I think Reyes does need another year out on loan, the reports from his last loan weren't great and when he stepped in for us he didn't seem quite ready. I know they've said that they think there is really good potential there but it might be another year or 2 away from first team championship football. Wouldn't mind Krul as a number 2, certainly an experienced character to back up a younger leading GK. There are a large number of free options available from the PL - Olsen (35) - Aston Villa Bergstrom (22) - Chelsea Matthews (31) - Crystal Palace Virginia (25) - Everton Begovic (37) - Everton Ward (31) - Leicester Iversen (27) - Leicester Carson (39) - Man City Heaton (39) - Man Utd Gillespie (33) - Newcastle Ruddy (38) - Newcastle Hennessey (38) - Notts Forest Lumley (30) - Southampton Forster (37) - Spurs Whiteman (26) - Spurs Fabianski (40) - West Ham Daniel Iversen would be my pick as a starting GK, he's got good experience at this level and did well by all accounts at Preston. A few there with Norwich connections for the number 2 spot - Ruddy the most obvious one with his son in the academy. Remi Matthews and Fraser Forster have been here before.
The Club and supporters have always suffered from the ' not quite ready ' syndrome as far as youngsters are concerned with the inevitable result that they go out on loan a few times and are then let go because there are others ahead of him when they come back. Reyes is 21. At least 9 others in the squad are the same age or younger. We might not want Long here but who is going to take him? This means the third GK spot is tied up. Bring in two off your list where does that leave Barden - 24 years old. The only way to know the ability and readiness of a player is by giving them a chance. Bring in somebody like Krul and give Reyes his chance. If he looks dodgy after a few games then put Krul in and give Reyes a break on the bench although that still leaves us with the problem of Barden who has just signed a new deal. I also have to say that I thought Reyes looked technically sound on the few times I saw him but it is a matter of opinion.
Sorry to be gloomy, but I really don't see either of Barden or Reyes being the future, perhaps 1 as backup but that's it. Neither particularly excelled whilst on-loan at Cambs or Swindon, Reyes marginally better? Now we're getting name drops of previous keepers who've left for pastures new!
Obviously the Club do not share your view as they gave them both contracts when Gunn and Long were already here. I also did not see either of them at Cambridge or Swindon so cannot comment.
Sure someone at the club views them as good enough, then again someone at the club also viewed Long as good enough and also achieved enough for a contract extension. Staff role at club ≠ sensible decisions over player retention.
In Connor Southwells recent article he said that the decision/recommendation to give Long the new contract was from Paul Clements, the GK coach. Coincidentally he left a few months later along to join Pelach.
Could Sargents form for USA put off any potential suitors at a higher level that are capable of spending the kind of money that we are likely to ask. I notice he has just been left out of their next set of games with Poch opting to take a look a couple of other options. I knew his form for the national team hadn’t been great but I didn’t realise he has t scored for them since 2019! Granted he has not been in every squad since that time for one reason or another, but could that lead to top tier teams questioning his ability to make the step up? Especially on top of his injury record these last couple of years. Maybe I’m getting my hopes up but I’m feeling more positive about potentially keeping him this summer
I really cannot see that any EPL Club would want him or Sainz so I'm fairly sure they will still be here - famous last words!!
As a replacement for Nico Williams? I don't think Sainz is that good and I doubt that Bilbao will. We shall see.
Bilbao only recruit players from the area so that could be a factor in the link but there’s no reason he couldn’t be a back up
Club eager to announce Wright's signing: "Wright officially becomes a Norwich City player on July 1 in a £2.3m move, plus performance related add ons that could take the purchase price nearer to £3m in the future. Canaries’ officials are in dialogue with the Citizens to announce the move ahead of the summer." This could well prove to be one of Knapper's best signings yet. https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...farewell-jacob-wright-ahead-norwich-transfer/
I was very impressed with his performances for us. He looks to be a natural leader, so future skipper?
He reminds me of Ollie Skipp in his early games, except that Wright has a wider range of skills both on and off the ball and a deep commitment to improve and develop further. Connor Southwell puts it like this: "His trajectory at Carrow Road has been consistently upward after a shaky start, and there will be challenges down the stretch to contend with. It won't all be plain sailing from here, but that potential is exciting. His technical proficiency and ability to set the tempo of a game are impressive at such a young age. It is not just Wright's on-pitch performances that have impressed staff inside Colney, but his wider application, down to the quality and thorough nature of his gym work and his desire to improve in every aspect of being a professional. That mindset is born from being exposed to an elite culture, but also has to come from within. Wright is constantly trying to improve." https://www.pinkun.com/sport/opinion/25170645.southwell-wright-signing-sets-tone-big-summer/
Yes, like Wright he improved consistently, even during that woeful final run. With those two, plus Fisher, Mahovo, Crisene, Schwartau, Crnac and possibly Dobbins as well, the new Head Coach will have long term potential to build a team around.
Coaching, especially for the young players, wasn't one of JHT and GR's weaknesses, IMO. Fisher, Doyle, Crnac, Schwartau, Córdoba, McConville, Wright and Mahovo all benefitted and progressed throughout the season. The coaching also helped Duffy and other senior players adjust their play to the new tactical approach. The downside, IMO, was that the detailed tactical sessions may have interfered with the players' natural skills and become a source of frustration.
It is all a matter of opinion Rick which is what this forum is all about and it is all good clean fun for the kiddies unless it gets personal. You did not rate Thorup - I did. You rated Wagner - I thought he was the absolute pits. Many people rated Gunn - I didn't. I often agree with Robbie unless he gets bogged down with stats - others don't.
