Hey All, I was just reading through all the transfer rumours etc and thought, what is going to happen to Hoolahan next season? Is Lambert going to stick with the diamond? If so Bennett is going to be £1.5m sitting on the bench. If PL plays 442 then Hoolahan is going to be left out. I dont think it is fair to drop Hoolahan straight off the bat as he was so so important for us next season! If Snodgrass signs (I really hope so!) and Johnson also, then I imagine our midfield would start off as: Crofts Johnson Snodgrass Hoolahan This is a great midfield but leaves another £1.5m in Surman on the bench. I guess Im glad we have quality and strength in depth! I also think Whittingham might be a target from Cardiff?! If we signed him (rather him than Lansbury) our midfield might start off: Crofts Snodgrass Whittingham Hoolahan NOT BAD! I know three of the people I have mentioned have not been signed but they have ALL been linked with us. Anyway, my main concern is that Hoolahan may not be given a chance and I think this would be a massive shame as I reckon he could prove a lot of doubters wrong! OTBC!
bennett wide right, crofts holding midfielder, surman left sided midfielder, hoolahan tip of the diamond for me. I dont think we will get snodgrass. I think we may need to change formation however, a bit more defensive minded. Our main weakness is the counter when playing the diamond. Premier league teams will score more goals on the counter than championship teams did last season, and that was quite a few goals that we conceded. New defenders obviously to come.... will have to see.
I'm guessing if,as you say, defenders are now to come, there will be no sign of Lansbury or Pacheco. With only 4 loans allowed at this level, and only 2 at one time, I suppose we'll want to keep that option open should we need it later.
Surman is better than Johnson, Alot of people are being fooled by the goal he scored against Arsenal. We really are not improving the first 11 but narrowing the ability gap when we need back up which is still good as its adding strength in depth and I'm sure training sessions will be even more competitive and will help keep everybody on their toes. I do like Johnson he's hard working, will chase everyball but I think he lacks the final third of his play but this could be down to confidence because he has the 'football brain', can spot passes/shots and PL is the one for man managing. Midfield - Your'e right about Crofts I think. In my eyes theirs no way PL could drop him as we are going to need that 'rock' ..in the midfield someone who we can rely on. If we do sign Bennett which inevitably we will by the looks of things we'll have pace, flair, playmakers and hard workers all across the mid.
I think Lambert will do what hes always done. Concern himself with picking a team that is going to win the match. If he believes a team without Wes is more likely to get the points it will be up to Wes to prove him wrong. Thats whats made as such a force in the last two seasons, every player is playing for thier shirt every week. Hoolahan is quality though and I'm sure he will have a great season.
Wes is going to rip it up - as above, he won't play week in week out, as i think the diamond will be vunerable in some games. if someone is going to be a 'Charlie Adam' type revelation for a team, Wes has got it in him to be prime candidate - just as long as he doesn't take any penalties
There will be a place for Hoolahan in the team - possibly not every week as Lambert picks the team to win. He may have to play 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-5-1 etc, but Wes will be a key player over the course of the season!
Don't think Bradders is EPL starting material. If you do get Snoddy though I'm demanding Hoolahan aswell as the fee in return.
Penalties...not a problem as we have Holt, Morison, Vaughan and Ward...all very good penalty takers! I don't think we should under value Fox, he played some excellent stuff for us and his passing was superb. I don't expect we will change our starting line up from last season too much to begin with tbh.
Hoolahan is better than Snodgrass - so if you wanted Hoolahan you'd have to give us Snodgrass, Gradel and 5 million I reckon (at least)
Hoolahan is good but Snodgrass is better. Besides, you aren't getting Snodgrass. Leeds don't want to sell him, so I don't see it happening unless there's an offer of 5 mill +. Also, WLOH, your opinion counts for nothing, even your own fans know you're a waste of space.
Actually Marko, he's a valued member of our Not 606 team! He only goes a bit haywire when he gets anywhere near anything to do with Leeds! Must be an allergy
I don't think Snoddy will go for less than silly money, which would be £6mill + IMO, with a guaranteed replacement lined up.
Sorry people but although I would really, really love to see Snodgrass at Norwich he is never as good as Wes!!!! Without Wes Norwich would never be where they are now but even with Snodgrass Leeds failed to get to the play offs even. Im not having a go at Leeds, I just think Wes is a better and more influential player. Wes AND Snodgrass however?! I think that has major potential in the Prem! I reckon £5m should do it and Id rather have Snodgrass than Osman!!!!!!!!!!! Fingers Xd that Lambert finds a midfielder or equal or better caliber to Snodgrass. I know we have limited funds but IMO if we are going to spend "BIG" (for Norwich) it should be on an midfielder as it is the most important position on the pitch. OTBC
But with Snodgrass we had the best attack in the Championship. It was our defence and lack of a DM that cost us promotion, our attack was nigh on perfect.
£6M!? What planet are you on!!!??? Hoolahan must be worth £20m then..... Snodgrass is slow, he just has a good shot on him. Danny Graham, arguably the best player in the division last season, just went for £3.5m.
