Parma Ham's gone mouldy

Purple, Who would be interested in a loss-making business, with multiple asset transfers - often international - with low regulation and fiduciary controls and why? Answers on a postcard accepted from BVI only. Parma

Excerpt from Tactical Calcio (and relevant to Norwich in the top league): " Within the beautiful game there is undoubtedly a cold correlation between revenue and performance, but it isn’t entirely symmetrical; sometimes systems and styles have a lot to do with. Tactics have a way of subverting the banality of modern day football, allowing the financial underdog to prosper occasionally. In this sense Italian football is in a relatively strong position, benefiting from the realisation that in these times ideas cost a lot less than new players. On the contrary, in spite of its vast riches, the Premier League is in danger of becoming a vacuum for innovation, where the most obvious solution to an issue on the field is to spend money off it. Personality cults and a focus on the individual will not allow for legacy-building teams, while the chairman’s chequebook has become a lazy preference for squad development, even overshadowing the training ground. This is a luxury Serie A simply cannot afford, though perhaps, at least on the evidence of the last year, that is not to its detriment. Italian football may no longer be the first, second or even third choice destination for the world’s elite players, but it continues to remain a home for tactical inspiration. While wage bills decrease annually, Italian clubs with solid tactical foundations seem to be in their strongest position for many years in comparison to their continental rivals. Calcio’s revival is further clarification that, while money is spent, ideas retain their value.

Voglio ricordarti così, con un sorriso.. Perche faro molta fatica a dimenticare 5 anni della mia vita bellissimi ! Pieni di emozioni.. 5 anni di fatica ma una fatica facile da fare perche quando ti trovi un una citta come Parma, con gente spettacolare che ti aiuta a crescere, a imparare la lingua, a essere responsabile e sopratutto a VIVERE COME PARMIGIANO ! E questa la parte bella.. PARMA sarà sempre la mia seconda casa, anche in D tiferò per te.. Io non posso fare niente ma la gente che ti ha rovinato deve pagare.. Non e possibile rovinare persone, famiglie e soprattutto sogni ! Il mio era uno.. Quello di giocare tanti anni qui, di fare tante presenze e perche no usare la fascia 💪sogno rovinato 😔 ! Non ho parole, solo ringraziamenti ai dipendenti di Parma, ai compagni che ho avuto e spero di riaverli, ai tifosi per l''affetto e agli amici che lascio in città ! GRAZIE PARMA TI PORTERÒ SEMPRE NEL MIO CUORE ❤️

Some really good stuff in there Mrs M, well done.The right sided issues you are identify and Alex ''s solutions for them are well observed. Naturally moving forwards, rather than "creating faults to cure a fault" as they say in golf, we can certainly expect different personnel to improve that area.Bear in mind however, that players will do things differently with different players around them. So even though three right-sided players are seen to have issues that need covering [say  Redmond, Whittaker and Martin as you highlight], it may be that the change of a single player allows others to behave differently [and perhaps shine more], than in the current set up.A small caveat, when I advise that the first priorities will be signings in the Tettey and Hoolahan roles, this is precisely because they cannot currently be suitably replaced if injured  - and the tactical influence of their roles so important on the structure of the pattern of play - that more than one player for these precise roles must be found at this level or the risk to our potential success is too high.Parma

Watching the England game reminded me of another key point which is relevant to footballers, Norwich and the also Martin debate. Psychologically humans (and footballers) revert to what they really are - their baseline level I am sporting context - under pressure. England played nicely for 30 Minutes I thought, coming off the lines, playing and receiving balls in tight areas, making 3 yard passes just to change angles slightly, being unafraid to dribble into space with the ball (even to make an aforementioned 3 yard pass, just to keep the opposition pulled and moving). When a poor goal was conceded however - despite it being a catalogue of careless individual errors - almost exclusively all 11 players became positionally rigid, released the ball quickly and carelessly upon receipt and reacted to "danger"''half a second before it was there. This is so key. Maldini, Baresi and the greatest defenders (Ferdinand was far better than most of England realised) take the extra half second. This allows better decision-making, more time for a midfielder to cover / make a passing angle / more time for you to try to keep possession for the team. Under president he England players reverted to safety-first fear tactics and didn''t want to receive balls in "risky"''areas. risky according to who? It wasn''t risky at nil nil, England had 70% possession. Italians, Spanish, Germans would recognise that the error was unconnected to the previous good play. No need to change. Crucially they would also have a higher tactical )and technical, sorry)!baseline to "drop"''to. Their natural game - tactically, structurally and technically - is more deeply drilled, more fundamentally understand, more carefully practised from a younger age. If you like: "you are as good as you are at your worst" Coming back to Norwich and Martin; because his game is - naturally - between the lines, moving into three quarter areas, keeping the ball, wanting to move it 10 yards into midfield areas - he will do this under pressure, against better sides, better players. As a coach you know for sure he will do this, it is who he is, how he plays.''it is his baseline (even at his worst). Now this point is not to be an apologist for Martin - indeed it is not now even especially about him - but when coaches look to build teams, that want and need to build around things that they can (as far as possible) rely on happening on the field, even (or rather especially), under pressure. Parma

