New Norwich City manager Dean Smith has hinted his appointment gives on-loan Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour “a new start” at the club, amidst rumours that the Blues were thinking of recalling him in January.
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel recently revealed he had held talks with Smith’s predecessor Daniel Farke amid speculation the European champions would recall Gilmour due to the ignorance he was receiving from Farke’s team.
The highly-rated Scotland midfielder has only started four Premier League matches this season despite Norwich’s struggles, the last of those coming in September almost two months ago.
Billy Gilmour is on a season-long loan at Norwich City from Chelsea FC but has been sitting on the bench for the better part of the season under Daniel Farke. This could however change with the arrival of Dean Smith. | PHOTO: Getty Images |
That led to calls for Chelsea to end the loan spell as Gilmour was not getting the regular minutes needed for his development, but Tuchel felt it was not the right time to do so.
And the arrival of Smith after Farke’s sacking provides a fresh chance for Gilmour and fellow midfielder Todd Cantwell – who has also fallen out of favor, despite being one of Norwich’s best players over the last two seasons – to stake their claim for the bottom-of-the-table team.
After his appointment, Smith said Gilmour and Cantwell have got a big role to play at Norwich football club, as he was presented as Norwich boss on Wednesday.
Dean Smith has been appointed the new Norwich City manager and this is a hope of new life for Billy Gilmour. | PHOTO: Getty Images |
Smith added that it is a new start for them with a new coaching team coming in.
“We’ll see them in training on Thursday and it’s down to them to impress us in our time here and get in the team.”
Smith was also asked for his views on Steven Gerrard being named as his replacement at Aston Villa in a high-profile appointment from his former club.
The former Villa boss claimed he had no idea that his former employers have decided to go with Steven.
“He was very successful at Rangers and I hope he’s very successful at Aston Villa but, obviously, not at Norwich City’s expense now.
Smith said he had a very enjoyable three years at Villa. The boss went on to say he did not expect to stay that long at Villa Park and achieve what he achieved especially with the modern life of a football coach and accomplish what he accomplished.
Smith acknowledged the talent at Norwich saying he is in a different place now but one he is thoroughly looking forward to. Smith admitted they have got talented players and enough quality to stay up.
Gilmour has since been a regular starter for the Scotland national team, helping his side to a FIFA World Cup 2022 playoffs where they are expected to highly compete for a place in the tournament set to be played at Qatar.
Dean Smith’s first match as a Norwich boss comes on Saturday as the international break is over and players are returning back after two weeks. They will host Southampton at Vicarage Road in what will be an important fixture for Dean Smith and his coaching staff.
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