AFC Bournemouth midfielder, Philip Billing, reportedly snubbed a move to Norwich City last summer after conversations with Scott Parker following his appointment on the South Coast. 

Billing picked up his ninth assist of the Championship season last night, teeing up Kieffer Moore to secure a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest to clinch promotion back to the Premier League.

However, it could've been very different in 2021/22 had Billing moved on, with Norwich City known to be hot on the heels of the 25-year-old.

A report from The Athletic on the back of Bournemouth's promotion back into the Premier League outlined how a conversation with Parker after his appointment convinced Billing to stay on the South Coast for a second season in the Championship.

They wrote: "Billing was a prime example as he was subject to offers in the summer from Norwich City and was vocal about wanting to leave before Parker arrived but in a meeting with the club’s directors during pre-season, it is understood that the Dane made it clear that he wanted to play for Parker, and to reject all further approaches for him."

Alongside his impressive tally of nine assists from midfield, Billing has also had a crucial contribution when it comes to his goals.

The former Huddersfield Town player has scored 10 times for Parker this season, including a late brace in the recent 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers which kept the Cherries on course for automatic promotion as Forest chased them down.

The Verdict 

Billing was obviously impressed by Parker's vision for Bournemouth following his appointment, with that show of faith now justified.

Norwich are heading back into the Championship, whilst Bournemouth are now joining Fulham in replacing them in the top-flight.

For Billing, he's heading into the Premier League a more rounded player, with Parker helping to elevate his game over the last 12 months.

He's always been a goal threat, but he's now got this creative streak and a system that is built around him.

Thoughts? Let us know!