Molly, your flippancy (unwittingly) makes a very valid point, that Ray and Mrs M''s discussion touches on. In business when recruiting, a major factor in employing key staff is "will they stay?".... Not just "do they want a job as...,", but more specifically "do they want this job (that I am offering, in my Company". Martin is thoroughly capable, able to perform in a way conducive to team shape and somebody who is not likely to leave. The top 6 may well not want him, but he is unlikely to move to a mid-table premier club (and as Ray knows, hasn''t). In Norwich''s current position, having players that are more than good enough, are affordable, won''t leave, won''t cause disruption if occasionally dropped, but that won''t be poached by the top 6 may well be the pragmatic apex of our immediate reality (and arguably of all outside the top 8 of the Premier League. Parma

Mrs M, Whilst always a great preferrer of team over individuals - and not one to over-focus on single players - I really do like Alderweireld, who I would agree is a very good example of a superior modern centre back. Should we be able to attract him, je suis preneur... Parma

Mrs M, I think coaches see something different to some fans in Martin. Let''s have a go at putting the case for the defence... Martin is what I would term a structural player. He moves into three quarter areas and has natural tendencies that help bring out good attributes in others around him. He is a catalyst for the pattern of play we are trying to achieve. Ryan Giggs riled at a journo - in defence of Roy Keane near the end of Keane''s career - and observed "yes, but what you don''t see is that he makes every other player play 10% better just by being there" Now before we proceed let us clarify that Martin is not Keane-esque in stature, nor does he necessarily drive the team forward as Captain via an unstoppable force of will. I use the quote to make a different, tactical point. In a coaching sense, Martin is a modern centre back, in a way that Michael Turner is a less good version of John Terry. Who is arguably a very good version of an old-fashioned English Centre back. As you - and others - have observed, Martin can get caught out by big, strong 2D long ball strikers, the likes of which exist in the Championship and below. He is not alone in that , nor do I feel he is especially vulnerable, but I''m prepared to concede the principle. What he does do is very important for the shape of the side however. He moves into between-the-lines three quarter positions comfortably, steps into pockets of space with the ball in areas between defence and midfield and between centre back and full back. This is crucial when with the ball and when defending without it. It is crucial for a number of reasons that may not be immediately apparent, as their benefits are often tangential. Because he is naturally comfortable doing this, he tracks high class forwards into spaces where they drop off from the defensive line and come deep into midfield. If he doesn''t do this, somebody else has to. But what about the job that they are already doing? And the next guys Job? This is where coaches and mangers focus on the team shape, the pattern of play, the whole. Not the individual actions or skills of players, but rather how things connect together and the consequences that actions have on others. Without wishing to compare Martin to Baresi or Maldini, we can think of it in business terms. A crunching tackle by Turner looks fabulous, a fine block, a big header, an important clearance. But actually the real skill is in not having the problem, avoiding the drama before it becomes such. This kind of efficiency is unspectacular,''because it often involves no action - or praise - at all. Martin is not the greatest centre back in the Premier League, he may not even be the best Centre Back at Norwich, but he is the kind of player that coaches want in their side at a higher level. Parma

Whits as cover for LB and RB looks an elegant solution doesn''t it Nutella? Whilst I confess to not being among his front row cheerleaders, that is not because I don''t respect him as a player, but rather because I feel his combination with Redmond is / was toxic for team shape and pattern of play. Even proctor hoc, previous Masrerclasses identified the tactical weakness in Whittaker''s overlapping combined with Redmond drifting outwards to hug the touch line and stay high, something that caused / was the structural origin of the huge number of turnover goals against us pre-Neil. This is not to denigrate Whittaker overlapping, nor Redmond threatening full backs and staying high, but rather (as Darren Eadie subsequently regularly noted) that in combination and at the wrong time and place, it left huge gaps between RCM, RCB and the right sided positions that even low-grade opposition exposed repeatedly. Truthfully neither Whittaker, nor Redmond know when NOT to use their weapons. Parma

