Republic of Ireland international Anthony Pilkington has left the Canaries after signing a deal with fellow Championship rivals Cardiff City today. It had broken earlier in the week that a deal was close to being completed – Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer saying as much – but it took longer than expected for it to be all wrapped up.
During an injury-hit three years at Carrow Road, Pilkington made sixty-six appearances, scoring fourteen goals – the most notable being a superb winner against Champions elect Manchester United in a 1-0 victory.
He arrived at Norwich from Huddersfield Town on the 6th July 2011, making his competitive début against Wigan on the opening day of the Premier League season, coming on as a substitute for Steve Morison. Pilkington scored his first goal for the club in a vital 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium in September, following up with a brace a month later against Swansea.
Unfortunately, the technically astute winger has had numerous injury problems during his career, including a sickening leg injury sustained against Rochdale whilst playing for Huddersfield in League One; he suffered a dislocated left ankle and a break to the fibula bone. Pilkington has also kept the Norwich medical team busy, missing the majority of last season.
Cardiff see Pilkington as a replacement for Jordan Mutch – who left to join QPR for £6m – and the injured Craig Noone. Former Canary Tom Adeyemi is currently plying his trade in the Welsh capital – as is David Marshall – whilst ‘King of Spain’ Simon Lappin left the club in the summer.
Having not been a pivotal player for the past twelve months, Pilkington’s departure is likely to be seen as a good move by the Norwich faithful; however, concerns will be raised regarding the seemingly negligible amount paid by Cardiff to secure the winger’s services, as well as the fact that he has been sold to a rival club who will also be seeking promotion.
