Also worth remembering that in January we signed Akin Famewo, a 20 year old 6'2" CB from Luton (from whom we also signed Lewis and Aarons). https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akin_Famewo
A talent yes, but not even close to being as far on as the likes of Aarons, Lewis, Buendia and Godfrey. Iv not been THAT impressed with him. No pace, pretty weak and bottles tackles quite often. Very much like a slow Murphy. I hope he proves me wrong and develops, as he is a Norfolk lad, but he isn't as good as many say... yet!!!
Nelson's hamstring injury has probably done us a bit of a favour - he hasn't had enough time on the pitch to fall out with anyone at Reading yet.
For me, Cantwell may not look strong but he is actually pretty good at ball retention. He’s one of those people with that impressive skill of looking slightly out of control and tempting the tackler in, but then wriggling past. He’s not got pace, true, but then that’s not his game I suppose. A bit like Hoolahan. I think he’s got a pretty big future with us. His style is one that will take a few years to fully develop though.
Conor Masterson.....as a freebie? https://soccersouls.com/norwich-city-would-be-right-in-signing-conor-masterson/
Would seem to be a good deal, but can we afford to have 5 CBs in a 25 man squad? May depend on what happens with Klose.
And the others! Godfrey might yet have his head turned by a top 6 team offering him more in wages than we can, whilst dangling a glorious carrot that will probably turn into a period of splinters. And what of Hanley? I thought a large part of his desire to leave Newcs was that he wasn't getting game time. I think Zimmermann is very likely to be here, Godfrey highly probable, Klose and Hanley maybe depending on their desire for playing time. So I could see an upgrade to Hanley coming in to challenge for a start. A lot is being said about keeping the neucleus of the team intact, but the team and squad will and must evolve. For that to happen those least suited to the PL plans Farke and Webber have set out will probably go. For that reason, again I think Hanley will go (His passing probably doesn't pass muster) Rhodes won't likely come back. Then it is going to be interesting to see where we feel we can improve within our budget. It'll be a bigger budget so I think Webber again could spring some surprises. Keeper is still the biggy for me. I think we must prioritise a keeper better with his feet and more reliable thn Krul (Whilst he has improved over the season, he is the only player to have played half or more of our games this season that doesn't seem to get referenced for even an honourable mention with POTS. No coincidence) The fullbacks are awesome and we must try to keep them, whether Passlock, Heise or Pinto will be any part of the cover next season is anyones guess. But I expect Heise to be here and a newby to cover Arrons. Midfield will be interesting. Trybull, Tettey and Thompson were fine for the championship, good enough for the PL? If Webber can do business here I think we might see someone come in. I think Tettey will be cover unless we make a signing and Thompson surely out on lone. Vrancic, Leitner, McLean too? All have earned a go at the PL and I think all have games that could work in the PL, with KM offering a point of difference to the other two. Again Webber could very easily have someone in mind to usurp the lot. Steipermann, Cantwell? Here I genuinely could see room for an upgrade, Cantwell if he stays surely will see no game time. Steipermann has been good, but in the less physical environs of the PL, I could see Emi thrive in that role and or another rabbit from Webber. Hernandez, Buendia I think can both make the step up, constant rumours surrounding wingers, to me suggest at least 1 more option will be sort. As for strikers. Only Pukki I think realistically offers a PL standard option. Rhodes I can see coming back for more splinters and I believe would end up 3rd choice to a summer signing. Srbeny is behind him as is Morris. So the question for me is which of those stays to be likely 3rd choice and who leaves either on loan or permanently? Bah!
An excellent post General. Thompson and Morrismost certainly need to go on loan and I’m not convinced that TC would ‘cut it’ in the PL. Tettey has a year left on his contract I believe and who knows what ‘rabbits’ SW has lined up. Could we use some of the PL ‘loot’ to fund an upgrade on TK and a SirBenny replacement?? As you say, TK has improved as the season has gone on. Interesting times ahead, that’s for sure.
OK - I won't tell them my name!!! Actually, I agree with you, but the finish (Finnish) line is so tantalisingly close, that I don't think they'll fail and I'm sticking with my prediction that promotion will be guaranteed over the Easter weekend.
I can only assume from this that they're happy to go with Krul as first choice GK next season. If the club wanted to 'upgrade' Krul, he'd be number 2 and there'd be no need for McGovern at all?
Even if Krul is still our No.1 next season (which I fully expect he will) I still expected to get a better No.2 for competition.
Totally agree Woody, thought we would recruit a home grown keeper and let MM go, though restrictions in the EPL are not quite as severe as it is squad based rather than match day I believe.
In fairness I think this makes sense, if we can get a youngster in who can eventually challenge Krul then all the better but what established keeper will come here who's better then McGovern to likely not play? and would Krul be as positive as 2nd choice? Bah!
