'Fresh challenge' excites former Fulham man
BARRY SIMMONDS says it was an âeasy decisionâ to take on the responsibility of leading Norwich Cityâs scouting and recruitment operation.Simmonds spent seven seasons at Fulham but had no hesitation in reuniting with Chief Executive David McNally by making the move to the Canaries.
âIt all happened very quickly, and it is exciting,â he told Norwich City TV.
âAll new positions are fresh challenges and bring with them their own excitement and things to throw yourself into.
âIâve been here several times before for games, and itâs just a very nice atmosphere. Everybody has been very welcoming.
âWeâve got the added thing of having a manager who is new to that position as well, so itâs very exciting to be part of Neilâs staff. For me it was a very easy decision.â
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Simmonds, who was a close ally of England manager Roy Hodgson while the pair were at Fulham, gave his opinion on the positive qualities a player needs to succeed in the Sky Bet Championship.
âThey need to be hard-working, honest, athletic, able to cope with the demands of playing 46 games through a season but with the technical ability to be able to fit in with the programme that Neil wants to adopt,â he said.
âI think the important thing is to give Neil the opportunity to look at players as potential targets who will add to the squad. Thereâs no point in bringing in players who will just fill the squad, theyâve got to add to it.â
He also believes his experience of working both on British shores and abroad brings benefits, adding: âIt certainly gives you an insight into the character of different nationalities, without being too general with that.
âContacts too, of course â thereâs always someone you know who you can call with regards to players in particular countries, so itâs good in that respect.â