Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLstories- Burnley boss Sean Dyche gives verdict on Norwich City defeat #BURNLEYFC

April 11, 2022
BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche admits his side’s 2-0 defeat against Norwich feels like “a big step back”. Pierre Lees-Melou opened the scoring before Teemu Pukki wrapped up the result inside the final five minutes. Dyche was frustrated his team were not able to build on Wednesday’s 3-2 win against relegation rivals Everton. The Clarets are now four points from safety following the Toffees’ 1-0 victory against Manchester United. “The feeling is that it was a big step forward in the week and a big step back today,” Dyche said. “After a really strong second half against Everton and win, we came down here and could not build on that. “We couldn’t find clarity in the final third, which has been the story of our season.” The key moment arrived in the 65th minute when substitute Dwight McNeil picked out Cornet at the back post, but Burnley’s leading marksman sliced wide from close range. Dyche added: “Obviously Maxwel’s chance is a golden one and they have got to go in. "We had a golden chance to change the whole feel of the game and didn’t take it.” The Clarets are back in action on Sunday, April 17 when they head to the London Stadium to take on West Ham (KO 2:15pm). Clarets on social, plus take out a subscription... Keep up to date with our Burnley coverage on social media by joining us on Facebook and Twitter Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl assesses table after points dropped against Norwich City #SAINTSFC #NCFC

November 22, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted “it is not surprising that teams come closer” when asked if he’s looking over his shoulder in the Premier League following the Norwich defeat. The 2-1 loss at Carrow Road came as other sides below Saints picked up points with Aston Villa and Watford picking up convincing wins, and the likes Brentford and Burnley claiming score-draws. Saints had been unbeaten in four in the Premier League and on the ascendancy, but a disappointing defeat to the side who were rock-bottom, with a trip to Liverpool up next, has put a stop to that. And with many of the teams below also employing new managers following the week of sackings at the start of the international break, we could see a resurgence of a few that might have Saints concerned. “It is not surprising when you don’t win that teams behind you come closer,” Hasenhuttl said, speaking after the match. “We know that we have a battle here (Norwich) but it was possible today to take the three points, everything was going in our direction. “But in the Premier League to win games it has to be more than a half where you play well. But we need to step up, learn and change it.”
Dean Smith Manager
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Dean Smith says improved Norwich ‘deserved’ to beat Saints #NCFC

November 21, 2021
DEAN Smith called on Norwich and their supporters to turn Carrow Road into a fortress after they secured a second Premier League win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Saints. Goals from Teemu Pukki and captain Grant Hanley, on his 30th birthday, saw the Canaries make it back-to-back triumphs, after they also beat Brentford two weeks ago in what proved Daniel Farke’s last match in charge. “Winning two on the spin is hard to do and coming from behind is hard to do, so this should build on the belief gained from the Brentford game,” Smith said, having only been appointed on Monday. “Home form is really important. We know how hard the Premier League is and when you have home advantage and the supporters behind you, like they were, it is really important. “We want to make this a tough place to come, win, lose or draw. Whenever a team leaves, they have to say this was a tough place to come. “Southampton will say that. They were at a good level in first half but we improved and deserved to win.” Che Adams fired Saints in front after four minutes and Smith admitted his mind cast back two weeks to when a similar thing happened at St Mary’s after Adam Armstrong struck inside three minutes in a 1-0 defeat, which proved his last game at Aston Villa. Pukki levelled immediately to score the first goal of the new manager’s era and yet the visitors remained on the front foot before the half-time introduction of Josh Sargent and a slight tactical adjustment shifted the momentum, with the hosts pressing higher up the pitch. The Canaries pushed for a late winner and it arrived when Hanley’s header into the ground bounced over Alex McCarthy to clinch all three points. Smith added: “I thought it was a good team performance, especially second half, and they stuck together. “Young Brandon Williams was excellent, in particular defensively, and these players will grow. We have only had two training sessions and they will get better. “It was a tough first 45. They got off to a great start and I was thinking back to two weeks earlier when they got off to great start against Aston Villa when I was there, but the players showed great character.”
Dean Smith Manager
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Dean Smith speaks ahead of taking his Carrow Road bow #NCFC

