Louie Moulden, a 23-year-old goalkeeper, is embracing his new role at Norwich City following a challenging year at Crystal Palace. The former Palace player joined the Canaries during the summer transfer window, part of a significant overhaul in the club's goalkeeping department that also saw the arrivals of Vladan Kovacevic and Dan Grimshaw.
Moulden’s transition from the bustling environment of Central London to the quieter atmosphere of Norfolk has provided a refreshing change. In an interview with The Pink'un, he shared, “I’m loving it. It’s been a big change for myself. I’ve moved from Central London, where I was last year. Coming out to Norwich is a bit quieter and more chilled. I’m settling in really well.” Read more about Marcondes Backs Kvistgaarden as Norwich Embrace Change.
Despite the inevitable adjustments that come with relocating, Moulden has approached his new challenge with enthusiasm. He noted, “Obviously, I’m still sorting out accommodation and stuff like that. But in terms of the club, I’ve loved it. It’s been a lot of new lads and a lot of new faces with a new management team, obviously. So it’s been really good and I feel like we’ve got a good atmosphere at the training ground.” Read more about Diallo Faces Four-Month Absence as Injury Crisis Deepens.
Some might have hesitated to accept a position as a third-choice goalkeeper, especially with two seasoned professionals ahead of him. However, Moulden was resolute about his decision after engaging in thorough discussions with sporting director Ben Knapper. Knapper articulated the club’s ambitions and the opportunity to work with head of goalkeeping Tony Roberts, with whom Moulden had previously collaborated at Wolves.
“I think for me, the big one was the way that they spoke to me and the way that they sold it to me,” Moulden explained. “I was obviously keen to come back and work with Tony when I got the opportunity. Then the way that Ben obviously set out about the manager, the way that he wants to play and then obviously, it’s a massive club.” Read more about Diallo Set for Extended Absence as Canaries Face Injury Woes.
Moulden’s decision to join Norwich was made quickly. He remarked, “All things considered, I thought for the next step, after a tough year last year for myself, that this looked like a really good option. To be honest, there wasn’t too much talking once the offer came. We spoke to the club. I had a few chats with my family and whatnot, and it was done within a couple of days. So, yeah, I was just really keen to get going.”
The arrival of Roberts has been significant for Moulden, particularly given Roberts’ impressive coaching history with clubs like Arsenal and AC Milan. Moulden regards him as one of the best goalkeeper coaches he has encountered. “I’ve been very lucky. I’ve worked with some really good goalkeeper coaches in my time, but Tony’s one of the very best,” he asserted. “The opportunity to work with him was a major pull for me.”
The new dynamics within Norwich’s goalkeeping staff have fostered a supportive environment for all three goalkeepers. Moulden is particularly encouraged by his existing rapport with Grimshaw, whom he knows from their time at Manchester City. “Me and Dan obviously knew each other previously from Man City. We had a good relationship. I knew there would be no issues between me and Dan. I can push him, he can push me and we both know where we’re going,” he said.
Additionally, Moulden has quickly bonded with Kovacevic. “Then, obviously, Vlad arrived as well. We push each other every day. There’s a really good feel to the training. Whoever’s playing, it’s probably my role at the moment to support them. But it’s also about me pushing myself and getting the best out of training every day. So, it’s been a good group and a good feel to it so far.”
While Moulden may not be a regular starter in Norwich’s Championship campaign, he remains optimistic about the squad's potential. “We’ve got some really good players, obviously 12 new players,” he observed. “I don’t know how many new starters from the weekend, but it would be, I imagine, six, maybe something like that. It’s going to take time to get there. We’re working at it. Obviously, the manager and the sessions that we put on, we are working towards something. I think if we can just get it to an eight out of 10, then we’ll be in a really good spot.”