It is a valid point you make badger, and Mulumbu is no shrinking violet, so additions of power (and pace please) is welcome where possible. Quality, power and pace equals fine dining at high tables with flamboyant pricing however.... ...nevertheless, I would happily see two or three very high value additions in key positions, rather than more of less. Such big-ticket purchases are a bit "bolted-on" in year 1, but they have the benefit of remaining desirable and saleable should it be necessary. High cost, but not necessarily high net loss... Parma

Spot on Bethnal, good assessment as usual. Redmond can be a weapon, though he needs significantly more "Italian" in him - or a freer 10 role - to be trusted with a key role at the higher level. Your loo-sides point is a good one, being both inevitable and necessary with the attributes of Olsson and Johnson. Rather than "freeing up" space / looseness for Redmond however, I would prefer to see tris kind of narrow, structured shape on both sides. Apologies to those looking for open, expansive football for the Italian.... Parma

Zip, Mulumbu certainly fits the bill and the criteria laid down. His impending arrival emphasises exactly the premise of the thread. Cover your structural and strategic weaknesses (long) before you indulge in any fantasy football signings. Parma

Good point Woost and fully accept your interpretation. Parma

TJ, accept your point re Olsson. We are unlikely to (want to) improve on his position - and spend the available funds in that direction - though cover is limited and Inam not a fan of buying nominal squad competition. This rarely works in terms of harmony and - frankly - any player signed as back up and accepting his position as such, isn''t one I''d want. What might be logical is the signing of a top grade right back, leaving Whittaker as utility cover for both right and left back. This would al aus keep him on the bench and increase his odds of - say - 20 games a season. A pefectly respectable return in the Premier. Parma

Leasingham, Interestingly Club Policy towards the market was openly stated yesterday, with an avowed commitment to buy British where possible. This has more implications that simply the superficial. Buying British in business terms means an acceptance of paying higher prices for commensurate talent (compared to - say - Croatia). It is not an exclusive strategy either, many other clubs will favour the people policy, meaning competition with peer clubs and better. The players in question (and if not them, then their agents) will be aware of their increased value and will demand higher wages. The pool of good, potentially available, within budget British players is not vast. A good agent could very quickly write you a list of - likely - not more than 20 names, and quite possibly less. This leads us to an interesting observation. If we are not talking about finding lower league gems - a la Pilkington, Bennett E and Bennett R for example - then we are talking about Premier League players, England U21''s or the finest from the top of the Championship or the bones of the relegated trio. All of the players that might fit these criteria will be reasonably expensive and will command notable wages. It would be reasonable to infer that the Club Policy announced is a fairly strong statement of intent that tacitly also says "we are not going to gamble on an International network with all its inherent risks, rather we are going to spend something above the going rate - both in terms of fees and wages - to ensure that we give ourselves the best odds of driving the club forwards. We are prepared to compete financially in all senses to get as-near-to-proven quality as we can" This is rather ambitious and perhaps Neil''s In-Tray really does have the McCarthy''s and Austin''s of this world in it... Parma

As with Gane theory LDC, let''s break the arguments into binary format. Who does what, why and who benefits? In the case of Tettey and Hoolahan the key point is that their roles are crucial. As the current squad stands, they cannot be tactically replaced by other individuals. Thus - assuming we agree that given our new higher level means we cannot risk never getting an injury to either - we are faced with the binary option of buying better or a back up. It would be lovely if you could draw up a list of great players that you would happily see replace Tettey in case of injury. Those players however are unlikely to see themselves as inferior to Tettey, or content to sit around as his understudy. They might if they were younger, from a lower league or on significantly less money. This all involves risk however. Such risk becomes less necessary when you have a net £25m that you can spend.... Parma

