Rebel Holt signs new Norwich contract

Grant Holt of Norwich City applauds the crowd during the Barclays Premier Leage match between Norwich City and Aston Villa at Carrow Road

Norwich City have confirmed that want away striker, Grant Holt has agreed to sign a new contract with the club.

The 31-year-old striker scored 15 goals in his 35 appearances for the Canaries last season and surprised all by putting in a transfer request at the end of last season. However, after much persuading, the Canaries captain signed an improved deal and the decision was announced at a press conference where the club presented its two new signings, Jacob Butterfield and Steven Whittaker.

The player expressed his delight on signing a three year extension and told the club’s official website:

“It’s been a long time and I think a lot of people would have liked to have got it sorted a lot sooner. We got there in the end and I’m happy to do that.”

“The intention was never to leave. You don’t put a transfer request in for no reason when you’ve achieved what I’ve achieved here. I felt I was maybe being unrewarded for what I’d done, and I explained I wanted to see my career out here. I’ve had three great years – why would I not want to stay?”

“Everyone knows I’ve got three young kids I want structure for and I want them to stay. Everyone knew I was settled and I just wanted to make sure I had that for three years and everything was right.”

“There was a lot of speculation and a lot of things said, people’s quotes, rumour mills, and a lot of it was nonsense. When you’re reading it, you get annoyed but you don’t want to comment because you don’t want to drag all the club’s staff through it. I’m just delighted to get it to bed. It’s been six weeks where we are supposed to be enjoying ourselves – I’m looking forward to getting back to work now and seeing the lads.”

Newly appointed manager Chris Houghton, whose first task after replacing Paul Lambert at Norwich was to persuade Holt to stay looked visibly pleased to retain his star striker and said:

“I said when I first arrived that talking to Grant was a priority as what he has achieved for Norwich and what he brings to the squad is there for all to see.”

“It’s great news that he has signed a new contract and I’m really looking forward to getting down to work with Grant and the rest of the players when we return to training next week.”