Chris Martin did have a place for the first half of the season, JR, but then went out on loan to make room for Kamara. Fox could do the same if another signing doesn't happen, but CH has already said that Barnett won't feature. I don't have a problem with Ayala as the 4th CB, given that Martin can cover. I thought EB did well at RB against Portland and that would give a wing-back option either side with Olsson now available on the left. Certainly the strongest squad City have had in over 40 years of watching. Given that Redmond can play on either wing, or even in the middle, there seems to be ample cover everywhere!
Mackie wanted out for a while, pissed off at the inequalities in the club. Last year he was on 29k and SWP was on 60k. This year if he'd stayed he'd be down to 14.5k, and SWP would still be on 60k.
It's almost certainly decision time for Butterfield. I suspect CH would like him to stay, but to go out on loan again this season. So it will depend on the lad himself. Does he see any future with us, or does he want to be playing regularly above anything else.
look munky, 'arry isn't all about the money you know............................... actually, yeah - you're right
Sorry but he was poor last year. He was ok the year before and excellent in our promotion year. QPR fans love him because of his work rate but unless he is played up front he tends to chase down blind alleys a but. I have heard him called cul-de-Sackie for this reason. I was sad to see him go though as he had a good attitiude.
I was impressed with Butterfield's 20 minutes against Portland, including a good shot low into the corner. I think he'll stay to give another option there, given that he can also play as ACM.
surely thats the most relevant thing here? Even if you let him stay on his current salary he'd have been better value for money than many, and the reported 900k is chump change to find someone else to give your team drive and backbone from the get go. Must have been a big rift for it not to be able to patch it is my guess.
certainly i'm aware that his attitude has been far from spot on and other players hadn't really taken to his 'ways'. maybe hughton has given him an ultimatum to sort himself out this season or he'll be off. he's definitely got massive potential but he wouldn't be the first one to blow it as his attitude was poor. signing him when injured was always a risk too but hughton must have some faith in his ability to have bought him in the first place - big year for the lad's career
redknapp is never happy unless he's wheeling and dealing. it's almost irrelevant whether the move makes any sense. he's a car crash of a manager, probably cos he can't see where he's going as he's always leaning out the bloody window talking to some reporter!!
If/when Hooper signs I could happily not see anyone else come in as we have improved the playing squad considerably. I think other additions would have to be a quality CB - at least the same level as Bassong as if he were to get injured long term I think we would be a bit weak at the heart of our defence. Another position would be a forward who can play in the just off the front man however I am actually hoping that Howson is going to be free to play in this role now and if he can pick up where he finished the last 2 games we could see the best of him this season. We quite reightly should be very hapyp with the business we have done this summer especially as we have got most of our players in early.
Given that it's Hooper's day, so to speak, here's an excellent read on his various qualities from a Celtic fan: http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/...ls-norwich-supporters-all-they-need-to-know/? And if you want to judge for yourself, have a look at this compilation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6GcgO7rbXw
got a nagging feeling i've read that report before but yes, it describes hooper well. let's hope he proves how good he is next season - i've been 'bigging' him up for an england call for a couple of years so he needs to prove me right
can't disagree with any of that i'd suggest that we are probably the club who have made the most improvement in terms of increasing the quality within our squad this summer.
Just found another 3 minute compilation of Hooper's more recent goals: http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/...y-norwich-have-snapped-up-celtics-hooperman/?
the timing of the run, the control, the awareness and the calm finish for the opening goal on that video is supreme the goal on 2:00 mins is also fantastic.