I don't think so. Lambert's stats for championship season and premier league season match up neatly when you account for an improvement in opposition. The style stayed the same. Given we have no other measure of our defensive performance under Neil, it's fair to use comparatives.
I agree with Rob on this in that the similarities are relevant. In both cases the manager is a driving force, and I suspect that Neil is an even stronger force than Lambert. In the two pre-season games so far there is a genuine sense that almost every player is playing for a place. The squad is already stronger with the addition of Mulumbu, and Odjidja-Ofoe and Andreu are both like new additions this year, except that they already know the squad. With up to4 more players to come in, it'll get stronger still. Hooper played as the lone striker in the second half last night and provided the assist for Andreu's first goal, then scored himself from an assist by Andreu. Could that be a possible link-up for the future? It's early days in the pre-season but there are already very positive signs about how focused all the players are under Neil and co and that makes me confident. The absence again of Lafferty and RvW raises a question about their future, but I'm beginning to think Hooper will stay now. The current talk about Bamford makes sense if one or more striker(s) are leaving, given that Bamford can play as a striker or an AM. A quality CB would calm everybody's nerves a bit, especially if Turner is also moving on, though he has featured in both games so far. A Brady type signing is also needed and there now seems to be three options for that.
carlton Morris signs new 2 year deal, AN must obviously rate him despite sending him out on loan. http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/norwich-city-carlton-morris-hamilton-loan-2543909.aspx
Please God, NOOOOO! http://www.first4lcfc.co.uk/blog/le...-former-chelsea-and-west-ham-united-striker/?
I think defence is our weakest area. There are going to be plenty of times where we need to get back into games and cannot rely on 2 def mids for extra protection. I'd argue only Ollson is of a good standard for the division . We have little depth in basic numbers let alone quality. If i could pick any positions to spend big it would be centre back and right back (not wing back). A good defence will create s more options for the mass of midfielders we have.
Doubt it Dave - we're linked with practically every player who has two legs. I hope it is all trash talk (please let it be so)
Last season West Ham didn't re-sign him until the window had closed, so I imagine he'll be in a similar position this summer. He's a year older and no better, I can't see a mass of suitors.
That's not quite accurate Rob. Genoa mostly played 3-4-3 last season. Bergdich played on the left of the 4, Perotti in the more advanced left wing berth. Bergdich only took Perotti's spot twice. He actually sounds a lot like Brady. Left sided and can do a job at left back, but can also play in a slightly more advanced role. Sounds like a second choice to Brady if Hull try and hold out for silly money. Or to show Hull we're prepared to unsettle their player and move on if they don't want to do a deal.
That's true, DH, except that Bergdich is primarily a LB who can also play further forward (like Olsson) and Brady is a LW who can also play at LB. I'd prefer Brady for that reason, but I suspect that'll depend on the final price. There's also Clucas, of course, who's even more versatile than Brady.
Murphy has signed a new contract with the Binners, thank feck those rumours that we were in for him were unfounded
Not quite transfer related, but AN has no fears of competing in the Premier League - http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwic...he_can_cut_it_in_the_premier_league_1_4154666 I'm certain he will get the best from the team and can't wait for kick off - just over 3 weeks away!!!!
Uber Norwich City on Twitter did tweet that there was going to be a signing announced today, generally don't bullshit either