I think there were some fans who were glad to see him go, he did become a bit of a whipping boy for a section of the Carrow Road crowd at times. I can imagine a mixed reception. If this interest is genuine, I'm curious how our defence would shape up next season. I can't see Godfrey leaving and Bennett being the only CB addition. But if we want 5 CBs in the squad, maybe?
Just checked out both Bennett and Mawson and didn’t realise that both have had injury issues in recent years. Hopefully these Injuries are behind them now. With 46 games in Championship and various other Cup games, we might need 5 CB’s. Klose, Zimmermann and Hanley have all been crocked for long periods in the season that’s just ended.
Agree that Dowell could be the first choice AM and with "Paddy's midfield guess for next season: Sorensen, McLean, Cantwell, Dowell, Placheta." Apparently Sinani has played as a striker before, so interesting to see where that goes and what happens with Rhodes. Could also see 5 CBs given the injuries last season and if DF wants the option of 3 at the back.
Bennett prospered at Wolves because how they play largely negated his weaknesses. Playing as RCB of three, with the defensively very experienced Doherty as wing back ahead of him, and the equally experienced Coady alongside him, he wasn't required to distribute the ball other than by short passes to one or the other; likewise he seldom lacked cover in situations where his lack of pace and slowness on the turn render him vulnerable (and prone to giving away free kicks close to the penalty area). Even in the unlikely event of DF suddenly favouring a back three, he wouldn't enjoy the same level of insurance with us as he had at Wolves. We would benefit from his presence at set pieces, but that's about it IMO.
I always liked Bennett even when, as DH said, he became a "whipping boy" for many fans. I'm not excited, though, by the prospect of him returning now. Mawson has a history of knee injuries. The latest coming last January. So, it has to be a "no" from me. https://www.transfermarkt.us/alfie-mawson/verletzungen/spieler/287431
We all liked Ryan and had high expectations of him, largely formed by his terrific performance in that away victory against Spurs at WHL in Lambert's final season. He also endeared himself to us by reputedly getting off the train he was on taking him to Swansea and getting on the train to Norwich to sign for us instead. At least abruptly changing destination worked out better for him than it did for Alex Pritchard.
Might become immortalised as an animated character in a new Disney version of Moneyball? But yes, good luck to him. How things worked out for him as a City player leaves a slightly sour taste in my mouth actually.
It's always sad when a young player doesn't make it into the first team, but that's how it works. I had hopes for many of our young players like Jaiyesimi and Odusina recently. Raggett was given a chance to break through and didn't make it, but would he have a two-year contract with Portsmouth if he had stayed at Lincoln? I doubt it.
Fortunately he's apparently delighted: "Sean Raggett delighted to be back at Portsmouth" It's very hard on him but it's a tough world to succeed in. It's also a lesson for SW and others not to act on players during the hype after a great cup result.
What difference does it make how much game time he or anyone else gets. We get this all the time on this board, so and so wasn't given a chance because he didn't get a chance to show what he could do in a game i.e. didn't start or get much game time. Raggett and all the others that posters moan about get a chance every time they train. That means making a compelling case in training to show that you deserve to start / play in a game. Then when they do get a chance to play whether it be for 5 minutes or a whole game taking their chance and making a compelling case for more game time. DF has shown particularly through his use of young players that he is willing to play players he feels have demonstrated they are up to the job.
What makes me uncomfortable is the sense that some of our signings treat players more as potential minor assets rather than potential first team regulars. You say Raggett was "given a chance", but I never got the feeling he was viewed as a genuine first team contender, at most a long shot worth a punt with a damage limiting bet on a sell-on profit.
Doesn't matter why he was bought, once he got here he had his chance, it's unfortunate that he wasn't able to take it, if he had then great for us. Unfortunately he didn't take his chance and he is now playing at a level / in a team that is commensurate with his abilities.
L'Equipe report a €5m fee would be required for the French CB. You'd think we can match that price, just hope we can convince him to come to the Championship.
Given that Transfermarkt rates him at £4m, we'd be lucky to sign him for €5m. At 19, he has to be worth around £10m at least.