Read this and weep

02 July 2005
Worthy delighted with Thorne in his side

Nigel Worthington revealed yesterday how he had jumped at the chance of bringing Peter Thorne to Carrow Road - even though the former Cardiff striker was the wrong side of 30.

The Norwich City manager generally likes signing players in their early to mid 20s, with another recent recruit Jason Jarrett being a prime example.

Thorne celebrated his 32nd birthday last month, but Worthington had no hesitation in offering him a two-year contract when it became clear that the Bluebirds were prepared to let the experienced frontman leave.

?The age is no problem,? he said. ?Peter is a good athlete, a fit boy and at 32 he needs to be that way for me to bring him in here.

?He's got wonderful experience and he will score goals for us along with the other strikers we have here already. He was someone we were looking at before he went to Cardiff but the transfer fee was far too much. To have got him without having to pay a transfer fee is very pleasing.

?We got the all-clear to talk to Peter on Wednesday night and everything was sorted out pretty quickly, which was nice from my point of view.

?His goal scoring record is first class - about one in three I believe. To do that throughout your career is a very good achievement.

?He's great back-up for Dean Ashton. He is another hold-up striker. We have now got Peter and Dean to do that, we have got Leon McKenzie and Darren Huckerby to run at people plus young Ian Henderson and Ryan Jarvis as well so there is a nice mixture in there.?

Worthington is delighted to have completed the signings of three players in time for the start of pre-season training and is expecting all the new men to play an important role when the real business gets under way in a little over a month's time.

?With the quality they have got I am delighted to get the three of them in,? he said.

?Jason is a nice age and has done very well for himself since I worked with him at Blackpool.

?Peter is an experienced player who we have admired for a very long time.

?Mathieu has played at the very highest level and adds quality to the group of players we have already. I think we have got a little bit of everything here.

?It's always helpful to get as many of your signings in place early so you can get the pre-season into them. For them to get used to the way we train, which is so high tempo, is very important.

?There are 28 games for us to play before Christmas and I think you'd have to be a super human being to play that many games in such a short space of time. Competition for places is always a good thing - and quality competition is even more important. That is what I have got now.?

It was also pointed out to the City boss that he had brought in three new faces without having to pay a single transfer fee. That question prompted a little smile on Worthington's face

?It's not pleased me but it has pleased the chief executive!? he quipped. ?He thinks the club is for saving money! I think it is good business - getting Jason on a Bosman, Peter on a free and Mathieu on a swap deal. I'm delighted with all three signings and if there is some money in the coffers then obviously we are still looking.

?We are always looking for quality and if the right player comes along I'm sure we will have every support in what we are trying to do.?

Posted By: Old Git, Nov 24, 17:07:20