Gibbs hoping for fresh start at Norwich

Liam Gibbs' 2023-24 season was ended by a thigh injury in April

Norwich City's Liam Gibbs is looking forward to a fresh start with the club after a "long summer".

The midfielder impressed in the 2022-23 season, making 37 appearances for the Canaries, but in their most recent campaign, changes in position and a thigh injury in April made for a more frustrating time.

Now, Gibbs, 21, is looking forward to playing "exciting, attacking football" under new head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Ahead of the Canaries' preseason return to Carrow Road against German side FC Magdeburg, he said: "It was a long summer for me, a lot of work, a lot of rehab. I'm really excited for the new season."

New era for City, new era for Gibbs

Gibbs made 27 appearances for City last season, mostly from the substitutes bench

Gibbs starred for half an hour in Norwich City's 1-1 preseason friendly draw at Standard Liege in Belgium, coming on for Gabriel Sara.

He said he enjoys the competition for places with Sara and Kenny McLean: "Learning from those two, you can't really go wrong there, can you?"

Thorup praised Gibbs' contribution, and the appreciation between the two is mutual.

"Since he [Thorup] has come in, he's got a lot of new ideas... nice attacking football and we're all buying into it."

Switching sides

Gibbs played for Ipswich Town at youth level and made four senior appearances for the club before moving to Carrow Road

Gibbs missed out on playing against his former side and local rivals Ipswich Town last season. The Canaries maintained their 14-year unbeaten streak against their East Anglian opponents, with a 2-2 draw at Portman Road and a 1-0 win at Carrow Road.

"The atmosphere was amazing for both games" he said, "The one at Portman Road was on my 21st birthday, I felt like something was written to happen, but it wasn't to be."

The lack of playing time has not wavered Gibbs' loyalty to City, ruling out any possible loan move.

"I think this is the best place for me to develop and learn," he added.

"I feel like I definitely can [improve] in this coaching team. I want to be here and playing for this club."

Norwich City kick off their Championship campaign on 10 August at Oxford United.