Former Chelsea development captain Billy Gee sees Norwich City as the perfect place to make a first team breakthrough.
Defender Gee was one of three transfer deadline night signings to join up initially with Alan Neilson’s Under-21s, along with Scottish attacker Brandon Forbes from Dundee United and Middlesbrough midfielder AJ Bridge.
The trio could be in line for their debuts in Wednesday’s scheduled opening Premier League Cup group tie at Exeter City.
Gee was on the bench for Chelsea in last season’s League Cup final at Wembley, but opted to join the Canaries on a free transfer, which included a potential sell on clause for the Blues.
“I’m very happy. The start of a new chapter where I can hopefully break through and push for the first team. Different to Chelsea, but a challenge,” he said. “I signed as an under-nine and had been there ever since and I was captain for the U21s last season, so I feel I can bring a lot of leadership skills, my ability on the ball and also my defending.
"That is what I want to bring to the 21s here, and then work my way up. I wouldn’t say it comes naturally (leadership) but something I have worked on. I was able to bring it out last season and that can improve from here.”
Gee saw at first hand what it takes to make the grade in Chelsea’s extra-time League Cup loss to Liverpool, in front of 89,000 fans last February.
“That was one of the biggest games I have been involved it. Seeing how it all works under such pressure to compete for a trophy, and learning how senior players prepare to compete at the top level,” he said, interviewed by City’s youtube channel.
“I was originally a central midfielder but have moved towards centre back, and that is probably my preferred position because I have been playing there last season.
“But I can still play right side, left side of midfield. Whatever you want, I can play. Over the years I looked at a lot of midfielders like (Nemanja) Matic, (Cesc) Fabregas, (Mateo) Kovacic and now as a centre back more John Terry, Toni Rudiger. I’d say they were my football role models.”
Gee signed a two year Norwich deal, with a one year club option, along with Scottish teenager Forbes, who arrived from Premiership side Dundee United in a move that could reportedly rise to £500,000.
The 18-year-old left winger only made his senior debut for the Tangerines this summer, but is out to emulate compatriot and new club mate, Gabe Forsyth, who made his Canaries’ Championship debut in the opening weeks of the new season under Johannes Hoff Thorup.
“It is always going to be encouraging seeing Scottish boys coming in and doing well and I want to do the same myself,” he said. “I would just say I am very attack minded. Once I go forward I don’t turn back.
"I’m a left winger who will naturally cut inside. I scored a decent few goals last season doing the basics; cutting inside, getting my shots away. I’ve not played a lot of games in pre-season, so I am raring to get some game time.
“I spoke to Manny (Emmanuel Adegboyega) recently, who is up there on loan (at Dundee United), and once I knew the interest from my agents I was raring to go. Manny said it was a lovely city, lovely team.”
Versatile midfielder Bridge signed a pro contract with hometown club Boro in January 2023, but opted to head south to pen a Carrow Road deal until 2026.
“I think Norwich is a great club, big club with big ambitions and hopefully there is a pathway,” he told the club’s youtube channel. “The facilities are top class. First of all, I just want to make a good impression.
“I can play anywhere in midfield to be fair. I like to create chances, get the ball off the two centre backs and create. I was there (at Boro) when I was nine, then I got released but went back there and that was probably the best thing for me. It made me grow up a lot.”
Norwich have been drawn in a Premier League Cup group with Exeter, Bristol City and Bromley, with home and away ties between now and February 2025.
The Canaries exited the development competition at the last-16 stage in 2023/24, with the likes of Liam Gibbs, Forsyth and Ken Aboh featuring in a 3-2 away defeat to Chelsea.
Exeter have already beaten Bromley 4-1 in this season's competition, and boss Gary Caldwell is looking for a good turnout with the game being played at their St James Park stadium.
"It will be absolutely brilliant for our younger players, the level of the games,” he told the Grecians' official site.
“We will play the games at SJP and will create a good fixture list for the younger players, alongside the Bristol Street Motors games where we play the youngsters.
“From now until Christmas they will have a good level of games that will keep their development going in the right direction.”
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