After failing to agree terms on a new contract with Nottingham Forest, at the end of last season, Jim Brennan then made the difficult decision to leave the City Ground on a free transfer. A number of clubs were interested in the 26-year-old left-back, who cost Forest £1.5 million just three years earlier, but after careful deliberation he then signed for First Division rivals Norwich City. However, a muscle tear during pre-season training kept the Canadian international on the sidelines for the first four months of the campaign, during which he was reduced to frustrated spectator as the Canaries began the campaign in impressive form. Now fully recovered from his injury setback Brennan is desperate to make up for lost time and kick-start his Carrow Road career. Givemefootball's Mark Shail is the man with the questions.
Q:
IT MUST HAVE BEEN A FRUSTRATING START TO THE SEASON FOR YOU?
A:
Yes, it has been very disappointing. I tore my thigh during pre-season training and that kept me out for longer than expected. Then, when I finally got over that injury, within two days of resuming training I then damaged my hip-flexer, and that kept me out for another two weeks. To say it has been frustrating is an understatement because I wanted to make an impact when I joined Norwich.
Q:
ARE YOU NOW FULLY RECOVERED FROM YOUR INJURIES?
A:
Touch wood, I am now injury free, in fact I have been on the bench for the last two matches. It won't be easy for me to break into the team because the lads have been doing so well but I will just have to get my head down, train hard, and take my chance when it comes along.
Q:
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE FOREST IN THE SUMMER?
A:
I enjoyed my time at the City Ground, but when it came round to my contract negotiations I felt the deal wasn't right for me so I made the difficult decision to move on. I spoke to Nigel Worthington and he really sold Norwich to me. The set up and facilities here at Norwich are first-class and I felt it was a club going places, so I was only too happy to put pen to paper and sign.
Q:
THE TEAM HAVE BEEN GOING VERY WELL IN YOUR ABSENCE?
A:
Yes, they have started the season in great form and we are currently fourth in the table, four points behind leaders West Brom. All the lads have been playing really well, but if I had to single any player out for special praise it would be Darren Huckerby, he has been on fire.
Q:
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED POSITION?
A:
I suppose I would have to say left back because that is where I have played most of my career, but I can also play in a wing back role or on the left side of midfield. At the end of the day I am prepared to play anywhere to get back in the side.
Q:
IS AUTOMATIC PROMOTION A REALISTIC TARGET FOR NORWICH THIS SEASON?
A:
After the start we've made I would have to say 'yes, why not?' Although we respect all the teams in this division we do not fear anyone. Nigel Worthington has assembled a strong squad of players here and if we continue to perform like I know we can promotion has to be our aim.
Q:
WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM AMBITIONS?
A:
I want to play as many games as possible, and ultimately I would love to have a crack at playing in the Premiership, hopefully I will get that opportunity here at Norwich.
