Norwich Boss happy with £8M van Wofswinkel capture

Chris Hughton described Ricky van Wolfswinkel as a 'perfect fit' for Norwich after confirming they will sign him on a four-year deal.The Canaries' chief spoke out on the 24-year-old Dutch hitman after a deal was finally agreed with Sporting Lisbon which will see him move to Carrow Road from July 1 for an undisclosed fee - believed to be around £8.5million - subject to the relevant paperwork.Hughton has been impressed with Van Wolfswinkel's career record of 82 goals in 188 appearances for Vitesse Arnhem, FC Utrecht and Sporting, but believes he can improve further with Norwich and possibly add to his one cap for the Netherlands.Hughton told the club's website: "Ricky's profile is a perfect fit for us - he's young, ambitious and a proven goalscorer."He has an excellent goalscoring pedigree and he's a young man very keen to continue his personal progression and to play in England. He's already an exciting talent but he still has more development as a player ahead of him."I'm delighted we've been able to agree a deal with Sporting Lisbon and with Ricky and we look forward to welcoming him to the squad in July, once all of the paperwork gets sorted out."

Swansea Fan Arrested on suspicion of racist attack on Norwich player

Swansea City have issued a statement on their official website after it emerged that a supporter was arrested at today’s Barclays Premier League fixture against Norwich on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.The alleged incident occurred towards the end of the game at the Liberty Stadium when Norwich defender Sebastian Bassong reported the matter to referee Howard Webb. Within the space of around 10 minutes the supporter in question was identified by club stewards via television footage and immediately arrested. The full statement reads:


Swansea City is disappointed to confirm that a supporter was arrested at today’s Barclays Premier League fixture against Norwich on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
The alleged incident occurred towards the end of the game at the Liberty Stadium when Norwich defender Sebastian Bassong reported the matter to referee Howard Webb.
Within the space of around 10 minutes the supporter in question was identified by club stewards via television footage and immediately arrested.
The police have also taken a statement from the player in question.
The club will do everything possible to assist the Police with their enquiries which are on-going.
Swansea City Football Club has worked tirelessly over a number of years to make the Liberty Stadium a family-friendly venue for supporters of all ages, gender and race to attend.
It treats seriously all breaches of public order, including racism, which it abhors.
The matter is now in the hands of the police and the club will await their findings before considering making any further comment on the alleged incident.

Norwich Hold Arsenal in Thriller

Arsenal wasted the chance to go four points clear of Tottenham and Newcastle , despite a double from Robin van Persie, they were held to a thrilling 3-3 home draw by Norwich City .A late Robin Van Persie brace looked set to give Arsenal the win but Paul Lambert’s side showed great spirit to fight back and grab a point.Arsenal were out of the traps fastest and flew into the lead after just 69 seconds, Tomas Rosicky setting up Yossi Benayoun to run at the Norwich defence before curling a sweet finish beyond John Ruddy.The Canaries rallied though and were level on 12 minutes when Wes Hoolahan’s tame effort squeezed through Wojciech Szczesny’s hands.Arsenal’s frustrations began to show and Aaron Ramsey went into the book for a foul on Jonny Howson, while Norwich, now in the ascendancy, looked dangerous through captain Grant Holt.Just before the half hour mark slack defending from the hosts allowed Hoolahan to play in Holt who charged into the box and let rip with a shot which deflected off the boot of Kieran Gibbs and over Szczesny.In the second half both sides squandered a lorry load of chances to seize the initiative. Simeon Jackson and Hoolahan both went close for Norwich while Benayoun and substitute Marouane Chamakh were both guilty of misses for the Gunners.
With time running out Van Persie stepped up to the plate once again with a quick fire double in the 72nd and 80th minutes to take his tally in the league this season to 30.
Relentless pressure from Arsenal paid off when Alex Song’s calm ball over the top of the Canaries’ rearguard played in the Dutch striker to gracefully sidefoot home.
Then Van Persie turned the game on its head when a deflected Rosicky pass broke into his path allowing him to slide home for what looked likely to be a winner.
But there was one last dramatic twist to come in the 85th minute as Norwich substitute Steve Morison found himself in space in the Arsenal box to aim a low drive into the far corner.