Given that we are in the soporific summer months, a little poetic licence is in order, so to augment the transfer speculation and theories on who to buy and sell, let us look at the Tactical principles and policies behind purchasing and Squad building from the Manager''s office Chair. What are the real motivations and parameters that have priority? What factors affect squad decision-making, target identification and the creation of a new season Team unit? We will naturally focus on the specifics of Norwich and the challenges that Alex Neil now faces and how he might go about achieving the maximum outcomes from the resources available to him. Let us try to put our thoughts in priority order: Firstly we need to replace Tettey and Hoolahan. I suspect that may have raised an eyebrow or two, but let us introduce a bit of game theory and explain why. As we move into the higher echelons of football, we must first address our most glaring weaknesses. Many of you will instinctively feel that this involves creating an existing squad list, mentally ranking them from strongest-to-weakest, then deleting from the bottom and adding to the top. There is some value in that process, though it is not the starting point as you might expect. In previous Masterclasses we have looked at structures on the field and patterns of play. We have identified key strategic roles that need to be performed. These roles are the pivots around which the team functions, the areas and responsibilities that facilitate the rest of the action and the other players. So our first question actually is: What players can''t be replaced if injured? This leads us straight to Hoolahan and Tettey. They key defensive pivot role is of ever-increasing importance the higher we move. Our full backs are not likely to be as adventurous as previously, but conversely we are going to come under greater pressure, from far better players, who are notably more adept at playing in the pocket between midfield and central defensive areas. I have long advocated the role for Norwich - regardless of the individual who plays it - and so important is it that a recruit in this area is of primary importance. Tettey''s distribution is not as crisp, nor his awareness of others as refined, as others who play the role, so an upgrade here is possible, an auxiliary a necessity. The link between midfield and attack, the responsibility of the passa-gol (defence-splitting pass or assist), classically falls to the number 10. We have an almost unique player in Wes Hoolahan, and he neither should, nor can shoulder the burden. Wes''s lack of propensity to shoot has long been his Achilles heel at the top level, and it was interesting to note that one of Alex Neil''s first public statements about him was encouraging him in this regard. Good management. Without Hoolahan we lack the guile and top level technique to open strong defences. It may be that a fluid role for Redmond can be incorporated (he will not play in a flat 4 wide right position, which is far too tactically open for this league). A number 10 who threatens the goal, whilst provided some degree of central structural protection for the midfield, will be necessary. To indulge in a bit of fantasy football, Berbatov as a false 9, with Redmond running at pace from deep at10 would cause opposition causes some issues.... In the Premier specialised roles (such as those above) become more defined, more specialised and more disciplined. For Norwich, playing against better sides every week, more defensive structure will be required from all areas of the field. A fluid forward three is desirable and possible - and would certainly fit Neil''s preferred coaching methodology, though this must include Weapons that hurt others tactically. It is not enough simply to have good players. Players that lack specific weapons that hurt or who lack fluidity in their positioning are unlikely to be retained or required. When we talk about weapons, we mean Something that other coaches have to adjust for (the "we play our own game" mantra is rubbish. In terms of the specifics of the Norwich squad - and following the top-to-bottom squad list method, we can observe that Whittaker not good enough to be unchallenged. It would be my view that Martin even better suited to being a Centre Back in the Premier League than he was in the Championship. His fluidity of positioning and ability to move between the lines into three quarter areas is a prize commodity for a modern centre back. Importantly it allows full backs to play a little higher and midfielders to make receiving angles with more confidence. The very best squads are able to attract, inspire and keep involved and motivated quality players from numbers 14-18. Some multi-position utility and team ethic character be one key factors when such players are not first team regulars, both for the individuals in questions and for the increased options it gives the manager. The squad building process at this new level is about amortising the risk of Injuries. The key question might well not be the fan''s favourite "who can we buy?", but rather "who can we not afford to get an injury?". The Keeper position is tricky as it is based on false promises and frustration. One plays, the rest don''t. How do you fulfil your above criteria then? Old keepers make good back up, being reliable, capable and grateful. Declan Rudd may well be a good solution - a Premier No2 at a young age is good - but surely he needs 100 first team games on his CV at some point? Strikers are the Holy Grail and what you go down the back of the sofa for. They are the prettiest girl / boy in the class though, everyone wants them. They have choice. They are commensurately twice as expensive and there is a huge tendency to "project" in psychology terms, to want to believe in them so strongly that they develop mythical qualities that are not necessarily realisable on grass. They come with more variables (confidence, form and happiness affect striker performance like no other position). Nevertheless - with the money available - the odds are in scraping together everything you can and betting the farm on the best you can afford. No guarantees given. Creation can be more important and cheaper. A good creative player, plus a set piece specialist, can be economically and financially more economic. A Fantasista who can whip free kicks and play for penalties is what we Italians revere. In Norwich''s case the Attributes required of a 10 - or the two wide between-the-line forward players that Neil favours - indicate what you will need from your 9. The rangy lone striker model is s good one and allows for a slower, tidy link player a la Wes. Without pace to trouble opposition defenders we will struggle though. The use and positioning and responsibilities asked of Redmond next year will be interesting. If he isn''t central, he may be peripheral or moved on. Whilst as fans we tend to focus on creation and goalscoring, I am afraid Negation will be key. Our Discipline is quite good from howson, Johnson, dorrans and Tettey. These 4 plus perhaps Redmond in a central, not flat role would be quite solid and have some threat from 10 or as a wider front 3 with a stronger Lallana type coming in from the left. This would offer a reasonable element of defensive cover with (say) Tettey, Dorrans and Johnson. Nobody can give the ball away in a flat 3 though, not sure about that. Invertedwingers are designed to offer the protection necessary to offset this. It is a great Risk to play open on wide players natural side otherwise. As with all previous Masterclasses, We must learn to look at what we risk and concede, not only what we gain going forward. Fluidity between the lines and flexibility of movement and position is key in the premier. We have this with Hoolahan, Jerome, Martin and perhaps Grabban. This is not good enough or deep enough. Discipline between the lines in defence when under pressure from clever players in superior sides and creativity between the lines and troublesome weapons in attack will make or break our tactical plan. We have a bedrock of good solid players and a nice structure and pattern of play. The momentum of success and the fearlessness of the manager will drive us forward, though clarity of thinking and quality additions in key pivot positions will keep us there. Focusing on our weaknesses, rather than playing fantasy football, is what'' is in Alex Neil''s In-tray. Parma Sent from my iPhone