November 20, 2021
Please share“Analysing everything” will be the key to picking Dean Smith’s first City team, according to the Canaries’ new head coach.Smith’s first Colney training session came on Thursday, and with a crucial match against Southampton coming up tomorrow he’s been left with little time to draft a starting XI. He is comfortable in this scenario, however, having taken the reigns at Brentford and Aston Villa mid-season. So how will Smith go about his first selection? “Just examining them every day on the training ground … watching the little behaviours they’ve got, looking at the quality, the technical abilities. “Over the last week or so the sports science team have been passing me the numbers so I can have a look at their physical output as well. We’re analysing everything all the time to find out what’s our best team.” [embedded content] It’s been a hectic week for the 50-year-old, who only recently flew back to the UK from New York before being introduced to the club’s staff, as well as an unveiling to the press on Wednesday afternoon. The new City boss is focused on the Saints, however, and recognised the tough opposition they’ll provide in his first game in charge. “We know there are big problems,” said Smith. “We need to create more chances. We know how difficult it is at this level, especially against a Southampton team who aren’t conceding many at all. “We want to make Carrow Road a hard place to come for the opposition and we can start that on Saturday, although I’m very respectful of Ralph (Hasenhüttl) and his team; they’re in a good run of form and they’re a tough team to play against. “My abiding memory [of Carrow Road] is that the supporters are very welcoming. I want them to be welcoming to Norwich City on Saturday, but not so much to Southampton.” Please share
Dean Smith Manager
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Norwich boss Dean Smith previews Southampton with team news #NCFC

November 20, 2021
NEW Norwich boss Dean Smith has labelled Saints “a hard team to play against” under Ralph Hasenhuttl, ahead of his first match. The former Villa manager knows better than most with his last game in management – just two weeks ago – bringing to an end his previous tenure, following the 1-0 St Mary’s defeat. The Norfolk outfit picked up their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over fellow promoted side Brentford last time out, but still opted to replace Daniel Farke with Smith. Speaking ahead of his all-important first game at the helm, Smith warned of the threats that Saints pose his side: “We have really good backing from our supporters. I know they'll be behind us Saturday. “But we're very respectful of Ralph and Southampton, they're a hard team to play against. “We know how difficult it is at this level. Defensively, we need to be harder to beat and we want to start there. “But with the creative talent we've got, we need to be creating more chances.” In a boost for the relegation battlers, Smith did confirm that he has a full squad to choose from with the exception of two – Christoph Zimmerman and long-term absentee Sam Byram. There were doubts over the likes of defenders Grant Hanley, Andrew Omobamidele and Ozan Kabak. But Smith confirmed: “We have a fully fit squad at the moment, apart from Christoph Zimmermann still being out. “Sam Byram is going to play 45 minutes for the Under-23s this evening.”
Dean Smith Manager
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Dean Smith brings much-needed positivity to the Norwich City head coach role #NCFC

