So the transfer window has now shut and yesterday one went out (on loan for the rest of the season) - doubt few will miss Lafferty's prowess for yellow cards, one deal failed to materialise thanks to Olsson insisting on a relegation cause at WBA, meaning we missed out on Dorrans (hopefully we might be able to get him on loan when the loan-window opens in a weeks time), then we also missed out on Noone because Cardiff wanted £5m for when we offered £2m but thankfully we did manage to sign Tony Andreu who is an attacking midfielder who can play in a variety of positions (subject to Fifa approval) from Alex's old club Hamilton, and I hope he reproduces the goals he scored at New Douglas Park at Carrow Road as some of the goals I've seen him score on the youtube clip below look quite spectacular (and there's even a player called "Redmond" involved in some of the goals)
We did well to get through the window without losing any of our star players, considering our league position and form aren't reminiscent of a club on its way to the Premier League. Shame to see Lafferty go but we had too many forwards so it is better that he gets game time. Know nothing about the new guy but the most important thing is that our squad wasn't depleted. Let's not forget that the yet-to-impress Vadis will eventually come back into the team with Howson's return much closer. Would still have liked to have seen a full back or a winger signed. Onwards and upwards. OTBC
For what seemed a quiet window, we've done quite well really. What is in effect replacing Hooiveld with Bassong, now that he's back in the team, is in itself a potentially big gain whilst saving on salary. Lafferty going on loan is also a saving and he's still our player and says he wants to return to CR in the summer. If the Dorrans loan deal is true, he and Andreu will add valuable options in the AM department which should strengthen the squad overall. Well done Neil and McNally.
Yes, I think it was more important not to lose players such as Redmond and Hooper, as I feel both could prove a valuable asset in our run in. Looking forward to the game on Saturday with Howson back in contention. We then have another 4 games this month and 2 of them against teams above us in the league!!!
Quiet day on deadline day and I agree that it is not a bad thing overall. The potential Dorrens loan could be the spark we need as well as the 'new Fabregas', the play-offs are very much within our grasp!
Quiet day on deadline day and I agree that it is not a bad thing overall. The potential Dorrens loan could be the spark we need as well as the 'new Fabregas', the play-offs are very much within our grasp!
I posted this on the transfer thread, but that's rather hidden away now so I'll post it again here. The BBC and the EDP comparing Andreu to Fabregas and Lampard respectively is just what we don't need now in the over-hype department. The EDP's longer YouTube video does at least show that Andreu is two footed, capable of a range of shots to score goals, but also can play intelligent through balls and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet: http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwic...ity_s_own_version_of_frank_lampard_1_3943480? The comments about him being a number 8 more than a number 10 were also interesting. I wonder if that is part of why Lafferty has gone out on loan.
I am afriad Rick that 'over-hype' is what the modern day is all about and I don't know how we stop it, but of course your comment here is totally valid. The more I write the more old-fashioned I seem to get and resent the 21st century for many reasons. Since when were people unable to walk without staring at a bloody mobile phone all the time!!
Over-hype and instant gratification are the order of the day, Thurnby, which is showing in whole sections of our fan base when they boo the manager and players. No time to build a team, we want success now and nothing else will do.
Why do you continually take this kind off stuff so seriously? Although you then back up the claim by insisting he is two footed, capable of range of shots to score goals , play intelligent balls through AND is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Talk about over-hype. The guy should be winning World Cups with that pedigree.
Who's over-hyping now, Carrabuh? Andreu is certainly not a Fabregas or even a Lampard, but he is a decent player who is two footed (unlike Wes, for example), he appears to read the game well and get into useful positions, scores close up as well as with long shots and set pieces, and can play intelligent through balls. He is not unique, by any means, and we have various players who can do some of those things, but none who can do all or even most of them. If it does turn out that he can do all of that on a reasonably regular basis, then he'll bring something extra to what we have now. We need to see what he can do against Championship defences for sure, but I'm looking forward to see just what he can do. Neil obviously feels that he can add something to what we already have and perhaps that's good enough. After all, he knows Andreu's game much better than we do.
