They came. They saw. They didn’t really do a lot in a Norwich City shirt...
The Canaries confirmed Orjan Nyland’s departure on Wednesday following the signing of Angus Gunn from Southampton and the Norwegian joins a long list of keepers who failed to make much impact at Carrow Road.
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MORE: City confirm Nyland exit
Here are 10 keepers who didn’t make a big impression during their time in NR1.
Carlo Nash
2013-14 – 0 appearances
Never made an appearance for City after being signed as third-choice keeper by Chris Hughton after being released by Stoke City in the summer of 2013.
Was always behind John Ruddy and Mark Bunn and never got near the first team during what was a tough season for City when they were relegated. Fans showed their displeasure by trying to vote Nash as their player of the season despite not making an appearance.
Paul Crichton
2001-2004 – 6 appearances
Signed in the summer of 2001 from Burnley for around £150,000 as back-up to Robert Green, who had just been promoted to first choice after Andy Marshall’s departure for Ipswich. Made debut against Millwall in 2002 and ended up with six appearances, never letting City down when called upon. Left the year City were promoted to Premier League under Nigel Worthington in 2004. Returned to club as goalkeeper coach in February 2009 before leaving a year later.
Scott Howie
1993-94 – 2 appearances
Signed from Clyde for £300,000, Howie was the understudy to Bryan Gunn during his time at Carrow Road. After making just two appearances and only one from the start, Howie moved on to Motherwell. Returned to Norfolk later in his career to star for King’s Lynn before helping Wroxham make it to the final of the FA Vase in 2010.
Joe Lewis
2001-2008 – 0 appearances
Progressed through the Norwich City academy and despite being very highly thought of at the time, never made a first team appearance. Lewis was the youngest ever player to be given a first team squad number as an injury to Paul Crichton saw Lewis named on the bench for Division One clashes against Crystal Palace, Reading and Wigan. Following a loan spell at Morecambe, Peterborough signed the youngster for £400,000 and went on to have a successful career at London Road. Currently at Aberdeen.
Jon Sheffield
1985-91 – 1 appearance
Came through the youth set-up at Norwich City but failed to ever displace Bryan Gunn as first choice. Made his only appearance in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in April 1989. Had numerous loan spells at other clubs before but enjoyed permanent stints at Cambridge, Peterborough and Plymouth, where he made over 150 appearances.
Ralf Fahrmann
2019-20 – 3 appearances
Brought in as competition to Tim Krul for a substantial loan fee from Schalke but served only to take the Dutchman’s game to another level in the Premier League. Made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Crawley in the Carabao Cup whilst his one Premier League appearance came in a 2-0 away defeat to Crystal Palace. Loan was terminated in March 2020 as he joined Norwegian side SK Brann but never made an appearance there due to the pandemic. Made 22 appearances for Schalke last season.
Jake Kean
2015-16 – 0 appearances
Signed by Alex Neil as back-up to John Ruddy and Declan Rudd from Blackburn Rovers but failed to ever make an appearance. Sent out on loan to Colchester and Swindon during his time at Carrow Road he eventually left the club to sign for Sheffield Wednesday. Kean is currently the goalkeeper coach at Notts County.
Lee Camp
2006 – 3 appearances
2013 – 3 appearances
Brought in my Nigel Worthington as cover for Paul Gallacher but when Peter Grant came to the club, he promptly signed Jamie Ashdown. However, Ashdown’s reluctance to extend the loan and injury to Gallacher saw Camp make his debut in a 3-1 win against Leicester.
Returned to parent club Derby in December 2006 but would come back to City again later in his career under Chris Hughton from Nottingham Forest, making another three appearances. Enjoyed a brief spell at Swindon towards the end of last season.
Michael Theoklitos
2009-10 – 1 appearance
Signed by Bryan Gunn in the summer of 2009 after a trial the previous season. Made just one horrendous appearance during the 7-1 defeat to Colchester United on the opening day of the season. Was never to be seen again in a Norwich shirt – although the ones he did use were apparently being sold in a charity shop in Australia a few years ago.
Ben Alnwick
2009 – 6 appearances
Signed on a three-month loan from Tottenham in July 2009 after Michael Theoklitos’ international clearance hadn’t come through. Made his debut in a 4-0 win against Yeovil in the Carling Cup before injury cut short his City stint. Most recent club was Bolton but left at the end of the 2018/19 season.
Who else belongs on this list? What other keepers didn’t make the grade at Norwich City? Let us know in the comments.
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