Todd being watched by webber

So how did Norwich’s crown jewel end up slipping out through the back door on deadline day of the winter transfer window?

“Something I was never anticipating happened,” Cantwell tells The Athletic. “Something I never thought would happen to me, because of the type of person I am. But it did. I learned an awful lot about football, and you find yourself as a person as well. Like in any job, you have to adapt to a situation that you didn’t cause and reacting to that in the most proactive and responsible way was me coming out to find my way of playing again.

“I know things can be deemed as controversial and there’s always going to be opinions but there was more than one person involved.”

Despite the precarious nature of the relationship between player and club, Cantwell has been in regular contact with Norwich’s loan manager Andy Hughes as well as their assistant sporting director Neil Adams, who coached the 24-year-old in the under-14s during his time as youth team manager. Stuart Webber, Norwich’s sporting director, has also been in touch and made the trip south to the Vitality Stadium to watch Cantwell in action for Bournemouth.

Cantwell’s loan move has not affected his connection to the club where he had spent virtually his entire footballing life until two months ago. In fact, it remains as strong as ever. While he refuses to rule out a return to Norwich after his loan ends next month, he also understands that is a decision that is not entirely in his control.

Posted By: Joe Strimmer, Apr 8, 08:59:27