Norwich City: Leigh Bromby on Narcis Pelach & Paul Clements

Clements has joined new Stoke boss Narcis Pelach in leaving Carrow Road for the Potteries, ending a 15-month stay in Norfolk after compensation was agreed for the pair.

Bromby, who worked with the pair at Huddersfield Town first as a coach and then head of football operations, believes that’s a significant blow for his former loan side.

“I think it’s a big loss,” he told the Pink Un of Clements’ exit. “You look at Angus Gunn and he says it’s the best he’s played in his career. I’ve watched him, and it is.

“I think it’s one of the most important positions in the team, because we all know goalkeepers can win you so many points. He did it with Lee Nicholls at Huddersfield, and he’s done it with Gunn at Norwich.

“It will have an impact. The players will love Paul and trust him. Trying to replace that is difficult.”

The 39-year-old is highly rated across the footballing world, having previously worked at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Middlesbrough. Bromby is a big fan of his, and says he brings a variety of strengths to the table.

“The biggest surprise when I left Huddersfield was Paul Clements leaving,” he continued. “I could not understand it. I had coached with him since the academy, so I was with him for 10 years. He’s the best coach, goalkeeper or otherwise, that I’ve worked with.

“We were really lucky to have him. It’s not just the goalkeeper coaching either, he’s got other attributes and skills that help around the first team as well. For me he’s the best in the country.

“Clem was really loyal to me when I was at Huddersfield. Stuart Webber brought him to Norwich, really valued him and thought he was good, and Stu knows what good looks like. He’s a top coach, a really good guy, and I’m sure he’ll make it a success at Stoke.”

Pelach is no different, and his seen his reputation grow exponentially since moving to England with the Terriers in 2020.

Bromby received approaches from multiple clubs for the Spaniard during his time at the John Smith’s Stadium, and knew from early in their time together that a career in the top job awaited his colleague.

The 39-year-old is highly rated across the footballing world, having previously worked at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Middlesbrough. Bromby is a big fan of his, and says he brings a variety of strengths to the table.

“The biggest surprise when I left Huddersfield was Paul Clements leaving,” he continued. “I could not understand it. I had coached with him since the academy, so I was with him for 10 years. He’s the best coach, goalkeeper or otherwise, that I’ve worked with.

“We were really lucky to have him. It’s not just the goalkeeper coaching either, he’s got other attributes and skills that help around the first team as well. For me he’s the best in the country.

“Clem was really loyal to me when I was at Huddersfield. Stuart Webber brought him to Norwich, really valued him and thought he was good, and Stu knows what good looks like. He’s a top coach, a really good guy, and I’m sure he’ll make it a success at Stoke.”

Pelach is no different, and his seen his reputation grow exponentially since moving to England with the Terriers in 2020.

Bromby received approaches from multiple clubs for the Spaniard during his time at the John Smith’s Stadium, and knew from early in their time together that a career in the top job awaited his colleague.