Claim made on Norwich City star who was linked to Nottingham Forest and Everton - 'got a lot of work to do' | OneFootball

The 21-year-old has featured less than expected this season

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Norwich City have been one of the Championship’s biggest disappointments so far this season.

The Canaries headed into the 2025/26 campaign full of hope and promise, after taking manager Liam Manning from Bristol City despite finishing seven places behind them in the league.

Despite losing Borja Sainz to Porto, Norwich managed to keep hold of star forward Josh Sargent and, with a number of other solid additions, looked capable of returning to the play-off hunt.

That hasn’t proven to be the case, with the Norfolk outfit losing nine of their first 13 Championship matches, winning just twice during that run.

This has seen Manning’s side slump into the relegation zone, with just a Sheffield Wednesday side in administration below them.

Liam Manning backed for handling of Kellen Fisher situation

Another deflating part of Norwich’s season has been the lack of involvement from Kellen Fisher.

The 21-year-old was linked with moves to Nottingham Forest and Everton during the summer window, but has only started six of the Canaries' first 13 second-tier matches, usually falling behind Jack Stacey in the pecking order.

When queried on why Fisher has struggled to establish himself in the team, Football League World’s Norwich City fan pundit, Zeke Downes, believes that the young defender is missing a crucial element from his game, which will also prevent him from playing Premier League football at this moment in time.

“It was clear that Manning wanted Stacey over Fisher for his style of play,” stated Zeke. “I think that was the right move because Stacey's probably been our best performer this season, which obviously is a low bar.

“He's been involved in a lot of the good stuff and then Fisher has filled in at left-back or when Stacey has been out injured.

“I would say that Fisher has got a lot of work to do in terms of his all-around game. He is good defensively, but he's not as good going forward, advancing the ball and creating chances.

“That's more what Stacey is able to do. I think in order for him to be ready for the Premier League, he does need to improve his all-round game.”

Kellen Fisher may enjoy extended run in the Norwich City side

Although Fisher hasn’t been Manning’s preferred choice thus far, he may be set for a period of time where he is the number one choice at right-back.

Stacey suffered a concussion in the build-up to Norwich’s game against Hull City, which handed Fisher his first start since before the October international break.

It is unclear when Stacey will be deemed fit enough to make a return, but Fisher must make use of the time when he is the most suitable option in that department.

Impressive performances could give Manning a decision to make, or even stand out to any potential new bosses who could be appointed as a result of a managerial change at Carrow Road.

Therefore, the 21-year-old must make sure he doesn’t produce anything below his A-game, otherwise it could lead to a season spent primarily on the bench, which is far from promising for his Premier League ambitions.