Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup is what sold Norwich City youngster AJ Bridge on a move to the Canaries.

The midfielder joined City on transfer deadline day from Middlesbrough, completing a late switch before slotting into Alan Neilson’s under-21s group.

But it was the first-team setup that attracted him to Carrow Road, with an impressive academy pathway and exciting tactical ideas.


“I just heard there was interest and looked at the club,” Bridge told the Pink Un of his summer move. “I thought it was a very exciting club, there were a lot of opportunities.

“There was a manager who’s good with youth. I’ve trained with them (the first team) quite a few times and I feel like I’ve developed a lot already.

“The way he plays is unique, I don’t think I’ve played like that before. It’s good to learn different ways of playing, so that’s good.”

After a whirlwind few weeks at the start of the season, Bridge has had time to get used to his surroundings. He now feels at home in Norwich, and has set his sights on a place in that senior squad.

The 19-year-old won’t get ahead of himself, however, and is keen on taking things one step at a time.

“It was a bit hectic at first,” he recalled. “I came late on deadline day, travelled for five-and-a-half hours, stayed and then travelled back.

“But I’ve settled in now. My girlfriend’s come down with me as well and I’ve just got a new apartment, so all settled in. Loving it.

“I’ll just keep taking each game and each training session as it comes, keep working hard. Hopefully I’ll get to that first team, that next step. That’s what everyone here wants to do.

“You can overthink it, thinking: ‘Why am I not there now? What am I doing wrong?’ But you just have to keep doing well in training, keep working hard, keep doing your gym right, keep eating right, and then you’ll get a chance. Then it’s about taking your chance.”