November 19, 2021
Please shareThe ambition debate is not an unfamiliar one to Norwich City fans.From Premier League season to Premier League season, especially since Stuart Webber’s arrival at Carrow Road, the Canaries have been ridiculed nationally for failing to ‘have a go’. Little effort has been made to understand the nuances of City’s model, and it’s a sentiment that’s inspired abundant frustration in Norfolk. When success is found at Championship level that model is heralded, but at the top table – where City are front and centre and the world is free to judge – it doesn’t hold up. Never mind the faux passion that railed against Super League proposals and the plight of clubs like Bury and Bolton Wanderers, hungry neutrals want a football feast and Norwich just don’t satisfy their tastes. It must be said that under the Daniel Farke regime, little effort was made to communicate the ambition at Lotus Training Centre. Webber was signing international players and bringing in household names, while those around him were playing down the ambition this showed. Farke referred to the disadvantage his self-funded club was burdened with at almost every opportunity and the club’s internal top-17 goal was not made public for months. The City sporting director did eventually produce some fighting talk of his own, but the real turning point came on Wednesday afternoon when Farke’s successor finally put his new club’s ambition into words. “Mine and Craig (Shakespeare)’s job is to keep us in the league this season, and that’s firmly what we believe we can do,” said Dean Smith. “If I thought it was a risk then I wouldn’t have taken [the job]. We’ve got 27 games left in the Premier League, there’s a lot of points to play for, and we’re just off the back of a win. “I’ve seen how progressive this club has been, there’s enough quality, and that’s the biggest thing. Our aim is to stay in the Premier League, and if we can do that I think there are great building blocks and, hopefully, we can build on them.” Perhaps what Norwich needed was a man to whom the Premier League was familiar, whose last 87 league games have been in the top division and who isn’t ready to give up that status just yet. Perhaps what they needed was simply a passionate speaker, whose targets weren’t hidden and whose statements were clear. Of course, Smith must produce results on the pitch as well as in the press room, but nothing on his CV suggests that he won’t do so. The ex-Brentford manager arrives in NR1 with more pedigree than the large majority of men who’ve gone before him. He boasts a history of promotion, Premier League survival and a huge hand in the development of England’s most expensive ever player. The great City coaches; Mike Walker, Paul Lambert, even Farke, were on the up when they led the Canaries, hitting the peak of their managerial careers as they sealed the job. That Smith was seen as the non-big-name candidate ahead of his appointment now seems bizarre in itself – Norwich have gone from hiring an unknown coach from the German fourth division to acquiring a man who contentiously lost the Aston Villa job, and yet some, charmed by the bright lights of Frank Lampard, preferred a more glamourous character. Whether City’s new head coach can produce the type of performance they need at home to Southampton remains to be seen, but this is a great opportunity for him, and he’s certainly addressed fans in the right way. Among the managerial search, what’s been lost by the masses is the fact that three wins from three matches against the Saints, Wolves and Newcastle would equal the Canaries’ points total to their games played – the fight isn’t nearly over yet. Norwich have known that all along, but they needed somebody to say it. Please share
Dean Smith Manager
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- New Norwich boss Dean Smith’s verdict on stopping Southampton #NCFC

November 18, 2021
NEW Norwich City boss Dean Smith insisted he knew all about the threat posed by Saints, having managed Aston Villa against them earlier this month. Smith made a swift return to management just over a week after he was sacked by Villa, following five straight Premier League defeats. Saints were Smith’s last opponents while he was in charge of Villa, with a 1-0 loss followed by his exit two days later. Having now signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Carrow Road, the manager’s first challenge will be to try to thwart Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men at Carrow Road on Saturday. He said: “I think certainly coming into the training ground here at Colney and meeting up with the staff, I already have an idea of how Southampton play because we came up against them so recently in the last game I managed for Villa. “So it should help me in terms of not having to catch up so much compared to if it was a club that I’ve not played against, but they beat Aston Villa 1-0 so we have to turn the result around with the performance.” Norwich are currently bottom of the pile on goal difference, having won just one of their first 11 contests. “The top of the in-tray is not to concede goals, we’ve conceded too many already and defensively we want to make our structure and organisation a lot stronger and we’ve got talented players and we need to go and score more goals obviously,” Smith said. “We haven’t scored as many as we would have liked to, but there’s definitely players there who can do both sides of the job. “When I spoke to Stuart (Webber, Norwich’s sporting director), he believes in the squad of players, I’ve looked at the squad of players with Craig (Shakespeare, assistant head coach) and we both believe that it’s a squad that probably aren’t producing the results they need and our job is to improve their performance levels. “If we do that then we’ll get the results.”
Daniel Farke
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- The key is to stay positive says #DanielFarke to keep the faith among Norwich fans #NCFC

