HUDDERSFIELD Town's new signing Oliver Norwood never made the first team at Manchester United.
But the new central midfield signing says his Old Trafford schooling will stay with him for the rest of his career.
And while the 21-year-old Northern Ireland ace admits it was a wrench to part company with Sir Alex Ferguson and Co, he says that disappointment has been countered by the excitement of the Championship challenge ahead.
“It was tough to leave United, of course it was,” said Norwood, who had been with them since the age of seven and was offered a new contract this summer.
“It’s every young lad’s dream to play for a club of their size and stature, and I’ve been lucky enough to live that dream.
“Not only that, but I’ve also had some fantastic coaching and been able to mix with some of the best players around.
“There’s no bitterness about my leaving and I’ve nothing but good to say about United, but it was time for me to move on, simple as that.
“I’ve enjoyed my spells out at Carlisle, Scunthorpe and Coventry, but I didn’t want another season of going out on loan.
“I want to put down some roots at a club and focus on developing my career, and I believe I can go forward at Huddersfield.”
Norwood, who played six times at Carlisle in 2010-11 and 18 times each for Scunthorpe and Coventry last season, has signed a three-year contract after spurning an offer from Town’s Championship rivals Barnsley.
“There were offers from elsewhere, and it’s no disrespect to those clubs that I chose to come here,” added the Burnley-born player, who will continue to live in his home town.
“I just felt that Huddersfield is the right place for me to be, and I really can’t wait to get cracking.”
Like fellow new signings Sean Scannell and Paul Dixon, Norwood said he was captivated by the ambition shown by Town chairman Dean Hoyle and manager Simon Grayson.
“Where they want to go is where I want to go, and while nobody is getting carried away, I believe there is real potential at Huddersfield,” he explained.
“Everyone knows about the stadium, but the new training ground is also going to be impressive, and the support Huddersfield got at Wembley (for the League I play-off final win over Sheffield United in May) was excellent.
“Having played in the Championship with Coventry, I know what a competitive division it is, and I believe our fans will love it.
“Norwich and Southampton have both come up and done very well, and while I won’t be making any rash predictions, there’s no reason why we can’t hold our own, especially given the squad the manager is looking to put together.”
Town’s players report back for pre-season on Thursday, and Norwood is eager to get going.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the lads and doing what I can to impress the manager and to be honest, training can’t come soon enough,” he added.
“We’ve got a trip to Scotland coming up (Town will play Kilmarnock on Wednesday July 25 and Hibs on Saturday July 28) and that will be really helpful, both on and off the pitch.”