Match Report:Liverpool 1 Norwich 1

Liverpool paid the price for a stack of missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw by newly-promoted Norwich City at Anfield. Craig Bellamy fired the Reds in front just before the break but they failed to build on that breakthrough in the second half. Substitute Grant Holt headed Norwich level and it could have got even worse for Kenny Dalglish's side. A late flourish almost led to a winner for Liverpool but the ruthless streak the manager had demanded was absent. The Reds will rue the fact they struck the woodwork on three occasions and found former Everton keeper John Ruddy in inspirational form.However, two points were carelessly spurned and Liverpool now find themselves four points adrift of fourth placed Newcastle. It was a hugely frustrating night for Luis Suarez who couldn't capitalise on a host of opportunities and was on the receiving end of some dismal decisions by referee Peter Walton. Dalglish made two changes to the side which drew 1-1 with Manchester United. With Lucas Leiva suspended, Bellamy made his first league start since his return to Anfield from Manchester City this summer. There was also a first start of the season for Glen Johnson who replaced Martin Kelly at right-back after recovering from a hamstring injury.Liverpool flew out of the blocks but failed to make their early dominance count. Inside two minutes Martin Skrtel rose to meet Charlie Adam's corner and his header rattled the bar. Suarez then produced a sensational turn in the box but with only Ruddy to beat he blazed wide. In the 11th minute Bellamy raced down the left and picked out Suarez, whose volley was brilliantly turned on to the post by Ruddy. The rebound fell kindly for Downing but he failed to hit the target. Suarez wasted another opportunity soon after as he dragged his shot wide after latching on to Johnson's clever pass. Norwich survived that early onslaught and grew in confidence as the first half wore on. Wes Hoolahan got in behind the Reds' rearguard but fired too close to Pepe Reina who gathered at the second attempt. The Liverpool keeper was called into action again soon after to keep out Steve Morison's header. Frustration levels were growing inside Anfield when the Reds broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. Norwich failed to deal with Jose Enrique's long ball forward and Bellamy pounced. The Welshman burst into the box and his shot took a deflection off Marc Tierney before nestling in the corner. It was Bellamy's first league goal for Liverpool at Anfield since the game against Watford in December 2006. Liverpool were inches away from doubling their account six minutes after the interval. Suarez glided past Leon Barnett but his shot struck defender Russell Martin and rebounded back off the post. Norwich boss Paul Lambert brought on striker Holt in a bid to find an equaliser and the substitute made an instant impact on the hour. Anthony Pilkington whipped in a quality cross from the right and Holt rose to power a header past Reina. The Canaries were energised by that strike and could easily have led six minutes later. Holt nodded goalwards but Reina pulled off a fine reaction stop to push the ball away. Dalglish responded by taking off Bellamy and bringing on Jordan Henderson, while Andy Carroll came on for Downing soon after. Suarez continued to pose a threat but he couldn't find a way past the impressive Ruddy who turned a low drive behind. With 10 minutes to go Suarez went down under a challenge from Tierney when he was clean through on goal but to the home fans' disgust Walton waved play on. The Reds continued to press and came agonisingly close to winning the game in stoppage time. Carroll soared to meet Gerrard's cross six yards out but the big frontman inexplicably headed wide. Then in the 95th minute Gerrard turned provider for Suarez whose sweetly struck volley was brilliantly kept out by Ruddy.

Match Report: Chelsea 3 Norwich City 1

Chelsea beat ten-man Norwich City 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, but needed late goals from Frank Lampard and Juan Mata to secure the points. The Blues made a perfect start as Jose Bosingwa's striker from distance beat John Ruddy from around 25 yards out, but the visitors then enjoyed the better of the game as the first half progressed. Hilario had to make decent saves from Chris Martin and Grant Holt, before Ruddy got down well right on the stroke of half-time to keep out a Florent Malouda volley. Chelsea started the second half brightly, but failed to find a second goal and paid the price just past the hour mark, as Holt capitalised on a mix-up between Hilario and Branislav Ivanovic to hook the ball home. Soon after Didier Drogba was knocked out in a tangle with Ruddy, leading to play being held up for around ten minutes. The decisive moment arrived with around ten minutes to play, as Ruddy brought down Ramires following a quick break and was shown a red card. Lampard blasted the resulting spot-kick past sub keeper Decland Rudd, leaving City a goal down and a man short. Ivanovic wasted a clear chance to make the points safe in stoppage time, but in the 11th added minute debutant Mata made the final score 3-1, latching on to a defensive error to find the back of the net. Romelu Lukaku also made his debut in what turned out to be a good one for the hosts.

Norwich Confirm Pilkington Signing

Barclays Premier League newcomers Norwich have confirmed winger Anthony Pilkington has become their sixth summer signing after the club agreed an undisclosed fee with Huddersfield.The 23-year-old will sign a three-year deal after successfully completing a medical and subject to the relevant paperwork being completed.The former Stockport player told the club's official website the transfer had been on the cards for some time and he was looking forward to testing himself in the Premier League."I think it's been in the pipeline for about a week or so now and I'm absolutely delighted to make the move having passed my medical," he said.

"It's great to get down here, I met all the lads today and met the gaffer so yes I'm absolutely delighted.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world. When you're a boy you dream of playing in it one day."

Norwich Closing In on Pilkington Deal

Norwich boss Paul Lambert is close to securing a deal for Huddersfield winger Anthony Pilkington after seeing a £2million bid accepted.The winger has told Town he wants to move on and test himself at a higher level and Norwich have held a long standing interest in Pilkington.Reports now suggest Huddersfield have accepted a bid in the region of £2million for the 23-year-old from Norwich and the Canaries are set to begin talks with Pilkington over a switch to Carrow Road.

Pilkington suffered a broken left leg and ankle dislocation in March, but his rehabilitation is going well and he could be fit for the start of the new season as he has already started doing light ball work exercises.

