Bell End s Time At City

By: David | January 30th, 2009

Norwich have allowed David Bell a transfer to rivals Coventry City for the obligatory undisclosed fee, after he claimed to be unable to settle in Norfolk due to family reasons.

The 25 year old was signed by Roeder in July from Luton for around £600k despite being unfit with an ankle injury. City beat off competition from Wolves, Coventry and Sheffield Utd to sign one of Luton’s shining lights but he has found opportunities to showcase his skills at Carrow Road limited to just 20 appearances following his rehabilitation. Indeed he looked a quality player, making a real difference on his debut with excellent delivery of balls into the box and many would have rather seen him preferred over Lee Croft down the right.

Stories surfaced of Coventry’s interest in December, with Roeder claiming the club were trying to turn his head and unsettle him, which seems to be true. Being born in Northampton he was pleased to make his name at Rushden before a move to Luton in January 2006. Indeed perhaps until Northampton or Rushden and Diamonds are promoted into the top flight he may not settle.

He leaves with the Clubs best wishes having jumped at the chance to leave for Coventry once their bid was confirmed. I certainly hope we made a profit on him, although I won’t be holding my breath. I’m obviously disappointed as I was looking forward to Belly becoming a City hero, partially filling the void left since Huckerby’s departure. This is football though, and I guess an unhappy player in the fragile dressing room wouldn’t be the best trump to have in a relegation fight.

Obviously money now needs spending on at least one target man and a mobile tall centre half.