What a way for Hitchin Town to celebrate its 150 anniversary of association football: a 0-10 desolation from Norwich City. But the score line didn’t necessarily matter. It was a friendly between the Canaries. Here are some images from the match, including City’s new away kit.
Norwich manger Alex Neil looks on at his newly promoted side in their second preseason friendly.
Norwegian international Alex Tettey flashes the new away strip: green top, yellow shorts and green socks. Oh, and the green Aviva block as well.
The Pink Panther–John Ruddy–also had a new look for the 2015-16 road campaign. The pink colour, which hopefully will distract opposing forwards, is identical to the neon green home shirt (other than color, of course).
Perhaps the one intriguing position in the first half line up was Bradley Johnson’s move to left-back. It’s only for the time being with Martin Olsson out injured, but it was the first time the 2014-15 Player of the Season had dropped back. Then again, Johnson knows a thing or two about playing out of his normal position and finding success. Also, Elliot Bennett started the match at right-back. Bennett did the same in the 2014 preseason under former manager Neil Adams.
City’s new signing Youssouf Mulumbu made his debut appearance for the club in the first half. Mulumbu, who signed on a free transfer, was with West Bromwich the past five seasons.
But the man of the match Tuesday night was Tony Andreu. The former leading goal scorer in the Scottish Premier League had a hat-trick in the second half, and nearly scored a fourth goal. During City’s promotion push, Neil said Andreu hadn’t adapted to English football and would need some time to catch up. If Tuesday night was an indicator, the Frenchman may have played his way into a considerable starter–or at least a solid substitute when the season kicks off 8 August.