A number of Championship sides are believed to have expressed an interest in Pilkington but it would appear as if Norwich have won the race for his signature.

Morison to sign three-year deal with Norwich City

Millwall striker Steve Morison is reported to have agreed personal terms and passed a medical with Norwich City.The 27-year-old Wales international underwent a medical on Friday and has agreed a three-year deal at Carrow Road.The Lions confirmed on Thursday afternoon that they had accepted an increased bid – City’s fourth and reportedly over the £2m mark – and that they had granted permission for Morison to talk to the Canaries.Morison told the club’s official website: “Obviously I will be delighted to join Norwich when the deal is completed. They’re a massive club who have earned the right to play in the Premier League and obviously as a player that’s where you want to be.“I had to work hard when I was playing non-league football but since then after joining Millwall it’s been a rapid rise for me and now I’ve got the chance to play in the Premier League, to enjoy every minute of it and hopefully do everything we can to try to stay there.“I know Andrew Crofts and Owain Tudur Jones from playing with them for Wales and I played against Russell Martin when he played against us for Scotland the other day. I know Zak from Millwall of course and Elliott Ward through his brother Darren, so I know a few of them already which is good.”Norwich City manager Paul Lambert commented: “For us in that league we’re going to need to be as strong as we can be in every department. Steve is a natural goalscorer who will significantly add to what is already a very competitive striking department. That is what we will need in the Premier League.”

Ipswich hammered in the"old farm" derby

Norwich returned to second in the Championship with a superb victory over local rivals Ipswich at Portman Road.Andrew Surman opened the scoring with a tap-in after Arran Lee-Barrett parried Wes Hoolahan's cross.Gareth McAuley inadvertantly touched in David Fox's corner before Simeon Jackson brilliantly converted Grant Holt's splendid delivery.Jimmy Bullard reduced the deficit with a cracking drive before late strikes from Russell Martin and Danny Pacheco.The resounding win meant the Canaries achieved their first double over the Suffolk club since the 2003/2004 season.But, more importantly, Paul Lambert's team regained the initiative from Cardiff in the race for the Premier League and increased their hopes of a second successive promotion.Cardiff are now two points behind the Canaries - but do have a game in hand.

The Bluebirds host Championship leaders QPR on Saturday in a key lunchtime match - which will be televised on BBC One and live on the BBC Sport website - with Rangers knowing a win will secure their own return to the top flight."We have personnel in the team that can make things happen," Lambert told BBC Radio 5 live."Having been promoted, we were just looking to survive this season. The supporters have been brilliant for us and they make a big, big difference. The spirit is good and there are top players here."The Canaries finished third in the first Premier League season in 1992/93 but were relegated two seasons later. They regained their place in the top flight in 2004 but struggled and were relegated after finishing second from bottom.Norwich were relegated again into League One in 2009 but, after losing their opening game at home 7-1 to Colchester, they rebounded in spectacular fashion, winning the title by nine points.In Thursday's match, Norwich looked dangerous every time they broke forward but were also strong defensively against Paul Jewell's side, who had won four of their last five games going into the derby.Ipswich produced a lacklustre performance in the first half but improved after the break.Bullard was quiet but created the home side's best chances. He first caused Norwich nerves to twitch with a curling free-kick that went fractionally wide.The former Fulham and Hull player then volleyed narrowly wide before finally hitting the mark 12 minutes from the end.But any thoughts of a comeback were ended when full-back Martin slammed Norwich's fourth following a quick counter by Hoolahan before substitute Pacheco powered in the fifth in stoppage time.

The result leaves Ipswich in 12th, six points below a play-off place

Burnley 2 - 1 Norwich

Jay Rodriguez bagged a late winner as Burnley hit Norwich's promotion hopes.
The England Under-21 player poked in a Daniel Fox free-kick from six yards with nine minutes left to stretch Burnley's unbeaten home run to five.
Former Canaries loanee Dean Marney had given the hosts a lead on 33 minutes after good work by winger Chris Eagles.
Norwich equalised on 65 minutes when captain Grant Holt converted Wes Hoolahan's cross but the joy was short-lived as Burnley got the late goal.
The defeat means the Canaries slip below Nottingham Forest into third in the table and brings an end to their eight-game unbeaten run in the Championship.

They had begun in lively fashion when Henri Lansbury - the injury-time match-winner against Millwall on Tuesday - blazed over the bar after only a minute.
The Turf Moor outfit hit back and went close through new signing Charlie Austin and missed headers from Rodriguez and Clarke Carlisle.
They finally grabbed the lead when Marney finished impressively after some great build-up play from Eagles.
Norwich wasted a chance just before the interval when Leon Barnett headed over Lansbury's free-kick, but they pegged it back in the second half.
It was a fine finish from Holt, who tucked in his first goal in six matches following a fine delivery by Hoolahan. Lee Grant saved well from Chris Martin and Barnett nodded over the bar as Norwich pressed for the winner.
However, it was the Burnley faithful who were celebrating at the end after seeing Rodriguez, named in the England Under-21 squad for the friendly in Italy, to snatch victory when slotting in.