Can Sainz make a difference once fully fit? https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/n...-shaped-hole-could-be-filled-by-creative-ace/
Ben Lee's analysis of the Sunderland game: https://ncfcanalysis1.wixsite.com/ncfcanalysis/post/sunderland-vs-norwich
Sargent and Holt on City's situation: https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...ch-city-josh-sargent-grant-holt-discuss-form/ “Yeah, we’ve had a couple of good games, a couple of not-so-good games,” Sargent responded. “So it’s been a bit weird definitely, but the guys are trying to do the right things, we’re trying to implement the things that Wagner is telling us about. So we just need a couple more games to get a good rhythm going, and hopefully the guys can get some good results.” Sargent also reserved praise for the German, who oversaw his transition to playing primarily as a central striker, his favoured position. “He’s a good guy. He’s quiet, but he gets along well with all the guys, so no complaints on my side. He knows when to get on the guys if we’re not on it that day. But at the same time he knows how to say the right things and get his message across, so he’s a good guy.”
Yes, I was torn as to what to post so ended up just posting facts. As much as I want Gibson to do well, he never inspires me with confidence.
I personally think Gibson has been better than Duffy this season, particularly over the recent run, so it is a shame but hopefully a change in defence brings us better fortune. At least we have a back up defender that is used to playing LCB in Batth, which we haven’t had for a few years. Personally I would bring Batth and Warner in!
So would I. The Duffy-Gibson partnership is broken, so there is more reason for a complete change and a new partnership forming, though there is also good news about Hanley. "Norwich City captain Grant Hanley is happy to be well along the comeback trail after an encouraging 67 minutes playing for the club's under-21s. Hanley started for Alan Neilson's side as they were beaten 4-3 by Premier League 2 table toppers Tottenham Hotspur, being replaced by young prospect Charlie Wilson in a planned change midway through the second half. It was his first competitive appearance in seven months after suffering an achilles injury at Blackburn in April, and one he felt was a significant landmark on his road to recovery."
So we go into this latest International break on the back of a spirit-lifting win, and a mere six points below the team in 6th, with 30 games still to play. We can look forward to the QPR game in the knowledge that, by then, several of our injured, including Hanley, the influential Barnes, and first choice keeper Gunn, will again be available, and Sainz will be two weeks further on towards full recovery and integration. Knapper will be two weeks into his job. What's not to like?
Unless an update was given after the game I believe Hanley has had a set back after suffering a hamstring injury this week which is due to set him back 2-3 weeks I think I heard
"Wagner says Grant Hanley has a muscle injury and looks like he'll be out for 3-4 weeks. Says he was in the plan for this game at the start of the week." Tweeted by Sam Seaman (EDP) post-match yesterday. Not an unusual turn of events when players are returning from a long term injury.
I just hope Wagner has the sense to stick with Warner and Batth for the next game, bring Stacey and Gianoulis back in as fullbacks and keep Duffy on the bench.
Yes I don't blame the CBs as much, but they were all sucked over to that side and half the pitch was vacant if Cardiff managed to get the ball across, which they did
His crossing ability is a threat and obviously his pace but not good enough defensively for a team that is leaking goals already. Who knows what McCallum must be thinking as I thought he was pretty decent at crossing and better at defending than Placheta and certainly no slouch. I prefer Placheta as a winger but he is currently behind Rowe and Sainz
I would rather regard this as a gap season. We certainly don't want promotion or we will be challenging Derby's unenviable record. My mate supports Ipswich and he fears them going up. Just look at the table and see how last year's successful applicants are faring.
Ben Lee's analysis of the Cardiff game: https://ncfcanalysis1.wixsite.com/ncfcanalysis/post/cardiff-vs-norwich
I agree, but see it more as a rebuilding season. In addition to adding experience and character to replace those leaving, we've added 8 U21 players, one of whom, Kellen Fisher, is already a first team regular. The others are part of the future we're building towards as Knapper comes in. If we fail to get back into contention for a playoff place, there's an opportunity to bring younger players in. Sainz is only 22 and has yet to show what he can add because of Rowe's breakthrough. Sargent, for all of his experience, is still a younger player and he will have a lot to add when he's back from injury. There's much to be positive about.
