Transfer goss and rumours, Summer 2016.

RER -re post #3831
You make some valid points re Naismith and I've been to both home games, as well as watching the 1p5wich on large screen TV and Naismith has completely failed to impress. I agree that he is a 'clever player who makes problems for the defence by exploiting space between defenders', but his first touch at times can be abysmal. He also had a really good chance against 1p5wich in the first half when I think it was Wes who passed to him inside the box when he had no defenders near him and he hits the ball first time, so that it flies over the bar - he had time to take a touch and should at the very least be forcing the keeper to make a save!!!!!

I hate to say it, but I'm with Dave on this one and wouldn't mind if he came back from Malta injured - but Strachan will probably opt to play younger players and so Naismith will probably at best be on the bench.

 

There will always be different views on players, Braveheart, but it seems to me that the criticisms you make could also be made against any other outfield player in our first five games. Naismith is second only to Tettey with a passing success rate at 83.3%. Howson, Wes, Canos and Jacob are all under 80% in that regard. Since the 'poor first touch' allegation was first made I have watched his play very carefully in that regard and can't see any justice in it. Yes, he may occasionally not get a first touch right, but far fewer times than our other players who never get that criticism. Your criticism of his missing that shot is another example taken in isolation as his shot conversion stats are again better than any of the players who would take his place. AN doesn't keep starting him because he likes him or because he's a Scot, he does so because he sees things in his play that others don't.

 

Fair comment Rick and Naismith probably is no worse than any of our other players, but I expect more of him considering his value and experience.

 

Whole heartedly agree - he's a good player and actually needs other players to appreciate what he does to take advantage - we're not there yet but hopefully soon

 

Gary Gowers weekly MFW column, which touches on Moxey, Smith & Jones and Timm Klose.
http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter...the-hump-and-please-dont-mention-the-i-word/?

 

Think AN is wasting Naismith as a striker too, like we keep playing Brady out of position so we're not seeing the best of him either, but he's getting a free pass for some reason.

 

Couldn't agree more re Brady - hopefully 'normal service' will be resumed on Saturday!!

 

Surely Olsson and Pritchard must be fit soon. They will add a lot to the team.

 

And God speed Ivo Pinto's full return to fitness.
I'll let you guys figure out why

 

I just hate seeing players play out of position. Toffolo could have easily played as LB, allowing Brady to play where he's most effective.

 

You argue his case very well Rick. I'll look out for those things you say he does well in the upcoming games. I'd be delighted to be wrong, and there'll be no more 'moronic vitriol' from me!

Now, I'm off to watch Kilkenny vs Tipp in the hurling. A proper game where the guys don't fall over every time you look at them!

 

Agreed and I'm sure they would have formed a good partnership - I'm sure that's partly what cost us our tenure in the PL!!

 

I'm a big fan of Pinto and I was pleasantly surprised to see that his passing success rate is only a shade under Naismith's at 83.2%. He and Olsson (and Brady come to that) have the pace to play like wingbacks in a conventional back 4. He has 2 assists as well.

 

I have a hunch that Naismith has an RvW legacy because of the inflated price we paid in the January window when Holty only cost us £500k from Shrewsbury! We were buying a PL AM at todays inflated prices though!

I hope the hurling goes well and perhaps you'll enlighten us on that and Gaelic football as well!

 

The only hurling around here will be my LG tv out of the window if England can't break down a ten-man team
Plus England are on the verge of losing the last cricket ODI...pub beckons

 

Alcohol always helps, Cromer (takes a sip of wine)! On the subject of Naismith, however, this is worth a read:

http://readnorwich.com/2016/09/04/is-naismith-being-undervalued-at-norwich/

 

He's not your love-child, by some remote chance, RER?

 

Well, England left it a bit late, Cromer. TV still there then?

As for Naismith, if he was performing badly and still being selected, I would also have a moan, but I really don't think he is. Just to put your mind at rest, I have no children, illicit or otherwise!

 

How many times have people written Wes off because of all the times when he's played appallingly?

It's easy to criticise in hindsight or with the benefit of slow motion replays.

We're only 5 minutes into a new season too give the guy a break, going back a few years I seem to recall a Mr Holt starting season shockingly & being accused of eating all the pies!

Maybe the constant need to find a player to demonise plays part of the culture of recruitment problems, there's always someone the fans have to have a full on hatefest on.

I'm not saying he's one way or the other but you could take the recent criticism change the name & you'd be back in time several years.

 

Sean Carey, Paul Dalglish, Antoine Sibierski...he's teeth, I could compile a whole team of them!
Starting with Simon Tracey in goal
BTW Rich, we're 10.8% through the season, not "5 minutes"
Still in sunny Cley?