James Norwood gives his first interview after his surprise signing for National League club Oldham Athletic earlier this week.
The Latics have brought in the Barnsley striker for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal.
The 32-year-old netted 11 times in 42 League One appearances for the Tykes last season, but has now dropped two tiers to a level he won promotion from, during his time with Tranmere.
He said: “I spoke to the manager and the coaching staff and they’re fighting for something here and that’s what I want to be a part of.
“So I’m excited to see the stadium get filled out and challenge for promotion. I took on a leadership role and sort of a guidance for younger players at Barnsley and we made a playoff final.
“I’m not saying that’s down to me, but I am someone that the younger lads could lean on. I’ve played a lot of games, so for me the experience, I think is important to have within the squad and a few experienced heads as well.”
📲 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚… #oafc pic.twitter.com/eS4Z2961r0
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) August 3, 2023
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OLDHAM STATEMENT:
Oldham Athletic are thrilled to announce the signing of James Norwood from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee.
The 32-year-old joins Latics on a two-year deal, with an option of a further year.
James started his career with his hometown side Eastbourne, but his breakout season came in 2012/13 with Forest Green Rovers, when he found the net on 15 occasions.
After bagging thirty goals over the next two seasons, he linked up with fellow Conference National side, Tranmere Rovers where he scored 19 goals in his debut campaign, before netting 14 the following season as Rovers lost in the play-off final.
His tally of 20 in 2017-18 was enough to send Tranmere up, albeit through the play-offs, and in his first full season in the Football League, he finished as the league’s top scorer on 29 goals.
29 goals in his debut EFL campaign steered them to back-to-back promotions, returning to League One after five years away.
Welcome to Latics, James!
You can see his whole interview by clicking HERE.
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BARNSLEY STATEMENT:
Barnsley Football Club can confirm that James Norwood has signed for Oldham Athletic for an undisclosed fee.
The 32-year-old departs Oakwell following a season with the Club in which the striker scored 11 goals in 49 appearances.
Norwood got off the mark for the Reds in emphatic fashion, netting a powerful header at Hillsborough to double our lead in our 2-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday back in September 2022.about:blank
Khaled El-Ahmad, CEO of Barnsley FC, said: “We’d like to thank James for his efforts during his time at Oakwell.
“Everyone at Barnsley FC wishes him the best of luck for the future.”
We would like to thank James for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Thank you, James – alumni number #1384
Here’s what fans are saying as James Norwood gives his first interview after his surprise signing for National League club Oldham Athletic…
@AshGrant: “Let’s go win the league” fuck me I’ve never been wetter
@LeighHow: Now that’s the attitude. None of this top 7 nonesense let’s go for it!!!
@LorDan247: All the best lads. Hope you win league. You got a good en there
@MattBirtles78: Don’t know or care how we’ve managed to sign Norwood, best best signing in years #oafc
@Oldhamtill83045: Now that’s the confidence I like to hear go on lad smash it 💪 👏
@cjpoot: Wanted him at Bradford last few seasons 😔 Him and Cook wudda been unstoppable #bcafc
@Sco77yR: We’ve got Norwood, Super James Norwood…. Can’t wait for the season to start now #oafc
@ChrisJStott19: Winning mentality hereonin lads, no prisoners, every game a cup final #oafc
@SirSebastian20: Probably the best signing made so far in this National League window 👌.
@kurtyoafc: Mate that’s a god-tier signing. Norwood’s on fire your defence is terrified 🔥🔥🔥🔥⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
@IShelton1992: Cannot get my head around this one. Great signing for Oldham. Was superb for us last season. Why we have let him go baffles me. All the best Nors.
@FrancoCrestow: I hope he does really well for you, he was great last year for us. Completely bizarre decision from us on face value, but who knows what (if anything) has gone on behind the scenes.
@CarlClutton72: Wow, congratulations from a Wrexham fan who was hoping he was coming to us 😢
@jfjc28: I genuinely want to know how weve pulled off singing Norwood💙🧡🫡 #oafc
@fezbob pic.twitter.com/4fMWxgMM6x
— Fearless In Devotion #WxmAFC podcast & fanzine (@fearlessidzine) August 3, 2023
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