"The 1
squad is a
close-knit group
and have instantly
welcomed our two
new signings Jacob
Butterfield and
Steven Whittaker
to the fold."
It was with great pride and honour
that I became manager of Norwich
City Football Club on June 7.
Once the call came to discuss the
opportunity I had no hesitation in
coming to a Club that has enjoyed
three wonderful years - the
challenge is now to keep the Club
progressing and improving.
I have been delighted that I have
been able to bring a number of key
staff with me that I worked with at
Birmingham City. It is important for
any manager to be surrounded by
good people whose knowledge and
skills you value. Colin Calderwood,
PaulTrollope, Dave Watson and Ewan
Chester are all very experienced and
skilled individuals in their own right
and will all be real assets for Norwich
City Football Club.
It has been good to get down to
working with the players during
pre-season. Although I know
of most of them from watching
matches on television, watching
DVDs and watching games in
person - there is nothing like being
able to assess a player out on the
training pitch.
Although the majority of the pre
season arrangements and opponents
were in place prior to my arrival,
thankfully the schedule of games
and the week we had away in Austria
is very similar to what I would
have wished for. The time spent in
Austria was of particular benefit in
providing a positive environment
for the players and staff to get away
and get used to working together.
The squad is a close-knit group and
