"Virtually to a man they were all committed to the cause." I would love to know whether this is utterly meaningless rhetoric, or, if it isn't, what it actually means. I think I can name three or four players who I would be very surprised if they are "committed to the cause". 3 out of 25 does not sound like "virtually to a man" to me... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27783915
I disagree Rob. If there were only 3 out of 25 I would support the claim that Adams has made and having read the piece it is another feelgood editorial. I presume that Bassong is not in the 22, not overly sure who else - Fer probably, maybe Ollson? Hooper apparently has made the right noises and hopefully Snoddy too as this was one of Holt's reasons to get involved quickly. We will see I suppose but the rhetoric is decent and I like the sound of a united squad to give it a big push next year.
To be honest i was expecting far more rumours about players insisting that they wanted out and trying to engineering things, the only one that is going around is Hooper and even that has sort of drifted away after Adams said he wants him to stay. There has been a bit of reported interest externally for some players but generally that seems pretty quiet too. Bassong is the one that i would expect warranted the qualifier "virtually". Persoanlly i think the is would be an advantage especially if the players want to be here, last season I don't feel we got relegated due to a lack of talent in the team it was a combination of poor management and lack of effort from some. The two stated focuses from the new management team seem to be Attacking play and Hard work if they can produce that with these players we will be a genuine force. The other thing is we have a large number of players who will be very good in this league not just the few people worry might leave (Ruddy, Hooper, RvW, Fer, Snodgrass, Olsson) in my opinion players like Tettey, Howson, Turner, Redmond, Pilkington are all assets in thins league who all be incredibly useful.
I would expect Bassong to definitely leave and if Fer has a half decent world cup, then I think several PL clubs to be after his services; especially the promoted ones, as I think he had a decent start to the season, but once Tettey was injured, his game deteriorated.
Personally I think Fer was excellent until injured and as often happens to p,ayers struggled to get back to that level after he came back. He would tear the championship a new one if he could brought back to his best.
We have an interesting few weeks ahead to see who REALLY wants to stay and who we can persuade to join the cause. Also looking forward to who we play in the pre season friendlies at CR. I'm sure we'll score more goals than we did in the CH era. I hope the rumours re Jordan Rhodes are just rumours/press speculation!!!!
I suspect you meant 'can't' there Bath! I like the positive noises coming from Adams and Holt, something I felt was lacking from Worthy and Livermore after the last relegation. I also hope that supporters can put aside their differences and get behind Adams and the team, which would also encourage players to stay, because the more players that stay, the less the chance of things going 'tits up'.
Also squashing the Rhodes rumours at the end. Never thought it was likely but glad Adams confirmed it.
Even with the injuries The Netherlands have experienced, I don't think Fer will get an awful lot of game time at the World Cup. However, I would still be surprised (pleasantly, mind you) if he's still a Norwich player next season.
I think there is a difference between players wanting to leave and players leaving because a better placed team has come in for them. Has there been any definite evidence of Bassong wanting to leave? Even if he does, I can't see it happening unless another team makes a bid for him. I can't see established PL teams coming in for him at the price he would cost. Possibly newly promoted teams might, but would any other than QPR be willing to risk that much of their budget after his last season? I certainly can't see any Championship teams other than possibly Fulham of Cardiff who might be able to afford him. Similarly for our strikers, none of whom set the world on fire last season. Ruddy, Snodgrass and Olsson would be the only real candidates in that regard, and of those Ruddy has already said that he wouldn't leave unless the Club wants him to.
Villa are well desperate. They have no cash and the owner wants out. It will be interesting to see what happens there next year especially with the back room changes and Keane coming in. A recipe for disaster if you ask me.
