Thursday afternoon was only the second time Ben Marshall had been to Carrow Road, but Norwich’s summer signing expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing at NR1 this season.
The ex-Wolves man spoke to the media as Norwich City unveiled a new sponsorship deal for the Barclay Stand as Woodforde’s Brewery were announced in a long term partnership with the club.
Marshall joined the Canaries for an undisclosed fee on a four year deal from Wolves after an impressive loan stint at Millwall ended in a productive season for the Lions that saw them on the cusp of the playoffs.
Expectations at Carrow Road will be requiring managing, but he remains confident that the togetherness which is present in the dressing room can translate to something special on the pitch.
“I think if you don’t have togetherness then you might as well forget looking at promotion”. Marshall added, “You take that out on the pitch, if your mate is struggling you’ve got to pick them up and help them out. Having that togetherness is a big factor in getting promotion”.
“Speaking about the togetherness, that’s there, and the quality is there, it’s about taking it out on the pitch and hoping that it clicks”.
Photo: Joe Ferrari
A Millwall side containing Marshall overachieved last season, with their pragmatism and resolute defensive nature, but he was keen to reinforce togetherness as a major factor to their success.
“The players can say they probably did overachieve. There were times where we just couldn’t get beat. The club as a whole was brilliant and I’d really like to thank them for what they did for me”.
Marshall impressed in a pre-season appearance against Luton Town, operating as a right back, something he admitted is something which will require adaptation.
When the Canaries get on the front foot this season and Marshall is able to operate in advanced areas, there looks set to be a profitable supply line.
He was heavily involved in all three goals at Kenilworth Road in a raiding right back role, as he looks to make his case to start at Birmingham on the opening weekend.
“It’s not new to me, I’ve played a full season at right back for Blackburn. I feel comfortable there and I feel like I can be effective so I can get up the field and put some crosses in and hopefully get a few assists”.
Versatility would have been an attractive quality for Norwich whilst pursuing Marshall, and coupled with his Championship experience, gives him the potential to be a useful asset to any hopes of progression they possess this season.
Marshall boasts plenty of Championship nous, with 200 appearances for Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers and Wolves.
He admitted in witnessing parallels between Wolves last season and the manner in which Norwich City have attempted to operate thus far this pre season.
“It’s more like Wolves. The way the manager wants us to play is similar to the way that the manager at Wolves wanted us to play at the time”.
Marshall added “You can see the quality of the lads, and then all it needs to do is click. If it does, then who knows.”
Excitement was etched on the wingers face as he discussed the prospect of running onto the Carrow Road surface in front of the Norwich supporters, a reason that he stated was a major contributing factor in his decision to join the club.
“I’m really happy, it’s a massive club and to get the opportunity to play for them is really good.”
“I’m really excited, I’ve played a couple times [at Carrow Road], but I’m looking forward to playing for them and not against them”.
Marshall will be hoping to be part of the squad travelling to Birmingham City on Saturday, and admitted training has been competitive as the group attempt to force themselves into the first team of the season. The excitement for the season is palpable, after a long summer, it’s felt like a long time coming.
He will hoping that Norwich can replicate the success of his previous employers this season, and in doing so, can write himself into the history books at the club.
Head of TalkNorwichCity.com Connor Southwell and MyFootballWriter’s Jack Goddard speak to summer signing Ben Marshall about his hopes for the season in an exclusive interview as Norwich City unveiled Woodforde’s Brewery in a long term sponsorship deal.
