Lewis Dobbin makes admission after leaving West Brom and making another Aston Villa transfer
Lewis Dobbin admits that the first half of the season at West Bromwich Albion didn't pan out as he had hoped after he left The Hawthorns to move to Championship rivals Norwich City. Aston Villa forward Dobbin started the campaign at Albion but made just one league start in 17 Championship appearances.
Dobbin arrived from Villa - who he only joined in the summer for almost £10m from Everton in the transfer window - towards the beginning of August but Albion were able to make a late move to bring back Mikey Johnston from Celtic prior to the deadline. Added to the fact that Karlan Grant was rejuvenated, Dobbin's minutes were limited.
Carlos Corberan did grant Dobbin his sole senior start for the club in the goalless draw at Sunderland, but that was as close as he ever got to the starting XI. Dobbin's last appearance was off the bench at Bramall Lane last weekend as Albion held promotion pace-setters Sheffield United to a 1-1 draw.
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Now, Villa have moved to redistribute Dobbin and, after Albion confirmed that he'd left the Black Country on Thursday, he has been unveiled as Norwich's new signing. Albion head to Carrow Road and could come up against the winger at the end of March. By then, Dobbin will hope that his own personal fortunes have taken an upturn.
"It's a big opportunity, I'm excited. I didn't have the first four or so months that I wanted this season so I'm eager to impress," he admitted. "The head coach has been really welcoming, he's got a clear vision for me. Hopefully, we'll have some success this season."
Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper added: “We’re really pleased to add Lewis to our group and we’re excited to work with him for the remainder of the season. He adds some real pace to our attack and is able to play across all front line positions, providing flexibility to the way in which we can set up. We’re all really looking forward to working with him in what will hopefully be a strong second half of the season for us all.”
