Oliver Norwood set to move to Fulham on season long loan

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Oliver Norwood is set to move on a season long loan to Fulham, subject to the Shirley from EastEnders look-a-like passing a medical at Craven Cottage.

The Northern Ireland international arrive at the Amex from Reading for an undisclosed fee on the eve of last season. Many at the time predicted that he was a Dale Stephens replacement, given Stephen’s summer efforts to force through a glamour move to Burnley.

As it was, the Albion played hardball and refused to sell. After handing in a transfer request which was duly rejected and collecting the toys that had been thrown out of his pram, Stephens reestablished himself as Chris Hughton’s first choice midfielder and was outstanding as promotion to the Premier League was won.

As a result, Norwood struggled for game time, making 17 starts and 17 substitute appearances in all competitions without scoring a goal.

He had a brief run as a minor hate figure for his love of a sideways pass which drew comparisons to Jake Forster-Caskey, although he did put a lot of credit in the bank when he had what can only be described as a complete meltdown in a barbers, leaving it with bleached blonde hair that left him looking like feisty Albert Square resident Shirley Carter.

Norwood’s opportunities are likely to be even more restricted this time around following the arrival of Pascal Gross and both Stephens and Steve Sidwell signing new deals with the club with Fulham being able to offer him regular first team football as they look to go better than last seasons play off semi final defeat.