Kamara has barely had enough time to show what he can do , where as Pukki & Idah have looked ****e most of the season Sargent too since the World Cup.
I agree that Kamara has had almost no time to show what he can do. I'm not judging him long-term or saying he's rubbish.
Ben Lee's analysis of the 'Boro game: https://ncfcanalysis1.wixsite.com/n...c611&cid=45255931-e55d-4154-848a-d721de373dcc
I think the last paragraph where he speaks about a young side low on confidence speaks volumes into the situation!
That last comment about "a summer of change" is interesting. Webber then followed it up with "As we set about shaping the squad for next season, where we anticipate a number of changes, it was decided by all that Onel has a big part to play with us.” That McLean was also offered a new contract suggests that Wagner and Webber felt the same about him. Both Onel and Kenny are hard working, grafting players who give everything on the pitch. Compare that to the hugely expensive players we have thrown money at in recent years. We were meant to be learning from the Naismith mistake, but did we? Fortunately the expensive loans last year were just that, but Rashica jumped ship as soon as relegation happened, just as he did at Bremen the year before. The warning was there, but has Webber now learned from that? Hopefully the summer changes will bring in hard working, grafting players who will commit to the club and fight hard for promotion. Wagner clearly wants that and feels that he can develop other players the way he has Sara, Hernandez and McLean. Sargent has also grown and developed this season, as has Idah, and continuing that will be crucial to our chances next season. Injuries have damaged our chances this season, but they have also accelerated Omobamidele's development and thrust him into the captain's role. Sørensen was less fortunate, showing new strengths in the key role McLean had developed until he was forced to play at CB, which he is far less suited to. Once again, crippling CB injuries have heavily damaged our season, but will Webber learn from that? I hope so.
I've just seen Wagner's comment on 'summer changes': "We will work tirelessly to make sure that we get the faces in which we like to have, and which we hope and think can push us and help bring us forward. I have a much better picture on every individual than I had when I came into the building. And obviously this is something which will influence all of our decisions.” He also makes it clear that Dowell is being offered a new contract, that Byram is another consideration and that the 'changes' will be to 'refresh' the squad, rather than a fire sale. https://www.pinkun.com/news/23472414.norwich-city-wagner-futures-hernandez-dowell-squad-rebuild/
I disagree that Sørensen is "far less suited" to CB. What we are crying out for are modern CBs capable of advancing out of defence and initiating controlled progression of the ball. The ability to play in midfield, which Sørensen has, is almost a prerequisite for any competent modern-day CB. The obvious parallel from our recent past is Ben Godfrey who, like Sørensen, everyone insisted should be selected in midfield rather than in the back line.
I can see that the ability to play in midfield is a requirement for today's CBs, but it's Sørensen's abilities to defend at CB that I would question. I would say the same about Hayden from his play at QPR. Both are far better in their natural positions and neither is an adequate option as CB cover IMO. Even more so should we be promoted in future.
Hayden regularly played CB at Newcastle; he's got considerable experience in that role. Medical prognosis permitting, I really hope we're going to offer him a contract this summer. As for Sørensen, his defensive capabilities at CB can't be judged on the basis of what we've seen of him to date in that position, i.e. hardly anything. But if you listen to the man himself, and the club, you get a different perspective. He was identified as a midfielder with CB potential when he first signed for us, exactly as Godfrey was, and he confirmed that himself at the time: "I’m mostly a number six defensive midfielder, but can also play as a centre-back".
I made no claim of definitive judgement, just on the evidence so far. You're constantly saying we have to recruit PL players and I'not at all convinced that either would manage the PL criteria at CB from what I've seen so far. My other concern is Hayden's injury record for us and for Newcastle. I'd rather we recruited a CB with PL potential.
When it comes to power in a football club, it comes down to the players. They hold most of the trump cards. If they feel aggrieved then they will show it on the pitch. DW doesn’t seem to have the squad playing like they can (Millwall, Blackburn). I think the poor results are down to player power. Byram has spent a lot of this season and all of last season injured. He is out of contact, so he should be shown the door.
Premier League relegation: Which teams will drop into Championship? The bottom half of the table assessed and given a % chance of survival. I found it quite interesting. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64985188
A lot of people on twitter now showing that they have renewed their season ticket with no regrets, sharing my opinion that football is cyclical and you have to take the rough with the smooth. There have been far worse times at this club in the last twenty years. Yes this season has been poor and a failure but the scores are reset at the start of next season and all to play for again. I would personally love to be able to have a season ticket or even attend games regularly if I could.
I have to admit that was my first thought when I saw the post and thought it must be a parody account.
