Norwich City completed the signing of ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul earlier this week on a two-year deal.
Krul was released by Brighton at the end of last season, after he was unable to displace Matty Ryan between the sticks.
The Dutch international made his Norwich debut in a 3-1 win over Luton on Wednesday night, making a few impressive stops.
To learn more about City’s latest recruits, I spoke to Shields Gazette journalist Miles Starforth:
Are you surprised Krul has dropped down to the Championship?
Not really. He’s a Premier League goalkeeper, but he just needs to play. He’s missed a lot of football over the past two or three years due to his injury, and I think it was more a case of finding the right club for him. He could have stayed in the Premier League with Brighton, or gone elsewhere, and sat on the bench, but I think he needs to be at a club where he can prove himself all over again and get back to his best. He just needs games.
Do you think he will be a good signing for Norwich?
I think so. He brings with him a lot of experience. He’s good in the dressing room. He also knows the Championship.
What went wrong for him at Newcastle?
What went wrong was the serious knee injury that he suffered on international duty in October 2015. He missed the rest of that season, and when he returned, he had Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot in front of him. Rafa Benitez wanted to bring in another goalkeeper once the club got promotion, so it was time for him to move on.
What are his biggest strengths?
At Newcastle, he was a good, all-round, goalkeeper. He’s a good shot-stopper, and he also commands his box.
What are his biggest weaknesses?
It was hard to find too many weaknesses in the latter part of his Newcastle career. He’d worked hard on his distribution and kicking.
If Norwich can make their way back to the Premier League, what sort of reception would he get at St. James?
I think he’d get a very good reception. He still has very close ties to the North East. He sees himself as an adopted Geordie, and he even has the accent! He was warmly applauded at St James’ Park last season when he returned with Brighton, and he’s often spoken of his affection for the club and the region. He’ll always be remembered fondly, having come up through the ranks at the club to establish himself as No 1 during his time at St James’ Park.
I’d like to thank Miles for taking the time to speak to me, and wish Newcastle the best of luck for their upcoming Premier League campaign.
