Fer says that he needs to stay in the Prem to be considered for the Dutch team. Being relegated twice in two years won`t improve his chances of selection though. http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=367615
The trouble is Fer isn't good enough to get in the starting 11 for Holland and I doubt he ever will be.
Cuellar is official. One year contract with an option for another. That's probably sensible business. If we end up stuck in this league for a while, then his contract will expire before our parachute payments get cut further. Listening to his interview, I don't think he's fully fit yet, so might be a few games before he appears.
I don't think our parachute payments change year on year for four years - i.e. I believe it's £15m each year, rather than scaled. Could be wrong, but if that's right it means the cuts we've had now are all that we need to do and the second "bite" will occur in four years' time if we haven't been promoted.
I thought they were staggered, something like £20m for 2 seasons then nearer £10m for the next two, but I can't find anything to support that.
Interestingly (or not), McNally has just started following this twitter account. I'd also suggest he's Dutch, seeing as the 5 people he follows are all Dutch internationals, and he recommended a .nl website.
Latest reports state that Jerome has passed his medical and will complete his signing by the end of the day. Phew - I can't keep up with it all.
Jerome and then another midfielder and I think we'll have a reasonable squad. Hopefully only Bunn, Becchio and Bassong to leave, but I wouldn't be surprised if Surman and Hooper depart.
Speaking of Dutchmen we are linked with a young Nathaniel Ake from Chelsea on loan he can play CB LB or holding mid.... http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=367639
Speaking of Dutchmen we are linked with a young Nathaniel Ake from Chelsea on loan he can play CB LB or holding mid.... http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=367639
Ake played in the FA youth cup final team for Chelsea against us. He's also appeared in the Europa League for Chelsea if I remember correctly. Going to be a proper player, but not sure it's an area we particularly need to strengthen. He's definitely best either as a CB of a CDM. I'd say if we need to strengthen anywhere after Cuellar and Jerome have joined it'd be a wide man and a RB.
that is interesting but then lots of fans seem to have been pointing it out to McNally could be that he's keeping tabs on whether they know anything and if so who it is. they seemed to call the announcement of Cuellar this afternoon but then I think I could have had a pretty good guess.
Cuellar can play at RB I believe so with him, Whits, Rusty and Ryan Bennett all available who can play in that position (plus Elliott Bennett of course if needed) we would have enough cover there I feel - we look weaker at LB, especially if Olsson gets injured. Another ACM to supplement Hoolahoops would still be my preferred "must have".
Hmm, perhaps we are quite well covered at RB then. The only thing I'd say is that Whits is the only one who would consider himself a 'specialist' RB. Russell Martin obviously prefers playing CB. He'd play wherever he's required for the team though. ACM is an interesting one. I remember when we signed Howson Leeds fans said that we'd see the best of him if we played him in an advanced role. Elliot Bennett also played in that 'free role' a lot during his time with Brighton and got a ridiculous amount of assists. The more I think about it, I'm fairly happy with what we've got. Provided we keep hold of Hoops, bring in Jerome and ship Bunn, Bassong and Becchio out. Jerome is a real handful. Think he'll do very well for us.
Fer departure confirmed: http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/...ed_qpr_for_club_record_transfer_fee_1_3734630
I agree - I think Jerome will do extremely well at this level. I dunno but a striker choice of Grabban, Lafferty, Hooper and Jerome seems to have far more threat to it than last year's front four of RVW, Hooper, Goalmander and Becchio .........