Republic of Ireland international winger Wes Hoolahan became Glenn Roeder's second signing of the 2008 pre-season when he transferred from Blackpool to Norwich on 26th June 2008, on a three year deal. Norwich had activated a get--out clause in Hoolahan's contract to sign him for £250,000. Norwich reserve team keeper, Matthew Gilks, moved in the opposite direction along with an undisclosed amount of money.

Hoolahan started his career at Shelbourne where he won three League of Ireland championships and excelled during their run in the Champions League qualifiers in the 2004-05 season. He was the PFAI Young Player of the Year in the 2002-03 season. He joined Scottish side Livingston but in July 2006, Hoolahan joined Blackpool on a season-long loan. This became a permanent transfer the following summer although Livingston denied agreeing to the deal and the transfer had to be approved by FIFA

Many Championship clubs invluding QPR and Charlton were linked with Hoolahan during the 2007/8 season but Norwich secured the deal seeking a replacement for Darren Huckerby.

Hoolahan, who had been capped at Under-21 level for Ireland, made his full international debut as a second half substitute in the 1–0 win over Colombia in May 2008.