September 19, 2021
Please shareNorwich City head coach Daniel Farke has passionately reiterated the importance of positivity as the Canaries head into their crucial match against Watford, claiming that 100% of supporters must remain upbeat to earn Premier League establishment.The German denied that the game was ‘must-win’ for his side, but called on supporters to “make Carrow Road a fortress” today after a difficult start to the season for City. “The key is to stay positive after one or two [bad] results,” Farke said. “Our supporters have had to learn to suffer on Premier League level a little bit in the last two or three decades and so we’re used to it. But the key will be that we also stay positive and don’t lose trust in the process and don’t lose trust in ourselves.” The former Borussia Dortmund II coach then defended some of the players who have come in for criticism after Norwich’s pointless opening four games, saying: “After a defeat, I hear some criticism of some of our players. For example, in the first games my centre-backs, Ben Gibson and Grant Hanley, were criticised a bit because we conceded a few goals and it’s more like, ‘yeah, not good enough for Premier League level’. “I think it’s important that we stay positive and respectful. What these lads have done for this club is unbelievable. Ben Gibson: if I’m honest I’ve worked quite long in this business but I’ve never worked with a centre-back who is better in his build-up play. He’s outstanding with his left foot. In the dressing room, he acts like a captain even if he’s not involved. “Grant Hanley was a massive rock last season. He was outstanding. He’s so important for us.” German midfielder Lukas Rupp, who many were shocked to see in the starting lineup as City went down 1-0 to Arsenal last weekend, was defended most vehemently, Farke claiming that the man affectionately coined ‘LR7’ does a lot of unnoticed work for his team. “Lukas Rupp is sometimes not a fan favourite, I know this,” Farke continued. “Sometimes there are some raised eyebrows when he’s in the starting lineup but, believe me, if you asked the players, he would be for more or less every player the first name on the team sheet. “No other (out)field player is experienced like Lukas on this level. No other player covers ground like Lukas on this level. No other player wins possession back for us like Lukas on this level. “When you watch the game against Arsenal back, in terms of his defensive behaviour, how many situations he repaired and how often he won the ball back, this was Oliver Skipp levels. “He is perhaps not playing football that’s sexy like Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s LR7, not CR7. He’s not Emi Buendia with his magic touch, who gets the supporters up from their seat. He’s an unsung hero, but we need these types of players, and we also need support for them.” First-choice striker Teemu Pukki has also come in for criticism after a slow start to the season. At 31 and with £9million competition signed this summer in Josh Sargent some had questioned how effective the Finn can be in the Premier League this season. There’s no question for Farke. “When I think about Teemu Pukki, 29, 11, 26, these are the numbers of goals he’s scored in the last three seasons. There’s no doubt, he’s one of the best strikers that this club has ever seen,” he said. “This player stuck with us after relegation when he had other opportunities because his blood is yellow. I’m struggling to accept the comments that are like, ‘he’s poor, he’s too old, he needs to be dropped’. “We have to make sure that for these players, who have delivered so much for us as a club, it’s important to stay positive and back them and show them respect. OK, on Premier League level it’s more difficult to shine than on Championship level.” The boss does, however, sympathise with their fans and has been in their shoes. The 45-year-old told the media: “It’s not a complaint because I know that 95% of our supporters are positive and can judge it in this way, but if we want to establish this club on Premier League level, 95 is not enough. We need 100%. “I was a supporter as well when I was younger and I was always moaning about the players once we lost the game and also pretty quick in judging ‘this player is crap’ and ‘this is not good enough’. I totally can understand the soul of supporters. “Everything is OK but if we really want to swim against the tide then we have to be special and not like the behaviour of Daniel Farke at 20-years-old when he was emotional, moaning about players. I think this club was lacking a little bit this positivity in recent years on Premier League level and started to feel sorry for themselves and doubt themselves too early.” Farke will have Gibson, Hanley, Rupp and Pukki available to him for the Hornets’ visit this afternoon, but will be without Christoph Zimmermann, who suffered a small ankle injury in the recent international break, and Przemyslaw Placheta, who’s yet to appear in a matchday squad this season. Dimitris Giannoulis is back in contention to start after missing the trip to the Emirates, as is USA international Sargent. New signings Ozan Kabak and Mathias Normann could make their debuts this weekend after both completed their first full week of City training. Please share
Andrew Omobamidele
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Advantage #AndrewOmobamidele in the battle for centre-back starting berths #NCFC

