LEE CLARK is confident Norwich City will win League I this season – but won’t commit himself on whether his bid to bring in Steve Howard on loan will succeed.
Town’s manager has confirmed he has spoken to Nigel Pearson, his opposite number at Leicester City and a former coaching colleague at Newcastle United, about the availability of the hugely experienced striker.
With Lee Novak (knee) and Robbie Simpson (thigh) battling injuries and on-loan Liverpool teenager Nathan Eccleston suspended until after next Saturday’s visit of Charlton Athletic, getting another frontman on board, particularly one with a track record like Howard’s, would be timely.
But Clark, who will be monitoring Leicester’s home derby against Coventry City in the Championship tomorrow, would say only: “I am not going to do transfer deals through the press and it would be a little disrespectful to Nigel Pearson to be discussing one of his players.
“All I can confirm is that there has been a conversation between myself and Nigel, who I talk to regularly having worked with him for a year at Newcastle, regarding Steve Howard and if it is to go any further then it will be done through the right channels.”
Clark, of course, is a former Norwich assistant manager, and he said of last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by the leaders: “I thought that for spells we were outstanding, but I knew they were too good a side to lie down and that they would come out and attack us at some stage.
“Obviously we are all disappointed to lose that game and our unbeaten home league record, but in terms of our performance I was pleased, because we dominated the side who are going to win the league for long periods.”
Town, meanwhile, have added 17-year-old Australian left-back Aidan D’Aarcy to their academy roster.
Previously with Manly United, of the New South Wales League, D’Arcy has moved to England because of his father’s employment.
D’Arcy caught the eye of Town staff while playing on tour with Manly in 2007, and has played four FA Premier Academy League matches on trial. He will complete this season before a full second year of his scholarship.
The Under 18s, beaten 3-2 at Everton last Saturday, are in action at West Bromwich Albion today and host Derby County on Tuesday (1.00).
