The worst kept secret in Norfolk was revealed today as both Russell Martin and Anthony McNamee signed permanent deals with the Canaries.
Both players have agreed two-and-a-half year contracts although, as is usually the case these days, the fees were undisclosed.
The pair arrived on loan from Peterborough and Swindon respectively but the indication was always that they would enjoy a longer spell at Carrow Road.
And boss Paul Lambert was delighted to wrap up both signatures – at the end of the day, a deal is never done until it’s done.
“In Russell’s case he’s done great for us. But Anthony is finding it a bit difficult at the minute just because of the way the team is going,” the Scot told the club’s official website.
“But his time will come and I think they will be two terrific players for this club. I knew Russell from my time at Wycombe and he went on to do great things with Peterborough.”
While Martin has slotted into that right-back position like he’s been there all his life, McNamee has certainly found life in Norfolk a little tougher.
But Lambert believes the former Watford man offers City another option if they want to abandon the diamond formation. Variety is the spice of life as they say.
“When he has the ball in a wide area he will be able to deliver it, which I think sometimes you need to have a different way of playing at certain times in certain games, and that is what he will give us, the speed and quality from the wide area.”
As for the players themselves, they will have had this outcome in the back of their minds for a while. But both were happy to have it signed, sealed and delivered.
Now they can concentrate on the task in hand – getting Norwich City promoted.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed permanently,” said Martin, making the short trip down the A47 from Cambridgeshire.
“I’ve stated my desire to stay here permanently, as soon I saw the size of the Club, the fan base, the stadium and the facilities at the training ground.
“Thankfully I’ve done enough to prove to Paul Lambert in the four weeks that I’m worthy of staying and I really enjoying playing for him as I think most of the lads do.
“We’re really enjoying it at the minute and hopefully our success can continue and carry on with the form we’re in and hopefully it will be a really successful season.”
McNamee agreed. Although for him, obviously, it might mean a little while longer yet on the sidelines.
“I wanted to sign for the simple fact of the facilities of the club, the size of the club and playing in front of 25,000.
“It is just a case of being patient as the team is on form so it is hard to get into the team at the minute, but hopefully I can get in and play some games.”
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