September 15, 2021
Please shareAfter a frantic contest had drawn to a close and various officials from both Arsenal and Norwich City gathered around to complete their post-match duties, one man still stood out as the calmest in the Emirates Stadium.Surprisingly that man was a 19-year-old, who months ago was known to very few but suddenly has been catapulted into global recognition on the international stage and in the Premier League. “It’s been a great week,” said Andrew Omobamidele, the composed teenager in question. “A week that I dreamt of since I started playing football, obviously with the international stage and then here (at the Emirates). Hopefully, I’ll get more moments like this. “This is the level that I want to play at. These are the type of opposition that I want to be playing week in, week out, throughout my whole career hopefully. To be playing them at a young age is a valuable experience.” Saturday may have been dreamy for the Irishman in one way, but he was speaking following a 1-0 loss, his pointless side’s fourth defeat of the season. Individual milestones may be satisfying but success is the priority, as Omobamidele highlighted: “It was a disappointing end. Some parts of the game we dominated and the boys at the back defended well on crosses, there’s a lot of positives. I know it’s early on and it’s a fresh defeat but I think there’s a lot of positives that we can take.” While disappointed, the centre-back was clearly keen to view the loss with optimism and in doing so will surely take note of his own performance, an excellent display and arguably the best of any Norwich centre-back this campaign. Club captain Grant Hanley, previously consistently solid, has endured a difficult start to the season as he adapts his aggressive ball-winning game to smarter Premier League forwards, and while the Scotland international looks crude and reactive, Omobamidele’s composure has been a breath of fresh air for the Canaries. Never did City’s number 44 look flustered or rushed and dealt with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s direct style very well. No performance is entirely unblemished in football, but Omobamidele did well to learn from his mistakes. In the early stages, Aubameyang did come close to catching Tim Krul out after his marker was caught far too high up the pitch, but more cautious positioning from the Norwich defender ensured that such a situation was not repeated. Omobamidele held firm as Arsenal pressure increased, and looked more comfortable in a set shape than on the run; after a hectic start the game had calmed down and he was part of a deep backline in a 10-strong block rather than a two-on-one battle with the Gambian. Also impressive was Omobamidele’s ability on the ball. With the Irishman in the side, City looked far more capable and assured when bringing the ball out from the back than they had in the prior three league games, and the Gunners’ clear ploy to direct all traffic towards Hanley highlighted their knowledge of his defensive partner’s strengths. However, football is a results business and because the ball bounced fortuitously off a stricken Nicolas Pepe and into Aubameyang’s path, Omobamidele’s excellent performance will largely be forgotten. Thankfully for the youngster, his head coach’s eye for detail won’t allow the same attitude to creep into team selection, and just as well given the competition. Potential record signing and Ozan Kabak is yet to appear in a yellow shirt while Omobamidele has already eased out half of the greatest City defensive duo in a number of years. It’s a testament to both the Irishman’s quality and Stuart Webber’s transfer dealings that two weeks ago Hanley and Ben Gibson appeared the clear top two in the starting stakes. Rotation may also work in Omobamidele’s favour as he looks to gain top-level experience. It’s a tool Daniel Farke is aware he’ll have to use, despite not being entirely keen on heavy tinkering. “It won’t be that we have 11 changes between each and every game because that wouldn’t be healthy for the group if we changed too much, especially in central positions,” Farke said following the Arsenal defeat, “but we have to be a bit more pragmatic and a bit more flexible perhaps than last season when we were dominating game after game.” Omobamidele will hope that his performances earn him exemption from that rotation – in the same way that Teemu Pukki and Emi Buendia’s performances have earned them automatic starting places – when previously it had looked like his best chance at some Premier League minutes. There’s still a long way to go and the Irish international will have to step his performances up another level to achieve that status, but after a slow start from his in-house competitors, City’s latest teenage superstar has more than taken the initiative. Please share
Daniel Farke
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #DanielFarke delighted as Canaries finally tick their top priority transfer by signing #MathiasNormann #NCFC

