Robert Snodgrass returns with Aston Villa – with Premier League in his sights
Robert Snodgrass celebrates scoring against Sunderland in March, 2014. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
An old favourite returns to Carrow Road this weekend to face his old club for the first time - Chris Lakey takes a look at Robert Snodgrass.
John Ruddy consoles Robert Snodgrass at the end of the Premier League match at Old Trafford in April, 2014. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Robert Snodgrass looks likely to make his first appearance against Norwich City since his exit back in June, 2014 – and another crack at Premiership football is within his sights.
Snodgrass left City for Hull, but his time on Humberside was dominated by a serious knee injury and by the time he returned, the Tigers were a Championship team.
A £10m move to West Ham should have resurrected his ambitions, but it was a ill-fated love affair, the Scot never really happy under Slaven Bilic and, after 15 games and seven months, he joined Aston Villa on loan at the beginning of the season.
Under Steve Bruce he appears to have found a new home, even if he has been courting a possible return to east London now the Hammers are under new management.
Robert Snodgrass takes the ball off Ricky van Wolfswinkel for a penalty against Aston Villa - and then misses. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
So what do you get with Snodgrass?
Well, passion for starters. The man tends to wear his heart on his sleeve, and even during his time at City he wasn't shy to confront those who he felt were doing him wrong. He had a lively exchange with Snakepit fans one January night on 2014 when he was sarcastically applauded after taking a corner. He later showed a degree of humiliation to ensure it was all smoothed over.
Most Read
- 1 'I'm sorry' - Woman behind cancelled festival offers customers £100,000
- 2 Can you spot yourself in the Classic Ibiza crowd at Blickling?
- 3 New tenant bid for former Argos store on retail park
- 4 9 West End shows heading to Norwich in 2023
- 5 Congestion eases after crash on outskirts of Norwich by A47 junction
- 6 Brick and flint north Norfolk cottage a stone's throw from the beach on sale for £650k
- 7 Norfolk man's relatable videos earn him millions of views and celeb fans
- 8 Four taken to hospital after crash involving ambulance on A146
- 9 Adder warning in coastal areas as snakes come out to bask
- 10 Can you spot yourself in our pictures from Reepham Festival?
But he was very animated on the pitch - cajoling and encouraging all around.
Sometimes the passion could overtake proceedings: he grabbed the ball off Ricky van Wolfswinkel to take a penalty, ironically, against Villa... and missed. Some say RvW never recovered. Others say that was just an excuse to cover up for the Dutchman's shortcomings.
Robert Snodgrass receives the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy in May 2014. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
There was certainly something a bit Marmite about Snodgrass, if only because his product didn't always match the enthusiasm he put into the game. He wasn't that quick, certainly for a winger, and his set-pieces weren't that special. But he worked his scruffy socks off and when he put his clever head on, he was a joy to watch.
In 2014 he was awarded the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy as Player of the Season, a highly coveted award which, generally, isn;t handed out to muppets.
When Hull decided to pay north of £8m it resurrected a football fan's favourite, 'for that money I'll drive him there myself'. But be careful what you wish for: Snodgrass will be looking to have City's full-backs on toast on Saturday lunchtime.
Robert Snodgrass in action. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Robert Snodgrass celebrates a Carrow Road victory. Picture: PA - Credit: PA
