Derby County have signed Norwich winger Tony Springett on loan until the end of the season. What can the young wide-man bring to the Rams? We spoke with Jacob from Canary Cast and Connor Southwell, Norwich City chief reporter for Eastern Daily Press, Norwich Evening News and The Pink Un to find out what he brings to Paul Warne's squad.
Derby have signed Tony Springett on loan. What do you make of it?
Canary Cast: I think it's a brilliant move for Tony, he's had injuries this season and the only couple of times we've seen him is at left back which is certainly not his position. To be able to move to such a big club who have one goal this season is going to be brilliant for him.
Connor Southwell: It’s a really interesting move for Springett. For any young player to get their first move at the top end of League One is a really impressive step irrespective of level.
As an experience, it will so worthwhile for Springett who has already started a Premier League game at Norwich and is highly rated by the clubs academy.
First loans can be more about experience rather than exposure to first team football but Springett is confident, capable and athletic enough to make an impact.
I’m really looking forward to see how he develops under Paul Warne - who is a boyhood Norwich fan.
He’s played a four times for the first team last season, why are the Canaries looking at loaning him out?
Canary Cast: I imagine we're loaning him out to get some space for our first team and also to get a more consistent run of games as he's too much of a talent to just play for our under 23's.
Connor Southwell: Development. Norwich have players who are probably going to get more exposure between now and the end of the season.
Kieran Dowell, Danel Sinani, Onel Hernandez and Przemek Placheta are all ahead of Springett at the moment - it’s a good opportunity to get himself more minutes at a fantastic football club. Plus it looks likely that they will add to that area this month given Aaron Ramsey has returned to Aston Villa and Todd Cantwell is poised to leave.
He has been at Norwich since he was young, so a new environment will be beneficial.
Springett has also battled injuries this season so hasn’t had regular minutes in the Championship.
Is he well thought of at Norwich? Does he have the potential to be a first-team player at Carrow Road?
Canary Cast: Those inside the club rate him highly, as did Dean Smith who gave him his debut in the Premier League. He's quite different to the wingers we've had over the years, being a lot more direct but loaning him out to the top of league one shows that they think he can go on and make the step up for us next season if he gets a good run with Derby.
Connor Southwell: Yes, he absolutely is. He’s a bit of a throwback - chalk on the boots, loves a cross and to engage defenders one versus one.
He isn’t as technically proficient as somebody like Jon Rowe who is more tricky and more of a ball carrier - but he’s an interesting player who has a lot of potential.
The fact he has started a Premier League game already illustrates how highly rated he is. David Wagner loves wide players and rotations on the flanks - so Springett has a real chance if he performs well at Derby.
He came to Norwich via an academy recruitment scheme where they scouted London - it was set up by Gregg Broughton, who is now sporting director at Blackburn, and also brought Rowe and others to the club.
What are his strengths?
Canary Cast: Tony is very direct and fairly quick as well, he likes to get the ball out of his feet and into the box, something I imagine Paul Warne will really like. He's also an intelligent footballer who showed he also has an eye for a pass.
Connor Southwell: His crossing and ability to reach the byline. He’s pretty raw in some aspects but has a real endeavour and desire to succeed.
What are is weaknesses?
Canary Cast: This season we've definitely seen his defensive weaknesses but being put at left back considering he hasn't played in that position was unfair on the lad. I'd say he could also improve the physical side of his game but that's all part of him also growing into his body. If he can strengthen his right foot as well that will help him massively in becoming less predictable.
Connor Southwell: Decision making in the final third - taking the ball in tight spaces and his tactical intelligence at times but that is all natural of a young player.
He is a winger. Is he all about pace?
Canary Cast: Tony is quick, I wouldn't say rapid but he'll give his full back issues 1 on 1. He'll want to get to the byline on the left but on the right he will try and cut in and find a pass, always preferring to play on his left foot.
Connor Southwell: Not at all. He’s a really talented crosser of the ball - there are plenty of quality elements to his game. He isn’t just a Lacey winger but he is a throwback. In that sense, I think Derby supporters will really take to him.
What other elements to his game are there?
Canary Cast: Do you think Springett can be good player in League One for Derby?
I think Tony could be excellent in league one. It'll be fascinating to see how he fairs in front of a big crowd but I think if he gets a run in the team he can make an impact.
Connor Southwell: Endeavour. Clever pressing ability. His rawness in attacking areas can create an unpredictably for defenders. His crossing, as I’ve mentioned, is really impressive.
Do you think Springett can be good player in League One for Derby?
Connor Southwell: I’m intrigued to see how he adapts to the level. I probably expected a loan at a lower level of League One but Paul Warne is a great coach. It will be a fantastic experience for him even if, and I recognise this, he doesn’t get many minutes because anything he encounters will help shape his development.
I think he can have a real impact for Derby this season. His style will suit League One to a tee, I think. He can be a real impactful player from the bench if that is the situation that he is thrust in to.
What would be considered a successful loan spell for Springett, Norwich and Derby
Canary Cast: Seeing Tony starting and playing regularly for Derby is the main target. Seeing him then making contributions on a regular basis for the team and making the difference in games will be an even bigger bonus. I think there will be parts of his game even he doesn't know about yet considering he hasn't really played many professional games yet but I hope he can get some momentum and confidence in his ability.
Connor Southwell: Plenty of minutes. A valuable experience and beating Ipswich in the play-offs, ha!
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