See, this is what hacks me off most. We spent £8.5m on RvW but not a single cent on upgrading the midfield to play to his strengths and provide the service he thrives (d) on in Holland and Portugal. So all this RBF stuff about the fans being partly responsible for our current demise is rubbish - Hughton got certain aspects correct but failed dismally in others, hence the fans understandable (and to an extent, justified) criticism. It's not just about having good players, it's more about having the guile/nous/experience to get the best out of them. Step forward Brendan Rodgers - hide your head Chris Hughton
Definitely, I think he'll be key to our promotion, good player to have given his track record in the Championship.
Snodgrass and van Wolfswinkle and Fer I think would be definite leavers. Bassong probably, and abroad would be my guess. Other than that I think we could stand firm if we wish to.
I don't expect there will be too many leaving - though possibly Howson and Snodgrass could be tempted to go to Leicester or Burnley. Whilst Ruddy has said he wants to stay, I'm not sure that if a sensible (£8M +) offer came in that the board wouldn't accept it.
I think we have alot of players any newly promoted team would love to have, Ollson, Turner, Pilkington, Howson, Johnson. I can imagine any of the 3 coming up being interested. I think Hooper ,Snodgrass and Fer would aim a little higher. The good thing is we might see Fox and Surman back in a City shirt.
I think you'll be disappointed in Becchio, only one that went to you that I was really scratching my head about. Barely good enough for the championship although by some miracle he seems to score goals (although most were penalties in his big goalscoring season). Don't think you Norwich fans would give him the patience certain Leeds fans did, which he certainly requires to get a run in the team. Passing it to him is a bit like passing to a brick wall and thats why I suspect he hasn't featured for you
We signed a Netherlands international striker & destroyed his chances of a World cup place , Leroy may still have a shout.
I don't see a particularly large queue for most of our squad, so should keep hold of most if we choose to. Would hope RVW would go with Bassong and Hoolahoops has shot himself anyway. As for the rest.............as per.
Fer and Bassong are the most likely to go. We're in the fortunate position of not needing to sell so if teams do come in we can demand higher prices. I think Ruddy will stay unless we get a double figure offer for him.
You say that, a lot of the Dutch fans still see him as the best natural replacement for the injured Strootman in the national side.
Why? A poorer goalkeeper could cost no end of points and particularly if Ruddy is keen to stay that is a real bonus for the squad as a whole. We don't need the money so to be honest Rob I don't see the value?
Sorry I'm not sure I've understood. I think we would sell for £7m because that would be enough to buy a very good 'keeper and then some (or alternatively promote Rudd/Bunn and use the £7m to invest). The real question is whether another prem club would pay £7m - I am not sure they would tbh, in which case I doubt we would sell.
The reason I say £10m+ is because we don't have to sell, he's happy to stay with the club and we could get in a very good replacement and have plenty left to spend on the squad. we're in such a good position financially that we can demand good money for our players and don'tt have to sell if we don't want to.
I completely agree, I was just thinking the figure might be more likely a bit lower - 'keepers are generally a bit cheaper and I think £7m would be a very good price - wasn't that roughly how much Mignolet was?
Ruddy probably isn't worth £10m , I just think that's what it'll take for us to sell him. As has been mentioned, were in a great place financially so we will only sell if it suits us.
Thinking about it, I wouldn't fancy having Fer in the Championship, he can barely muster any interest at times in the top division.
