Marshall: Nunez can expect 'dog's abuse' over move

Andy Marshall, in a grey T-shirt, looking towards the camera with a garden in the background. He has brown hair with stubble. His head and shoulders are visible in the shot.Image source, Robby West/BBC
Image caption,

Andy Marshall was the last player to move directly from Norwich to Ipswich

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Norwich City midfielder Marcelino Nunez has been warned he could face "dog's abuse" for transferring to bitter rivals Ipswich Town.

A deal worth £10m is expected to take place between the East Anglian sides that will bring the Chile international across the border to Suffolk.

Andy Marshall - the last Canaries player to directly switch Carrow Road for Portman Road - said the reaction from fans was "not going to be very pleasant" for Nunez.

The Championship sides are due to meet for the first time since Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League on 5 October.

Marcelino Nunez cups his ears while wearing a yellow and green Norwich City top at night.Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

Marcelino Nunez is on the verge of sealing a £10m move from Norwich City to rivals Ipswich Town

Fan-favourite Nunez scored the winner for Norwich in their most recent clash against the Tractor Boys on 6 April 2024.

The BBC understands Ipswich could unveil him as their latest signing ahead of their league fixture against Derby County on Saturday.

Marshall, who joined Ipswich on a free transfer in 2001 after his contract expired at Norwich, said: "I'm glad the heat's going to be off me for a little while now."

Andy Marshall is wearing a grey Ipswich top as he dives towards the ball at Carrow Road. He is surrounded by players either wearing the blue outfield strip of Ipswich or the green and yellow of Norwich. A busy crowd watches on from the stands.Image source, Getty Images
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Marshall kept a clean sheet during a victorious return to Carrow Road in 2003

The goalkeeper was Norwich's player of the season at the time, but admitted moving to their rivals was his chance to "improve myself, financially, emotionally, career-wise".

He said: "It caused a lot of controversy, and a few years later when I came back with Ipswich, the Norwich fans made it very clear how they felt.

"The fans had made a point they were going to turn up early and just absolutely give me dog's abuse - and they did."

Marshall, who now lives close to the Norfolk-Suffolk border, kept a clean sheet in that game, with Town running out 2-0 winners, and he said "fantastic player" Nunez should use any abuse he receives as motivation.

"My advice to him? Go and enjoy it. Go and maximise what you can.

"But expect it's not going to be very pleasant."

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