They had the third worst defence on the Championship conceding 70 and got relegated in 22nd spot but Cardiff City have tonight confirmed Norwich City goalkeeper DAVID MARSHALL as their first capture for next season after The Canaries accepted a six figure Bluebirds bid.
His final game for Norwich was hardly the occasion for his 100th appearence with the club as his side were beaten 4-2 at bottom club Charlton and relegated to League One with them. After that game 10 days ago, Marshall said, "I've no problems staying here because I don't think there are clubs lining up for any of the boys when we've just had 46 games to stay in the Championship and got relegated." However with 12 months left on his contract, he was the first to get out and said afterwards, referring to intenational ambitions how "Scotland won't look at third division players so I've got to think about that".
At 24 and 6'3", Marshall was the only ever present for Delia's boys last season after joining the club from Celtic for a cool £1M two years ago. He caused a stir with his hometown club by getting an emergency call to a famous European tie against Barcelona a couple of years ago and starring as man of the match to help them to victory including a penalty save against Ronaldinho.
Norwich supporters have displayed natural angst about it all. They will the fee is circa £400,000 but are gutted at his lack of loyalty and jumping ship. Sour grapes will always play their part but they're not exactly full of praise for a keeper they talk about being disorganised, a poor communicator and quiet, not good with crosses who stands his line but a good shot stopper. Sound just like what we're used to then! As if to contradict that opinion, ACTIM official stats made him the top performing Norwich player and ranked him the 49th best player in the Championship last season so it can't be as bad as they say especially after he starred for Scotland B last week and is on the verge of a first team squad call up.
After City rid themselves of loan men Tom Heaton, Dimi and Stuart Taylor last week, Marshall goes head to head with Peter Enckleman for the goalkeeper spot next season and is likely to be favourite while Enckleman also recovers from injury.
He will certainly feel at home in South Wales with City also having Scotsmen Ross McCormack, Kevin McNaughton, Gavin Rae and Chris Burke. Welcome to Cardiff Mr Marshall.
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