August 31, 2021
Please shareHeading into the 2021 summer transfer window Norwich City had one top priority: find a defensive midfielder to replace Oliver Skipp. After a long and arduous process, they have their man.In Mathias Normann, brought in from Russian side FC Rostov for a loan fee that could turn into a club record permanent deal if Premier League survival is achieved, Stuart Webber has found a player not lacking in bite but also technically good enough to play for Daniel Farke. City had originally hoped that Philip Billing would be that player, and after a drawn-out sage that truthfully never got that close to sealing a deal for the Bournemouth midfielder, Billing confirmed that he wanted to remain a Cherry out of choice. This followed the Canaries’ pursuit of Kristoffer Ajer, a centre-back capable of playing in midfield. Webber was prepared to pay £10million; Celtic eventually sold him to Brentford for up to £18million. City had been prepared to wait until the very last throws of the window to bring back Skipp but new Tottenham boss Nuno Espírito Santo put pay to any chance of a reunion when he started the 20-year-old against English Champions Manchester City. With hope floundering, up came an odd yet exciting link with Real Betis and Portugal midfielder William Carvalho. Rarely is it that an experienced international with a major tournament on the CV is linked with a move to Carrow Road and for that reason, it always seemed unlikely, and it was.  But finally, after all the toing and froing and a lot of talk with few results, Norwich secured the final piece in their jigsaw, and what a crucial piece it is. City’s midfield woes were painfully obvious in their opener at home to Liverpool, whose second goal exposed the gaping weakness in front of the back four. Billy Gilmour’s lax tracking for that goal was the clearest indication yet of his status as a square peg in a round hole, and it’s hoped that Normann’s arrival will free up the Chelsea loanee to perform at his ball-playing best without the defensive duties he’s been burdened with so far. Normann outlined his strengths in his first interview as a City player, saying: “I’m a defensive midfielder, I like to tackle, to win the ball and to use my body. I like to be on the ball and try to dictate the game. “I know that Norwich play very good football and they like to keep the ball. They have a lot of energy. I spoke a little bit to the coach (Farke) and everything looks very good.” Farke, open for weeks about his desire to recruit a defensive midfield and undoubtedly pleased with Normann’s arrival, said: “We’re really happy to bring Mathias in. We’ve worked on this piece of business for several weeks. “Quite often, he plays the holding midfield position. But he’s very good with his passing choices and is a good technical player. We feel he’s the perfect addition to the squad and look forward to having him as part of the group.” With just two days left to get their business done, the signing of Normann has assured the status of Norwich City’s summer 2021 transfer window as a good one. With one more addition, it could be a perfect one. Please share
Daniel Farke
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #DanielFarke impressed with #BillyGilmour at Carrow Road #NCFC #ChelseaFC

August 5, 2021
Please shareNorwich City Head Coach Daniel Farke praised his players for coming through a “tough 14 days” to thrash Gillingham 5-0 on Wednesday night, joining new signing Billy Gilmour in talking up the atmosphere on a big night at Carrow Road.“I’m quite pleased, the circumstances of the last two weeks haven’t been easy for the lads,” Farke told official club channels. “We have had a tough 14 days. We had two players back yesterday into team training, Jacob Sorensen and Angus Gunn, our two Covid-19 cases. “Also until the weekend, Dimitris Giannoulis and Max Aarons were self-isolating. They didn’t catch it but it was precautious. Today, seven players missed the game due to Covid-19 reasons. All in all, without 11 first-team players in the last days has been difficult for the mood and confidence but also on the training pitch.” The German bemoaned the impact his side’s Covid outbreak had had on preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign, some players still isolating with just 11 days left until the big kick-off on August 14. Club captain Grant Hanley has not yet featured in pre-season and has missed three opportunities to play because of the outbreak, City’s final friendly at Newcastle is now his only chance to gain some match sharpness before the season starts. Milot Rashica, Teemu Pukki, Bali Mumba, Michael McGovern, Jordan Hugill, Przemyslaw Placheta and Onel Hernandez also missed the Gillingham game, along with long-term absentee Sam Byram. “It’s not easy for the lads who are missing, no team training for ten days is difficult. For Teemu, he was away longer after the Euros, came back and had three days with us and then is not with us for ten days. “It’s not ideal but the main thing is, the lads feel alright,” the City boss continued. Some are struggling with some symptoms, but the main thing is their safety and health. “We don’t want them to struggle for too long so we accept this situation. In the last few days, there have been no new Covid-19 cases so we’ve stopped the cycle a little bit. Hopefully, step by step, we get our players back. We have to take time to get their fitness back.” A key player who was involved, and was instrumental throughout the friendly, was Billy Gilmour. The Scot featured in front of a Carrow Road crowd for the first time on Wednesday night and was blown away by the atmosphere created by the 10,692 fans in attendance. “It was an amazing feeling,” he said. “Fans are back and honestly it was so loud. When we were scoring and the fans were celebrating, there is no better feeling. “It makes me really excited for the Liverpool game in a couple of weeks. It is a big fixture to start the season and, hopefully, we can continue our positivity into that.” Farke agreed, commending the support provided by those watching the game live, as fans congregated at Carrow Road for the first time since December 2020. “It also felt a bit special tonight with it being our first time back at Carrow Road,” he said. “It’s been our first time back for months and a first chance to celebrate a little bit our fantastic last season and the promotion. “You could feel it after the celebrations after each goal how much it meant to them and how much they have missed our feeling and spirit together. Our supporters have always been with us, even in the empty stadiums last season. For that, it’s great to be re-connected and reunited with them.” Please share
#PLStories- Norwich complete #BenGibson deal to end Burnley nightmare #BURNLEYFC #NCFC
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Norwich complete #BenGibson deal to end Burnley nightmare #BURNLEYFC #NCFC

