Depth of the squad or perhaps you didn't notice the problems last season where the squad was in quite a bit of trouble with injuries. Also if we sold and didn't replace him in the same role or an ACM it only takes a couple of injuries and you're in big trouble immediately. You put Bennett forward and that's fine he's a good player but what if his injury from this season reoccurs and it takes him out for 90% of next season, then you're down to just Redmond, if he's ill or injured or suspended...... It's not just about having top notch players we still need some good quality depth in the squad in those areas, selling one and not replacing would be one hell of a huge gamble IMHO
That type of injury does not re-occur in the same knee. On your hypothesis we should start the season with at least three players for each position. Injuries happen but legislating for them in advance is impossible.
It has just occurred to me that we have a season long loan window with certain closed times. Any serious player loss can be overcome in this way.
Good point GE, but we do need at least two players at every position, including ACM. If Snods leaves and isn't replaced, we'd have Pilks, Redmond and Bennett. Josh Murphy shows promise, but he isn't a first team player yet. That would leave us a player short, IMO.
It's Left wing not right wing that we need to worry about, redmond and Bennett are both naturally right sided players, which leaves us the oft injured Pilkington and inexperienced Murphy for the left side.
Its ACM that we need to concentrate on imo. Wes is likely off, Howson isnt creative enough in the same way Wes can be, Fer is a CM not an ACM (plus he will probably leave), Snoddy (if we keep him) will play wide more often than not and Redmond is the same as Snoddy. We are in need of a goalscoring, assist providing number 10.
This has been our achilles heel for over a year now Ever since all the Toivonen 'bad boy' rumours at the start of last season. I still maintain that not signing a decent ACM cost us our place in the top flight, as there's plenty of evidence that both Hooper and RvW can score goals given the correct service. I hope Adams will address this urgently, it may even prevent Hooper wanting to leave if he knows he's not going to be left totally isolated all season - like this year!
Spot on Cromer. On a side note, I'm looking forward to the new season - mainly due to the fact that most games SHOULD be winnable if NA can motivate the players in the same way that PL used to and I'm hoping we will score at least double the number of goals we scored last season and not concede as many. Hopefully, we won't be on the receiving end of a 'drubbing', but would be absolutely thrilled if we dished out one or two
I agree with Cromer "that not signing a decent ACM cost us our place in the top flight". Even if Wes stays we need another player at ACM who can be a playmaker (with both feet), score 8-10 goals, as well as holding the ball up when necessary. I also agree that such a signing is a key to holding on to our existing strikers. I'm hoping that Adams proves to be a good motivator as well and that this and some good early results help to get the players' confidence flowing again. On another note, what do people feel about Callum Wilson, should another striker leave?
After Dave's posting of Snods' tweet about next year's fixtures, another argument that he's likely to be staying has now appeared: http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=361717 Some logic to that, IMO.
Yup 3 players for KEY positions we don't have a quality creative reliable ACM, simples! As for that type of injury reoccurring that's a fair point but I would not feel comfortable with just Redmond for cover.
It will be interesting to see if Josh can 'step up to the plate' (and any other promising youngsters)!!!
I can't see Josh as ACM but Redmond showed some promise there under Adams at the end of the season. Howson is another possibility at ACM and he's experienced in the Championship. Adam Clayton of Huddersfield was mentioned early on, but is he an ACM?
Meantimes, the Lafferty rumours seem to be hotting up, with this from Football Italia saying he's flown to Norwich for a medical: http://www.football-italia.net/50972/lafferty-set-norwich? We've seen this sort of rumour from Italy before though.
Not strictly true, Gruffnuts. According to Football League World, "Cardiff City, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers were all rumoured to be interested in the 26-year-old who only joined the Italian club last summer." Was it Ewan Chester's last recommendation?
While we're on the subject of 'interested clubs' here's some bad - but inevitable, I guess, news re: Snodders. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11709/9358718
