'Fresh challenge' excites former Fulham man

BARRY SIMMONDS says it was an ‘easy decision’ to take on the responsibility of leading Norwich City’s 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.

“It all happened very quickly, and it is exciting,” he told Norwich City TV.

“All new positions are fresh challenges and bring with them their own excitement and things to throw yourself into.

“I’ve been here several times before for games, and it’s just a very nice atmosphere. Everybody has been very welcoming.

“We’ve got the added thing of having a manager who is new to that position as well, so it’s very exciting to be part of Neil’s staff. For me it was a very easy decision.”
 


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.

“They 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,” he said.

“I think the important thing is to give Neil the opportunity to look at players as potential targets who will add to the squad. There’s no point in bringing in players who will just fill the squad, they’ve got to add to it.”

He also believes his experience of working both on British shores and abroad brings benefits, adding: “It certainly gives you an insight into the character of different nationalities, without being too general with that.

“Contacts too, of course – there’s always someone you know who you can call with regards to players in particular countries, so it’s good in that respect.”