Canaries fans backing reserve goalkeeper Carlo Nash in a subversive internet campaign inadvertently sent scores of messages to a Manchester-based firm with a similar name.

A viral campaign to vote the goalkeeper – who has never played a first-team game for Norwich City –as the club's player of the season gathered pace in the run-up to relegation.

But many messages of support intended for the third-choice goalkeeper were misdirected to unsuspecting motorbike insurance brokers Carole Nash, the firm said

The mix-up had happened before when Nash played for Manchester City a decade ago, and much of his post was delivered to the insurance firm. It led to a meeting between the player and the insurance boss, with Nash signed as an official ambassador.

Rebecca Donohue, of Carole Nash, said: 'You really couldn't make it up.

'Whereas we used to receive his post, we're now receiving all of his online messages and were seemingly in the running to win Norwich's player-of-the-season award!

'It's something we're quite used to now, but the recent social media campaign has once again amplified the common error.

'We're big supporters of Carlo, having followed his career closely and naturally very keen to point Norwich fans in the right direction.'

Nash enjoys a reputation as something of a journeyman professional, following spells at nine other league clubs before his arrival at Carrow Road – often as a second- or third- choice keeper in recent years.

The 40-year-old, who signed from Stoke last summer, was the subject of a campaign by fans, disgruntled by the team's performances this season, to be awarded the title.

The Barry Butler Memorial Trophy is given to the player who receives the most votes, with nominations accepted by email and post, as well as by Facebook and Twitter.

Some fans criticised the campaign, arguing that it was disrespectful to other players and not a fitting way to motivate the team.

But despite the efforts of some fans, the award was eventually scooped by Scottish midfielder Robert Snodgrass, who was named as the winner before the kick-off against Arsenal in City's final game of the 2013-14 season.

It is unclear whether Nash actually topped the fans' poll as the humble keeper graciously declined to accept the award.