It’s been a busy afternoon for Liam Gibbs.
The Norwich City midfielder has taken pictures, signed autographs and engaged in football talk with more than 60 Canaries fans at the club’s latest signing session at Jarrold’s, joined by women’s team defender Ceri Flye for the final appearance of the school holidays.
He’s been practicing his beaming smiles for the last 45 minutes, but he saves one for his final appointment of the afternoon: an interview with the Pink Un.
It’s not one he’s had much time to prepare for, drafted in as a late replacement for Amankwah Forson after the summer signing’s call-up by Ghana. He’s fairly candid in this chat, but if you found him even more so he might admit that Forson’s absence was a minor positive for his City career.
Much of it has been an exercise in patience, from the wait to be played in his natural midfield position under David Wagner to the wait for game time under Johannes Hoff Thorup, but this international break gives him an opportunity to impress. As many as 12 first-team players are away over the next 11 days, meaning a smaller group in which Gibbs can impress.
“You always want to be in the starting 11 and you always want to be playing games,” he admits. “But it’s a team sport. Obviously we’ve brought in some midfielders, and it’s just healthy competition between us now.
“We’re all going to be ready to play when needed, and it’s the manager’s decision about who he’s going to play. But we’re all there to support each other and do the best for the team.
“I’ll always say that I’m ready to play, and if the manager plays me then I’ll be ready and want to take that opportunity, but I’m here to support the team in the best way that I can. If that’s coming off the bench at the moment then that’s what that is, but I’m ready to be there and I’m fighting to get into the starting 11.”
Three of sporting director Ben Knapper’s eight summer signings were brought in as midfield options, as he looked to bolster the first-team squad in Gibbs’ favoured area. The 21-year-old hasn’t taken it personally, however, and has been impressed by the abilities of his new colleagues.
“I think all of the signings who have come in have shown some really good quality and they’ve been valuable to the team,” he continues. “You saw that in the last game with the two substitutes coming on at half time, they helped the team in the way that they could.
“That’s brilliant, it’s what you want from new signings, to come in and add to the team. I feel like they’ve all done that.”
As well as the numerous arrivals, Knapper’s summer was also busy sanctioning departures. Ken Aboh, Vicente Reyes and Emmanuel Adegboyega all went out on loan in search of regular football, while Abu Kamara and Waylon Renecke left permanently. Many expected Gibbs to fall into the same bracket, but his answer is unequivocal when asked if he considered it: “No, not really.
“I’m here and I’m a Norwich City player. This is where I want to be and I want to be playing for this team. I just want to work as hard as I can to get myself in the team and get the minutes I need here.
“I think a loan option would be the last resort for myself, I’m looking to really do what I can for the team. The opportunities I get I’m going to take in the best way that I can.”
That’s the sort of attitude the former Ipswich Town academy man believes will go down well with Knapper and head coach Thorup, and he’ll back his own ability whenever he gets the chance.
“As the people in charge of the football club, you want players who want to work hard and want to play for this club,” he adds. “I’ve made it clear that I want to be here and I want to be in the starting 11.
“That’s my aim for the season, that’s where I want to be, so I’m going to work as hard as I can to achieve that.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel