Now that it looks likely that RvW is going on loan and O'Neil is going to join us, unless this slightly bizarre Chu Young-Pilks swap deal has any legs I think we're just about at the end of our transfer business for the summer. So other than this, I predict: (1) that Fer will leave for a price of £8-10m (2) we won't spend any of this money (3) fans will be up in arms at the failure to reinvest (even though the sale may be right at the end of August) (4) the board will be bemused that fans don't realise that the £8-10m is being held as cash to be used in January (5) in January we will be in and around the play-off places, in contention (6) the board will invest about £6m in two players in key areas in the squad (I suspect at that stage it will be centre-back and attacking midfield) (7) we will storm the second half of the season and get promoted automatically (8) the board will be hailed for the transfer strategy and fans will forget (3)
It is one scenario Rob, but who knows? My prediction will be that we will be involved in higher scoring encounters generally and hopefully score over 100 goals in the league season. Probably concede a fair few too!
Can't quite see it panning out like that. Whittaker had a (reported) torrid time vs Vigo and many on here are unhappy with the idea of R Martin at CB on a semi-permanent basis. Bassong and R Bennett seem out of favour - all of which to me screams out for solid defensive investment before the season commences, otherwise (5) in your list could well be unattainable.
I missed the match, but likewise heard about Whittaker's problems. I believe we were playing the diamond in midfield, and as we know Whittaker is somewhat suspect defensively, it seems likely he was too exposed. I would certainly prefer Martin there and I'm surprised by R Bennett seemingly being out of favour. However, while I share all your concerns, in the converse I would say that Celta de Vigo are better than the vast majority of Championship sides. That was a good run-out for us. Also, I think amongst all this people underrate just how good Turner can be. Bearing in mind we had Whitbread, Barnett and Ward all look quite good in the Championship, I think we're going to see our defence looking stronger than we might imagine... even with Martin at centre-back. I suspect that unless Bassong can be offloaded, we won't be bringing in any replacements at the back, for better or for worse. And you never know, if we don't, Bassong may turn around and say he wants to play first team again!
From the EDP match report: Suggests a 4-2-3-1 rather than diamond, but I wasn't there either. Adams’ paired his two summer striker signings Kyle Lafferty and Grabban together for the first time in City’s pre-season campaign, but Norwich’s backline and midfield looked to have a settled look that could well re-appear at Wolves for the Championship kick-off next week.
Fair point - if Redmond was on the right I felt he has ups and downs (sometimes he works hard defensively, other times he can leave his fellow fullback exposed), so maybe Whittaker didn't get that much support? But it's not really relevant - we know that defensively Whittaker is suspect. It doesn't make it right, but I do feel that he will be somewhat less challenged in the Championship than in the Prem or against Celta de Vigo
We are now back in Whittaker's natural territory - a big team in a lesser league. Redmond does not offer the tracking back skills of Snodgrass, but EB does, as well as offering another option at WB when the diamond is played. I think RB will get his share of playing time and I think we'll bring in another defender, possibly on loan. I'm looking forward to it.
From an outsider looking in I would be quite happy to face you with that defence. I hate to admit it but Martin has always impressed me at FB and Whitaker has generally looked poor and I have never rated him. Fortunately for you guys what you have in front of your defence should mean you can outscore a lot of teams so you could be in for some eventful saturdays this season.