July 2, 2021
BURNLEY defender Ben Gibson has officially completed his permanent move to Norwich City. The centre-half ended a nightmare spell with the Clarets when he joined the Canaries on loan last September. And after their promotion to the Premier League after winning the Championship, an obligation to buy clause has been activated, the fee believed to be £8million. There were big hopes for Gibson on his arrival at Turf Moor for a joint club record £15million back in August 2018 but he made just six appearances for the club. His last Clarets appearance came in the Carabao Cup in August 2019, the 28-year-old being allowed to train with his hometown club Middlesbrough at one stage after airing frustrations about not sealing a move away. Gibson then joined Norwich where he made 27 appearances last season, his season ended in March by an ankle injury. “I am absolutely delighted,” he said. “What we achieved last season was remarkable. “It couldn’t have gone any better, bar the injury for me, for the team and the squad. We had clear goals, we set out to achieve them and we fulfilled them in every way. “We didn’t just get promoted, we were champions and we had record points total. So, it has literally been a dream move. “It (the Premier League) is where everyone wants to be. It is where I have been for different chapters in my career. “We can’t wait to have another crack at it.”
Anguss Gunn
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Saints Goalkeeper #AngussGunn says Norwich move is a ‘dream come true’ after finalising Saints departure #SAINTSFC #NCFC

June 24, 2021
GOALKEEPER Angus Gunn described as a “dream come true” his return to Norwich City after his exit from Saints was confirmed. The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Carrow Road having signed for a reported £5.5million from St Mary’s, with add-ons meaning the move could rise to £10m. Gunn joined Saints for £10m from Manchester City in July 2018, following a successful loan spell with the Canaries. He went on to play 30 times in all competitions for the south coast side, conceding 52 times and keeping eight clean sheets. But having grown up in Norfolk as a Norwich City fan, the former England under-21 international admitted his delight in getting the deal completed. Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Gunn said: “It’s a dream come true. “When I came back on loan, that was something I really wanted to do but it wasn’t permanent. “Now, coming back as a permanent signing feels more real and I can’t wait to see a full Carrow Road, hopefully at the start of the season. “I can’t wait to see that atmosphere and be there for the first game of the season.” Gunn played in goal during Saints’ infamous 9-0 home defeat to Leicester City at St Mary’s in October 2019 – a game which would be his final league appearance for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men. He would go on to play three more times in the FA Cup – his final appearance for Saints came in a 3-2 defeat at Tottenham on February 5, 2020. Gunn was loaned out to Stoke City in the Championship last season, where he featured 15 times and kept six clean sheets. A post on Saints’ website read: “The club would like to thank Angus for his service and wish him all the very best for the future.” Asked whether the plan had always been to look for a move away from Saints this summer, the goalkeeper replied: “There wasn’t really a plan. “My old club wasn't looking to have me back, so we had a few conversations over the past year and obviously I know a lot of the staff here, so I’m delighted to get the deal done and I’m really looking forward to coming back.” Gunn has played 22 times in the Premier League, all of his appearances coming during his time at Saints. But he believes his time spent at England’s elite level can help as part of the setup with Daniel Farke’s promoted Canaries. He added: “When I first went to Southampton, I had to bide my time and by the end of the season I thought I’d done a good job and helped them stay in the league. “Hopefully, there will be many more players coming in (at Norwich) this summer. “I want to add something to the group, make bonds with everyone and make sure we’re a strong team.” Gunn could feature against Saints when they host Hasenhuttl’s side on November 20, before an away trip to St Mary’s is scheduled for February 26.