I think it had become apparent for some time that the little Irishman’s time at the club had been drawing to a close and his transfer request last night, although turned down, signals the beginning of the end, and I wanted to write something about him because although he drives me nuts at times, he’s certainly been one of my favourite players to ever play in the yellow and green. So let’s get a few things straight. He frustrates the crap out of me! He always has done. It's because he’s got bundles of ability with a ball at his feet – serious ‘tekkers’ – but he hangs on to the ball too frequently, often in dangerous positions. He’s also painfully one footed - I dread to think how he gets on driving as I doubt he has the strength in his right foot to hit the accelerator. He’s also sloth-like in terms of his running. And yet despite his obvious weaknesses we adore him, and the reason we adore him is because his game is so easy on the eye. Not to mention the fact he’s been a bloody good player for us! He twists, he turns, he flicks. Fans love that and it earned him the nickname ‘Wessi’. But it's not all been plain sailing for this talented, quiet man. He was of course a Glenn Roeder signing - arguably the only major plus point of his entire tenure. However, he struggled and was ineffectual wide left. Gunn also played him in his ‘supposed’ natural position, although his performances did improve a little in a desperate, struggling side. It wasn’t until our League One campaign that things started to click for Wes and even then, the season began with him being forced to train with the kids and look for a new club as Paul Lambert swept his new broom through the playing staff. Thankfully, for whatever reason, he earnt a reprieve and it was Lambert who figured out how to get the best out of him by spearheading our diamond formation. He instantly clicked with the front pairing of Holt and Martin and the threesome tore their way through third tier defences with ease. But I’d argue Hoolahan saved his best football for the following season in the Championship. For me, he was our best player during the most scintilating and memorable season I can remember (including 92-93). He could always be relied on to make something happen. He rarely had an ‘off’ day. He scored goals, created goals and worked hard – he was a joy to watch. But the big question remained unanswered – would he be able to replicate that form in the Premier League? Early signs were promising as he netted on opening day at Wigan. But in truth, he found it hard to hit the heights of the previous season and was very much in and out of the side. Jonny Howson arrived from Leeds in January and it looked as though the ‘wee man’ might be put out to dry, but credit to him - he knuckled down and got back in the side, playing his part in the remainder of the campaign. When Lambert left, Hughton dropped the cavalier diamond formation for a more sturdy 4-5-1 which initially meant Wes sat on the sidelines, his place taken by Andrew Surman. But upon his reintroduction to the first team the side embarked on a tremendous ten game unbeaten run which saw Hoolahan thrust into the media spotlight, as the puppet master pulling all the strings. His best performance, possibly his best ever Premier League performance, coming at home to Wigan in what proved to be our final win of that run. Over Christmas the teams form dipped, as did Hoolahan’s effect on the side, although he still went on to make 33 appearances, 28 of which were starts. I felt during the back end of last season that a long term replacement for Wes would be required during the summer months and was very disappointed when a replacement of that ilk did not materialise. It is now vital that we find someone for the long term during the summer of 2014, assuming we can’t get one now – and I doubt we will be able to if I'm being honest. 'Wessi' has been a great player and an exceptional pro for us, but baring a brief renaissance during our ten game unbeaten run, hasn’t quite hit the heights we’d all hoped he would in the top flight. His time in the first team has become more fractured over the last twelve months and I think you’d be blind if you thought he’d still be a Norwich player this time next year. He isn't going to get a new deal here. I think his playing time is limited for a couple of reasons – for one, he really doesn’t create as much as we'd all like to think. For two, he definitely doesn’t score enough for a player playing as advanced as he does. I think I and others tend to look at Wes through fond memory-tinted glasses of the lower leagues rather than his Premier League days. He can still make stuff happen, but he’s not consistent and he doesn’t offer us much other than a bit of neat passing (which I’m sure some people would prefer anyway!). He's been superseded by more effective players, even if perhaps they don't possess the type of talent Wes does. It’s a shame it’s come to this – asking for a transfer – but it was inevitable as soon as a certain Scotsman started naming names in the press, waving a longer contract under his nose. Personally I hope we hang on to him until the end of the season and then let him go, even if he’s unhappy. It might seem harsh on him as he’s been a terrific servant, but I’d much rather see an unhappy Wes sitting on our bench than a content Wes at Villa or elsewhere in the Premier League. If a Championship club or someone outside of England such as Celtic come in then I would immediately say sell him. But its the Villa effect again... I wouldn’t feel comfortable with him plying his trade there. And the fact he’s not really worth anything in monetary terms means he’s far more valuable to us than his fee would be as well as taking into account our relative league positions. Losing him for peanuts means having to spend a far greater amount to replace him. But hey, what a great player he’s been to watch. Lot’s of happy memories, especially from that amazing Championship season. Thanks Wes. You're a true Norwich City legend. OTBC
Supers - Can't really disagree with anything you say and for me his major fault is that he holds on to the ball too long and for a player who often gets in advanced positions, doesn't go for goal often enough, or when he does, it's the wrong decision. I remember a few weks ago when we were playing well against ManUre in the first half and he went for goal when he had 2 ManUre players in front of him and went for goal which was blocked and on the other side of the box on the 6 yard line Hooper was completely unmarked. He has been an immense player for us, but I'm not convinced he can 'cut it' in the PL!!!
Agree with everything there... As one of the `three musketeers' in League One, scoring 60/70? goals between them in that season, will always give great memories and a great servant of the club (only Russ Martin current remains from that League One squad?)... But I think he knew that investment in the summer will leave him out of the side, with appearances already waning (and Howson coming back soon)... But then again I don't like the idea of him playing at Villa... Agree sell him in the summer with a replacement inbound...
Like supers says, anyone but Villa! anyone but a relegation candidate/rival. Why would Norwich help better AV chances of avoiding relegation.
Yep, been an excellent player for us, and would prefer we held onto him until the summer before letting him move on, even if it is then to Villa. Seeing as we haven't been seriously linked to any attacking midfielders this month, I don't see us bringing one in, so to let him leave would create a gap in an already pretty thin squad. Let's get through to the summer, bring in one or two quality attacking midfielders, then let Wes go where he likes.
I wouldn't worry about the part about us "not being seriously linked" to any particular player, none of us knew anything about the Jonas deal until after he'd already had a training session with us and signed on the dotted line.
I think it's too late to let him go in this window. I bet Chris hasn't got anyone else lined up to replace him and it's short notice now. It's an important area of the pitch and the person we get in has got to be an improvement.
Fair point, although I thought there was some kind of rumours in the couple of days leading up to it?
Actually you might be right, it was only a day or so though so it must have been at a fairly advanced stage before we got wind of it, like a lot of our business has been over the last few seasons.
True. I think 3 signings would be high for January, but Hughton keeps talking as if we're still chasing multiple players, so I guess we'll see. Just a shame we didn't send the squad off to deepest Peru for warm weather training, so Wessi couldn't be led astray as easily!
