Norwich City players training at Guisborough Town's King George V Stadium

Norwich City train at KGV ahead of Boro game

Guisborough Town demonstrated how they punch well above their weight while getting known far and wide in top level football when they hosted a training session by Norwich City at the KGV Stadium on Wednesday.

Norwich were no doubt aware that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were absolutely delighted when they used the KGV facilities a few seasons ago ahead of a game at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium. So Norwich approached Guisborough Town asking to also use the club’s KGV Stadium for their preparations for their match with Boro that night on Wednesday and the club were very happy indeed to grant permission.

The Norwich squad included former Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson – nephew of Boro Chairman Steve Gibson – and he spoke of his delight to return to the KGV where he used to come and watch his best mate play – former Guisborough favourite and striker Nathan Steel.

Former Middlesbrough favourite Ben Gibson was more than happy to pose for pictures during the Norwich City 
visit, including Sam Willis, son of Guisborough Town Chairman Andy Willis
Former Middlesbrough favourite Ben Gibson was more than happy to pose for pictures during the Norwich City visit, including Sam Willis, son of Guisborough Town Chairman Andy Willis

“Nathan’s still my best mate and I used to come and watch him here at the KGV when I was younger, so it’s nice and sentimental to come back here again,” said Ben, who is also a good friend of former Guisborough Manager Gary Forster.

“I’m looking forward very much to the game against my old team Boro at the Riverside tonight. We need the points more than they do to maintain our push for the play-offs so once that whistle goes my love for my hometown team Boro will be put well and truly on ice!” added Ben.

EXPRESSED APPRECIATION

Norwich City players being put through their paces during their training session at the KGV Stadium
Norwich City players being put through their paces during their training session at the KGV Stadium

Norwich Head Coach David Wagner also expressed his appreciation to Guisborough Town for making the KGV facilities available to them.

“We are extremely grateful to Guisborough Town for this opportunity to come here to their stadium to train in preparation for our very important game tonight. Thank you very much to Guisborough Town for making us so welcome here today,” added David.

Twenty two pairs of football boots laid out at the KGV Stadium ready for Norwich City players to put on as soon as they arrived for their training session.
Twenty two pairs of football boots laid out at the KGV Stadium ready for Norwich City players to put on as soon as they arrived for their training session.

Guisborough Town Chairman Andy Willis, who welcomed the Norwich party to the KGV on behalf of the Priorymen, commented: “We were absolutely delighted to host Norwich City ahead of their game at the Boro tonight.

“All of the Norwich management, players and staff were really friendly and approachable and very appreciative of our facilities and hospitality at the KGV Stadium,” added Andy.

The Norwich party stayed overnight at Gisborough Hall during their visit and were scheduled to fly back to Norwich after the game at the Riverside Stadium.

Pictures by kind permission of BRIAN GLEESON

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