WHEN HE LEFT NORWICH CITY, the future was filled with uncertainties for Kyle Callan-McFadden.
The 20-year-old had been brought through the ranks at Carrow Road by Neil Adams, who was manager of the Canaries team, including Callan-McFadden, that won the FA Youth Cup in 2013.
Adams was elevated to the position of senior team manager at Carrow Road and gave Callan-McFadden his first-team debut against Crawley Town in the League Cup.
The departure of Adams in January and the appointment of Alex Neil meant that Callan-McFadden was having to prove himself again.
Ultimately, he was on borrowed time after the change of manager and in the summer the Ramelton man bid farewell to Norwich.
“I wasn’t that disappointed to be honest,” says Callan-McFadden (pictured above right) , who has signed for Orlando City in the MLS.
I was set to sign a new deal under Neil Adams but then he left the club and that got taken away because the new manager made a lot of changes so I knew it was 50/50 again, but I couldn’t thank Norwich enough for what they have done for me.”
Last April, he was given a new one-year contract by Norwich, who snapped him up in July 2011 when the defender impressed while playing in the Clydesdale Bank International Tournament in Guernsey earlier that year.
He was named as the FAI Under 16 Player of the Year award in February 2012.
He had a number of trials in the lower Leagues of England, but when Orlando called, Callan-McFadden was smitten.
He says: “My management team (Beswicks Sports) told me that Orlando City were always a big fan of me so once I left Norwich I went a few places.
“No offence to the other clubs Orlando was were I wanted to be. It’s a chance to have a great lifestyle, play great football with great players and the coaching staff are top class.
“There wasn’t much thinking to be honest once there was a contract offered. I jumped at the opportunity.
“I’ve been here for the past three weeks now and I’m just getting used to the heat. I’ve adjusted well now so I’m looking forward to kicking the new season off next year.”
Brazilian superstar Kaká, a World Cup winner in 2002 and a Champions League winner with AC Milan in 2007, is among his team-mates.
“He hasn’t lost a bit,” Callan-McFadden says.
The former Swilly Rovers player has played for the Republic of Ireland from Under-16 to Under-21 levels.
His girlfriend, Ella Greensitt, has also made the move to Florida.
“It’s a big change for both of us, but I can’t wait,” says Callan-McFadden.
“March is when the season starts, but the club got me over early to get me used to the heat. My playing contract starts in January, so I wait to get playing again.
“The aim is to stay injury free and play as many games as I can.
“I want to keep improving and impressing people. I’m really looking forward to the future over here.”
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