This reminds me a little of Tettey last summer. I think at least 50% of people were prepared for him to leave, but Tettey stayed and made an important contribution this year. Neither Tettey nor McGovern are first choice, it's just as a second choice goalkeeper the difference in playing time is more stark. It's hard to know just how far behind Krul he really is, but I'll trust Farke/Webber's judgement there. Sounds like his contribution behind the scenes is important, and it's clear that's valued at the moment. Like Tettey, he's probably taken a pay cut in order to fit the current structure. He must know his current contract was never going to be matched anywhere else, and he's got no chance of moving to a club above league 1. At 35 this summer, 37 by the end of his contract, he probably has one eye on retirement and doing coaching badges or similar. From a squad development perspective, he's clearly content with his role in the squad, and that probably lets Oxborough go out on loan, and any other youngsters the club bring in to develop. This is like signing Carlo Nash. I don't think this has any bearing on who is first choice next season (should we go up). Krul has had several spells as second choice at Premier League clubs, it appears he has the character to handle it. I should imagine we'll do a deal if there's one which suits the club, but not feel desperate to do so.
Also means that available funds won’t be used in goalkeeping and will be used in areas where we need to strengthen, ie a back-up to Pukki.....
Perhaps McGovern has been signed as a cheap and experienced 3rd choice GK, allowing Oxborough to go out on loan and gain experience in the Championship or League One to find out whether he will cut it. As I understand it, McGovern is not on large wages and therefore not a financial burden. This will then allow us to bring in a new number 1 and have the premier league experience of Krul as an able deputy, the role that he has fulfilled at his 2 previous clubs.
This seemed strange when I first saw it, but I can see the logic now. If we go up, we could sign another GK to compete with Krul and McGovern will become back-up to them. Like DH, I'm willing to trust SW & DF on this one.
Che Adams (Birmingham City) anyone? Can’t see us keeping Rhodes or Srbeny so another striker seems likely. We won’t be splashing the cash and with Birmingham struggling financially then £5-6m might be enough.
Yeah, he’s be 15M minimum unless their finances and fines get so bad they just need to get money in quick. Even there, a bidding war would push the price right up.
They turned down a reported £12M this year from Burnley. Good point about a bidding war. And he's home-grown so that helps.
So if Evans is worth £15m then Pukki is worth say, £18-20m? Had no idea Evans was worth that amount. Recently sold players such as Maddison, Josh Murphy, Jacob Murphy and Pritchard have had mixed fortunes this season. Maddison will stay in PL, but Josh M will probably come back down to Championship with Cardiff, Jacob M is in Championship with WBA (on loan) and Pritchard will be back in Championship with Huddersfield. NCFC on the other hand look destined for the PL. As a certain J Greaves once said “ funny old game football”
Yes CS and 'the grass isn't always greener .... ' Mind you, there transfers certainly helped our funds shortfall.
I was thinking earlier today: if we get promoted, where in the squad do we actually need to strengthen? Someone described the Norwich team as the complete package. For the first time in years that feels like it’s true. Even vs the team in January. Difficult to see a weakness. I’m sure Farke’s got his own ideas, but for me I think I’d happily go into the Premier League with this squad! So the only place to strengthen is back-up. For me, attacking midfield probably is the right position to focus on, as I don’t think I’m (yet) convinced by Cantwell. Also up front, a back up to Pukki, though Rhodes might be able to do a job in the PL, I’m not sure. That’s about it tbh.
It's one of those overseas rumours. Could be something in it, but I'm not convinced that there's much to it. Agree that we need another AM who can play anywhere behind the striker and fit into our system. A backup for Aarons is also needed, otherwise we're ok (assuming Rhodes stays).
Yeah right back is one position where we need cover, good point. Is Pinto definitely off this summer?
Well, I thought McGovern would be moving on, so who knows? Perhaps we can afford his wages in the PL.
Ivo's a strange one. He was playing really well, even took the captain's armband and then this season completely shut out. Effectively replaced as number 2 RB by Passlack as well. Did Pinto go off the boil or did he just lose out to a Max Arrons on the rise?
