We've been tearing each other apart on here lately, so I thought I'd try to list some things we can agree on. 1) (with the probable exception of Carrabuh) In terms of the overall aims of this season, staying up will represent a big success however it is achieved 2) (with the possible exception of Carla) We don't want to see the same style of play next season - it is painful and embarrassing to watch 3) Bassong and Turner form a very strong base on which to build our defence 4) We need to hang on to Snodgrass over the summer Anything else?
1) Carrubuh notwithstanding, staying up WILL represent a big achievement with our limited resources 2) I doubt Carla wants to see the same playing style next season - like me, I would guess, she would look to improve the squad over the Summer and kick on 3) Agreed 4) Agreed Keep Bunn as back up. Was dubious, but he was a terrific bit of business
1) I don't think the importance of this to the long-term success of our club can be understated. We all know they amount of money available from TV rights next season could well create a divide between the "haves" and the "have-nots". Survival means we start next season as a "have" meaning even in relegation we'd have a significant financial advantage over other championship sides. 2) I'm happy to play the same formations, but I'd like to see more attacking intent, yes. 4-2-3-1 doesn't have to be defensive, and with key signings we can stay defensively solid and offer more going forward. Invention and creativity are things I'd love to see, but I'm prepared to wait a couple more seasons for that kind of thing, the minimum I'd like to see next season is posing more of a threat going forward. Our top scorer having just 5 is pathetic! 3)Agreed, but we could do with someone as both competition and cover, Bassong is absolutely vital. 4)Definitely, he seems to regularly be the only threat our midfield poses.
I like how often people seem to misinterpreting my comments. I have never said I want to see it next season, I would like to see us improve. Although I feel painful and embarrassing are very strong words to use. West Ham's and Stoke's styles are even more so but I still wouldn't use those words But for now IT IS keeping us up. The team will be improved next season and we will be playing in the Premier League. People are asking for it too soon. If we started playing the Lambert way again, all out attack, I've no doubt it would drag us into the relegation zone. As I've seen supers say, the first area that needs improving is the defence, then we can improve the attack. Rome wasn't built in a day. So with that in mind I agree with 1-4.
BRILLIANT - We all seem to 'be singing from the same hymn sheet' Excellent thread vietnam - there have been some harsh words traded on the topic over the lasat few months on here, but at the end of the day, I'm sure we all want Norwich to be in the PL next season and improve the squad. The one change I would like to see with our present squad is Whittaker playing in place of Martin, as I think he gives us more options going forward and BOY DO WE NEED OPTIONS!!!!!!!
Ah I see, you have a bloated sense of self importance. Sorry Carla, you're the only one who gets misinterpreted on these boards.
I'm happy with 1-4 and still feel confident of survival, which will mean being able to bring in 4-5 quality players to create a competitive PL side.
The biggest problem I have is that Hughton's tactics, as in setting out to nullify the strengths of the opponents, are all well and good. It worked against Arsenal and Man ure so it must be right, yes? The issue now is he has no alternatives in the bag. And never mind the opposition, these 'spoiling' tactics are begining to backfire to the point where erstwhile 'explosive' players like Snodgrass and Pilks are now so restricted to the 'two defensive banks of four' that any pace or tricks they used to exhibit have been stifled out of their game. So playing GH and KK up front yesterday was doomed before it began because the two wide men are so preoccupied/obsessed with the defensive aspects of their game that there was no meaningful service to the front two for the first half, all bar 4 minutes at the end of the half. (Granted, it improved second half) Howson had a(nother) shocker, but this is more because he is playing a role which is largely alien to him - square pegs in round holes. Shame about Pilks injury, I believe Surman is out for the season and E Benno is not up to the task, so until Hughton allows 'flair' players to, god forbid, show some flair, it'll be scrappy draws or defeats until we drag out demoralised souls over the line - hopefully the right side of the dotted part
That's not true. Set up in a traditional 4 - 4 - 2, you can't tell me that Bassong and Turner are no better than Whitbred and Ward/Ayala/De Laet/ Barnett? Well, you can try, but you won't convince me. As an aside, carrabuh, can I politely enquire your shortlist of three for the 'player of the season' award?
Carrabuh please pipe down and stop being so confrontational. If you've nothing constructive to add then why say anything at all?
Sorry I should have worded it different, we don't know whether the defence is actually any better in organisation because theres twice as many players in it. As far as I'm concerned we have no idea whether the defence is sorted until he changes the system to something passable as a long term solution. All we know is he's has decreased the goals against column, not that the defenders can do there job any better. We also know he's decreased the goals in the for column as a result. Players of the season 1. Bassong, 2. Snodgrass 3. Johnson
Gandy Agree totally about Bunn. He's done as much as anyone to make sure that gap between us and 18th place is still there. And I was one of the biggest complainers when he arrived and for his first few matches. Cromer Not sure about Howson. Perhaps it is just he's a square peg in a round hole. Sad how his form has declined so much this year, though.
Things we can all agree on - We all love our club and want to see attractive football and do well in the league. No need to fight amongst ourselves, we're all supporters of the same team. Just have to accept other peoples opinions no matter how good or bad you think they are. Discussing other peoples views and opinions is why we all come on forums. I'm not happy about our performances, but the team is working hard and I'm happy with where we are in the table and a bit of a cushion from the bottom 3. I wish we could play more attractive football, but for now I'm happy for us to grind out points and play premier league football next season. I think by next season, we will improve but there will always be time when our form is poor as it happens to every team.
