New Norwich chief scout Ewan Chester has revealed how he consulted Walter Smith before making the decision to head south of the border.
Chester leaves Rangers after over 20 years with the club and was appointed as City’s head of scouting on Friday, with Paul Lambert’s men preparing for their return to the Championship.
Having joined Rangers initially in a coach-cum-scout role way back in 1987, he quickly made a name for himself, unearthing talent such as Lorenzo Amoruso, Tugay, Sergio Porrini and Claudio Reyna.
He spent a little time away from Ibrox with Livingston and Fulham, but Chester returned to the west end of Glasgow in 2007 and has established a significant scouting network for Rangers across Europe.
“I’ve lived the dream for 20 years,” said Chester, speaking after his move to Norfolk was rubber-stamped.
“With Rangers I’ve won 15 titles and 35 trophies. Walter was my mentor and it has been an honour to work for the greatest manager in Rangers’ history.
“I spoke with Walter when this opportunity came up and he felt it was a good time for me to move on, to leave as a champion. So, reluctantly, I’m leaving Rangers.”
But despite the deep feelings he has for the Scottish champions, Chester is excited at the prospect of working with Lambert and his staff.
“It’s a new challenge and one I’m looking forward to,” he continued. “I’m close with Paul; we became good friends through Stefan Klos [the former Rangers goalkeeper].”
City chief Lambert is delighted that he‘s got his man and clearly rates his fellow Scot highly. It’s fair to say that the man who guided the Canaries to the League One title has put his own stamp on things, after nine months in charge at Carrow Road.
“Ewan is a top, top scout and he will be a first class addition to our team here at Norwich City,” Lambert told the club’s official website.
“He’s got excellent experience and connections throughout Britain and Europe, which will be a really major plus for us as we continue to identify the players we want to be part of things here.”
City chief executive David McNally has worked with Chester at Craven Cottage, and he too was pleased with the appointment.
“The role of the chief scout at any top class football club is becoming ever more vital and in Ewan, we have been able to recruit one of the very best in European football.
“We are delighted that he has agreed to join the club at this important time and his appointment further underlines the club’s ambitious plans for the near future.”
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