Ireland international was warned he could be banned for up to six months from getting behind the wheel as he already had nine points on his licence.

And Coote's court hearing next month could prevent him from appearing on his favourite television show - Countdown.

Yesterday's hearing at Yarmouth Magistrates' Court came three days after Coote, now a sales adviser with Aviva, had scored the opening goal for his Yarmouth & District League team Carpathians against The Feathers pub.

Coote, 30, from Alderson Road, Yarmouth, did not attend the court but had sent a letter to the bench pleading guilty to speeding in Filby in a Fiat Brava on July 4 this year.

His case was adjourned until October 6 for sentencing as he had nine points on his licence and faces an immediate ban when he reappears before magistrates.

Next month's sentencing court will go ahead on the same day as Coote was due to appear before cameras to take part as a contestant in the Channel Four quiz programme Countdown.

Clerk of the court Alice Coe told the three magistrates: “You would need him to attend because he is liable for disqualification.”

Coote, who was born in Belton, was a prolific scorer with the youth and reserve teams at Carrow Road and made his full debut in the 1997 season.

In his 63 league appearances he scored three goals including a winner in a 2-1 victory at Manchester City.

Coote, who also picked up six international caps for Northern Ireland, left Carrow Road during the 2001/02 season to join Colchester, with the �50,000 fee making him the Essex club's record signing.

The 30-year-old has since played for a number of non-league clubs in Norfolk, including Dereham Town, Wroxham, Gorleston, and Rampart Sign.

Last month Coote told the Norwich Evening News that he had always been a Countdown fan as it was the first thing on television when he used to come home when he was young.