Dimitar Berbatov is supremely talented. He would quite possibly be the most technically gifted player ever to pull on a Norwich shirt. He would certainly require managerial effort to incorporate, but Norwich will require a further creative player beyond Wes Hoolahan. False 9 with Redmond running beyond from 10? Parma

Should have added the poster who picked Alex Neil out of the air.... Spotter''s Badge Award.. Parma

Morty, If better can be obtained - easier written than realised - then you can expect a striking addition. RVW as - say - fourth choice, should not be taken as an indication that the three in front of him will be Jerome, Grabban and Hooper as now. At least one of those will have to show more professionalism, hunger and off-field discipline than they do currently. Parma

Should Norwich retain RVW as - say - fourth choice striker in the Premier, something they can certainly now afford to do (and as Purple implies, may have little choice in), then thus would represent considerable squad progression. Alex Neil will / would certainly give RVW a fresh start and fair opportunity pre-season. He will do this for (at least) two good reasons: one, he can cement strategic managerial principles (draw clear lines in the sand to the squad) as he did by bringing Bassong back. Such "set piece" events / decisions establish both rules, style and reputation. This creates rules, lines and boundaries that players need, follow and respect. Over time - and with repetition (vid now RVW on the same lines as Bassong) these become established and unchallenged. Secondarily it would be foolish to dismiss ego as a factor. Alex Neil has a wonderful free hit with RVW. Many have written him off, Alex Neil can bring him back, cast an eye over him, give him a chance if he sees something and he will look like a genius if rehabilitation can be achieved. Parma

The best threads are undoubtedly the excellent, absorbing and worthy Rays Funds threads which bring the best out of all posters. I look out for posts from Ricardo, Purple, Bethnal and Ray. Nutella deserves considerable praise for being part of the glue that binds this site. Wooster deserves a mention for his spectacular eye for an interesting bet, Herman and Splutcho also offer intelligent value. As we enter a new phase in the club''s progression, I hope balanced, Intelligent and realistic viewpoints are to be found as we re-enter the pragmatic parameters and of the Premier. Parma

Pony en route Nutella... Galloping joyously in your direction in fact 🎉😊🍝🏆💷🐴 Parma

Thanks and best wishes to PUPanon. Good (wo)man. Tight game, very tight throughout. Norwich to win on penalties. 😊👏💷🏆💵🏆⚽️👔🏆 Parma

Ciao Pupi, Given what we have seen so far, we can envisage Ipswich playing in a similar vein and hoping for ricochets, knock downs and errors. Norwich will endeavour to take control of the game from early and dominate in midfield his weight of possession and look for quality from Wes, or a good strike or moment of quality, which numerous others are capable of. To that end two possible scenarios stand out. A tight game with perhaps another 1-1 score line and Norwich to win on penalties or Norwich to achieve dominance, impose their style of play and win well scoring 3 or 4 with perhaps a single Ipswich reply. Quality to come to the fore. Parma