Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup has backed Brad Hills to make the step up to Championship football next season.
Norwich City have a strong track record of developing young talent, with many academy graduates progressing into the first team over the years. While some homegrown players have had opportunities this season, the focus has largely been on recruits from elsewhere.
Brad Hills, however, has gained valuable experience out on loan. After spending the first half of the season with Thorup’s senior squad, he was loaned to Stockport County in January to get more senior minutes. Since then, he has started eight of Stockport’s last 10 League One matches, impressing in his spell.
Thorup Believes Hills is Ready
Thorup now believes Hills is prepared for the challenge of Championship football next season. Speaking to the Pink Un, the Norwich boss acknowledged that while Hills’ suitability for his side will need to be assessed, the young defender looks primed for the next step.
“I think he is [ready to play in the Championship],” said Thorup.
“I think he’s ready in many ways, and I believe he will definitely be ready after this season.
“What we have to assess is whether he’s ready for us, because we have a clear way of doing things and a specific set of demands for our centre-backs.
“That’s what we need to determine, but I’m certain he will return in even better shape and with a strong motivation to make his breakthrough here. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
A Logical Next Step?
A regular place in the Championship next season seems like the logical progression for Hills.
His first-team opportunities were limited in the first half of the season at Norwich, prompting the mid-season loan move to Stockport. But after managing that transition well—building on his strong stint in League Two with Accrington Stanley—Championship football now seems the natural next step.
It remains to be seen whether Hills will earn a place in Norwich’s starting XI or if another loan move to a lower-ranked Championship side will be the preferred route for his continued development.
Opportunity in Thorup’s Squad
There could be opportunities at centre-back in Thorup’s squad ahead of next season.
Jose Cordoba is expected to retain his place, but with Shane Duffy being a short-term option, a longer-term solution is needed. Winter signing Ruairi McConville will also be given time to develop, but Hills looks set to compete for a spot when he returns to Carrow Road.
While Norwich may look to bring in one or two centre-backs this summer, Hills can put himself in contention for a regular role with a strong finish to this season and a solid preseason showing.
