Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Club News

HARRY TOFFOLO HAPPY WITH ALL-ROUND GAME

23 July 2015

Defender speaks exclusively to canaries.co.uk

HARRY Toffolo is sharpening all facets of his game under the watchful eye of Alex Neil this pre-season.

At 19 the defender is the youngest member of Neil’s 25-man squad in Germany, and he has found himself thrust into the spotlight as Martin Olsson rehabilitates after his shoulder operation.

Toffolo has played a part in every warm-up fixture so far and is relishing both the attacking and defensive responsibilities from left-back.

ā€œThe manager likes his left-back to get forward, and you could see that with Martin last year, who got up and down a lot. My attacking game has improved massively.

ā€œI love defending too, but nowadays the modern day left-back gets up and down the wing and that suits me perfectly.


ā€œThe gaffer’s really good with me. He’s been through clips with me and tells what position he wants me to play.

ā€œAt Swindon last year I was a left wing-back, whereas the role here is more of a left-back in a four. It’s a lot different, but the gaffer sits down with me and goes through little bits and bobs to make sure I know what I’m doing come training and games.ā€

He flourished during his spell at the County Ground in 2014-15, making 30 appearances in all competitions as Mark Cooper’s side reached the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final.

ā€œI can’t thank Swindon enough for giving me the opportunity to give me my debut season,ā€ added Toffolo, who was part of City’s FA Youth Cup winning side in 2013.

ā€œI never thought I’d get a trip to Wembley at the end of it. I remember saying to mum and dad ā€˜would you have imagined six months ago that I’d be at Wembley now?’


ā€œIt was a very young side; the average age was about 22. Andy Williams was 28 and he was the oldest player. I settled in really well there and the fans took to me as well.

ā€œSwindon were great to me and Norwich have been great to me as well.ā€

Since returning to Norfolk, Toffolo has had no problems embedding himself within a group of players he has shared Colney Training Centre alongside for a number of years.

ā€œAll the lads have been really good to me since I’ve come in. I’m not really a new lad to come in, I’ve been around and done my apprenticeship here, so I’ve known a few of the boys,ā€ he said.

ā€œI’ve got on really well with them and I look forward to training with them and the stuff off the pitch as well.

ā€œI’ve really enjoyed it. It was good to get my first Norwich goal the other night against Cambridge. The year before Swindon, I probably wouldn’t have been that high as a left-back!

ā€œI feel I’m part of the group now with the help of the boys and the staff.ā€

Advertisement block