As former Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts prepares for Brighton & Hove Albion's FA Cup third-round clash against his old club this Saturday, he is enveloped in nostalgia. Crofts, who played a pivotal role in Norwich's successful promotion campaigns under Paul Lambert from 2010 to 2012, will return to Carrow Road in a coaching capacity for the first time since his departure over a decade ago.
Now serving as assistant manager at Brighton, Crofts is eagerly anticipating the match, which he describes as an exciting opportunity. "I was buzzing. My son straight away said to me, 'Dad, you've got Norwich away'. I was really excited. It's an exciting draw for us," he shared with The Pink'un. His familiarity with Carrow Road heightens the anticipation, as he has not returned in any professional capacity since leaving the Canaries.
Reflecting on his time at Norwich, Crofts recalls the remarkable moments and the strong bond he forged with the fans. "I had some incredible moments there. They've stayed with me forever. It feels like yesterday in terms of that success that we had when I was there," he noted. His tenure at Norwich included a memorable 2-0 victory over Barnsley, where he scored a goal reminiscent of club legend Justin Fashanu.
Crofts maintains close relationships with several former teammates, including Russell Martin, Wes Hoolahan, and Grant Holt. He acknowledges the exceptional talent within the squad that achieved back-to-back promotions, stating, "We had an incredible group of players and a great group of staff that were so hungry to achieve something really special." This camaraderie and shared ambition were instrumental in their success.
His memories of playing under Lambert are particularly poignant. "Paul Lambert made us aware of that from day one. He spoke about it numerous times and said to us on day one of pre-season that we were going to do it again," Crofts recalled. This shared vision, coupled with the team's determination, propelled them to remarkable heights.
At 40, Crofts has transitioned from player to coach, taking on a significant role within Brighton's first-team staff under Roberto di Zerbi, while also assisting with the Welsh national team. His journey has been fulfilling, and he expresses gratitude for his experiences. "I'm enjoying the journey," he said, reflecting on the evolution of his career.
In preparation for the upcoming match, Crofts has been meticulously analysing Norwich's tactics under manager Johannes Hoff Thorup. He is acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead, acknowledging Norwich's recent good form. "We've looked at a lot of their games, and we know it's going to be a really difficult challenge. It's one that we're really looking forward to," he asserted.
As Crofts gears up for the match, he remains committed to his role and eager to reconnect with the Norwich fans, who he hopes will remember his dedication during his playing days. For him, this match is not merely another fixture; it represents a meaningful reunion with a club that has profoundly shaped his career and left an indelible mark on his life.