I thought I'd checked Forsyth's footedness, but clearly hadn't -- unless Transfermkt have updated his profile recently. I agree you can put a perfectly reasonable, if mundane, reading on the arrival of all those left footers but, given the degree to which top flight clubs in many different sports both here, in Europe and in the US (not to mention the Far East) are exploiting novel avenues of research in pursuit of marginal gains wherever they can be found, I wondered whether we might be similarly engaged. We know that data is a big part of what we are doing, to the extent of building up our own data bank, tailored to our specific needs, rather than relying on providers like Opta. It's not inconceivable that our (i.e. NCFC and the Brewers) analysts should spot something interesting about left-handedness when it comes to aptitude in a sporting context. Left-handed individuals are known to have a more developed right brain hemisphere than their right-handed counterparts and among the advantages claimed are enhanced creativity, increased problem-solving skills, being adept at thinking outside the box, improved spatial reasoning due to enhanced spatial awareness and visualisation (beneficial in activities requiring precise coordination and understanding of spatial relationships), and better multi-tasking abilities, enabling left-handed individuals to excel in tasks that require simultaneous processing of multiple sources of information. It's not difficult to see those translating into particular aptitude for a complex team activity such as football. Disappointingly for this hypothesis, our most recent signing, Oscar Schwartau, is definitely right-footed!
Thorup has addressed the left footed topic in the below pre match press conference, seems to suggest it was coincidence but maybe it’s all in Knappers planning. Thorup also confirmed interest in Schwartau. I do like how open he appears to be in his press conferences and a very likable character.
So Schwartau all but confirmed, and it sounds like there's an as-yet-unnamed CM in the pipeline, and potentially another winger (although that could be Schwartau).
Thorup looks like he doesn't like doing the media nonsense. Get a few wins under his belt & he'll be move comfortable
Scores 2 goals against Ipswich in his breakthrough season becomes a fan favourite. Refuses to play in the first game of the season derailing the new head coaches plans . Hero to zero for me .
The new kids signed have a good pedigree & potentially brilliant players but they are a work in progress. At least it's not a Naismith scenario
The grass isn't always greener, he had only had 2/3 of the season last year. yes it was a very good 2/3 of a season but zero loyalty and zero class in his leaving. Oh I best send a nice message just in case....
Is it not? The Crnac fee is quoted at €11m, which is £9.32m at current rates. Even if that includes salary and other fees, it's a hefty amount for a 20 year old who TransferMarkt values at €2m. Even if that is doubled or tripled because of his age it seems to be a big risk. Let's hope it turns out well, but given our financial situation, taking such risks worries me.
The mood you are in at the moment Rick you would find fault if Knapper managed to sign Declan Rice for £10m!! This is the new philosophy and approach at the Club. No more Wagner boring us to tears. No more buying ageing has beens like Duffy and Barnes. Most of us find it quite exciting.
Could be another Pukki. Could be another McDougall. Could be another Ron Davies. Who knows until we see him? All I know is that he cost what we got for Idah who was of little use to us so what have we got to lose?
How the roles have changed! I'm hoping it will work out, to be sure but our defending worries me. 5 goals conceded in two league games and 3 to Stevenage in the cup is not exciting for me. The signings look good, but are unproven as yet. As Zog says, Crnac could turn out another Tzolis for big money spent. Time will tell.
Pukki and McDougall were experienced, proven players. I hope he does work out well, but we won't know until we see him in a few games.
I can't comment on McDougall he was before my time, but Pukki I wouldn't call proven when we got him. Obviously it worked out excellently.
Pukki had a good record at Brøndby and hit the ground running when he arrived. Hopefully Crnac will do the same.
