Norwich City full-back Brandon Williams is full of optimism for 2021/22 after he signed a season-long loan move to Norwich City on Monday.
canaries.co.uk sat down with the 20-year-old defender for his first club interview at Lotus Training Centre.
canaries.co.uk: Welcome to Norwich City Brandon. How does it feel to be a Norwich player?
BW: It feels very different. It’s the first time I’ve ever played for a different club before but I’m just really excited to get started and meet everybody and get my season started on a personal basis.
canaries.co.uk: What were the reasons why you chose this club over other options you had?
BW: It’s a massive club and I like the way they play. I’ve watched them over the years and seen how they play. They like to play out from the back and play football. It really inspired me to pick here.
I think that the manager (Daniel Farke) can really improve me as a player.
canaries.co.uk: What are your first impressions of the facilities and the people you’ve met?
BW: Everyone has been so welcoming. I’ve really enjoyed my time here already and I can’t wait to meet everybody. I’ve just got a feeling it’ll be a good year.
canaries.co.uk: You will have seen Oliver Skipp here last season and now Billy Gilmour, as well as a number of other young players like Max Aarons and Todd Cantwell. Therefore, was the club’s youth ethos another reason why you wanted to come here?
BW: Definitely. I spoke to the head coach and he told me the amount of players that he’s developed and how well they’ve done. Some players have left the club and gone on to do really good things. I just want to be here and improve myself as much as I can.
canaries.co.uk: Tell us a bit about yourself for Norwich City supporters who haven’t seen you play before and what you feel you can bring to the team…
BW: I’m comfortable playing as a full-back on both sides. I prefer to play on the left more, even though I’m right-footed. I’m very aggressive, I like to play football as well and play out from the back. I’m a very forward-thinking defender and I just want to bring some aggression and leadership to the team, learn on that and hopefully mature as a player.
canaries.co.uk: On that leadership, you’ve already got plenty of Premier League experience with Manchester United. Do you feel that’s going to help you hit the ground running here?
BW: I’ve played for Manchester United in so many different competitions and I’ve played against and trained with some of the best players in the world. Coming here with all that experience will help me as a player.
canaries.co.uk: It’s your first move away from Manchester United. How much are you looking forward to experiencing new surroundings here?
BW: I’m getting myself out of my comfort zone. I’m from Manchester, all my family and friends are there. Everything I know has been in Manchester so to come here and focus on my football will be really good for me.
canaries.co.uk: What’s your level of fitness like at the minute and are you ready to hit the ground running?
BW: Definitely. I’m ready to go right now, I’ve played a few games in pre-season and I’ve been training as well without any injuries. I’ve trained every day so I feel very good.
canaries.co.uk: Have you had a chance to speak with your England Under-21 teammates Max Aarons and Todd Cantwell yet?
BW: I’ve not had the chance to speak with them yet but I’m sure I’ll see them today and we’ll have a good chat.
canaries.co.uk: Two games at Carrow Road coming up this week so you must be looking forward to playing in front of our fans?
BW: When I’ve been to Carrow Road before, the fans have been electric. Now I’m on the home team, hopefully they’re ready to go and I just can’t wait to see them.