you can make four signings. Who are they?

[Woodman 92]

I know its difficult to tell from the celebrations in the last week or so, but Klose and Hanley seem totally integral to the squad environment. 

Hanley was centre stage at all the presentations - Zimbo seemed a little subdued on the parade (sitting quietly on the front seat with Leitner) while the rest of the squad were trying to stop Mad Dog Kenny from falling off the bus. 

I do tend to agree Hanley's less suited to Farkeball, so I wouldn't be surprised if he did go, but he does seem to be a big part of the wider dressing room and squad.  Same goes for Klose, he and Rhodes have been the main cheer leaders and motivators for the rest of the younger players.

In terms of signings needed - cover for Krul, cover for Aarons, new CDM as challenger/cover for Trybull & Tettey, challenger/cover for Hernandez, cover for Pukki & a CB if Klose or Hanley leave.

[Mr Apples 1,317]

Patrick Roberts from Man City could be worth a punt as challenge/cover for Hernandez. Had a decent spell at Celtic and then not figured much for Girona this season.

Apples

[wcorkcanary 4,329]

3 hours ago, canarydan23 said:

Not sure if he gets over Webber's "won't be signing relegated players" bar. Ok, he was only on loan, but was relegated with Fulham.

And he's not that great. If he's not replacing the pretty awful Mustafi then is he any real use to us?

[ged in the onion bag 854]

No loans, why improve other teams players when we have a squad of nearly 20 already.....

The club have plans... so no chance they won't be looking to improve where possible and let's face it, we do have areas needing improvement (e.g. to stop conceding / finish more chances) and no doubt tactically, that will be Farke's priority.    The idea of going completely with what we have is naive even though what we have is special and likely competitive..... be surprised if we do struggle at the bottom!    Improvements will intensify the competition, nothing wrong with that and expect diligent signings.

By all means start the season with Krul in goal, but he's not going to cut it (my view) and if we've not got some quality back up by the time the window closes, could be disastrous for us.... we have to get a quality keeper that's good on the ball and see if Krul can keep him out of the team!   Be staggered if DF and SW aren't on that case....   

The holding midfielder (CDM), we have a ready made exponent in Godfrey who has the strength, endurance, pace and quality required but otherwise an Ndidi type player (usually found in France) will give us some necessary bite in their although Trybull has performed brilliantly and should be given first crack at the role.   Difficult to see how Tettey will be the answer.    Expect Leitner to push for his place back pre-season (hope he does) and that McLean, Vrancic will be looking for a spot in the 3 behind Pukki, (assuming we don't change formation) which might happen....    3-5-2 anyone!    

Suspect they'll find a freebie for right-back cover if not Passlack.

Crucially, what we have already is a big improvement on the Prem teams of Neil and Hughton.

More crucially, our forward options are weak and we need two players.     Pukki is our only capable option.    For all his effort, Rhodes doesn't have the pace or the game to make the difference required and Srbeny is behind him!    Will Idah and / or Morris push for a squad place but experienced options seem necessary.  

The club seem to be completely in control of where we are going with clever people in charge.   If we are ambitious, they will try to improve our chances.... seems no point in bringing in 'back up' / 'cover' if we can find real competition for places and even a couple of upgrades where possible.     The only 'back up' they should be looking for is to Aarons. 

Love our club.  What a season.   OTBC.

 

[Coneys Knee 941]

I just can’t see how people doubt whether Tim Krul “has the quality for the premier league”!!!!!

1) he’s played the majority of his career there.

2) he’s a Dutch international that has World Cup appearances to his name.

i don’t get it. Yes he’s dropped one or two clangers but have you seen de Gea this season?

its a shame the errors stick in people’s memories but the top drawer saves don’t. 

[Coneys Knee 941]

Anyway, for me I think the squad needs:

- a right back that can push Aaron’s hard

- a DM 

- a player in the Buendia/hernandez mould

- a forward to compete with Pukki.

thats my four, and I genuinely don’t think we need anymore so long as there are no leavers.

[Bethnal Yellow and Green 1,557]

25 minutes ago, Coneys Knee said:

I just can’t see how people doubt whether Tim Krul “has the quality for the premier league”!!!!!

1) he’s played the majority of his career there.

2) he’s a Dutch international that has World Cup appearances to his name.

i don’t get it. Yes he’s dropped one or two clangers but have you seen de Gea this season?

its a shame the errors stick in people’s memories but the top drawer saves don’t. 

If Krul was the keeper he was before his horrible injuries he wouldn’t be at Norwich. 

Injuries change players and unfortunately for him Krul’s have reduced him from being and Premier League regular and Dutch international into something less than that. 

Having watched him for a full season, I don’t think he is Premier League quality. 

[PurpleCanary 5,554]

37 minutes ago, Bethnal Yellow and Green said:

If Krul was the keeper he was before his horrible injuries he wouldn’t be at Norwich. 

Injuries change players and unfortunately for him Krul’s have reduced him from being and Premier League regular and Dutch international into something less than that. 

Having watched him for a full season, I don’t think he is Premier League quality. 

I agree. One has to put sentimentality aside. It depends what our plans are for other positions, and how much we have to spend, and who is available. But, all things being equal, a potential first-choice keeper would be top of my list of new players.

[Yellow Fever 3,747]

Somebody who can take penalties 

[Fiery Zac 1,066]

2 hours ago, Bethnal Yellow and Green said:

I don’t think he is Premier League quality

We’ll see what Webber and Farke think.

In terms of performance this season and the whole philosophy that Farke has infused into the squad of togetherness and players taking their opportunity, Krul most definitely deserves his opportunity in the PL, as much, if not more so than many players in the squad.

Of course injuries change players, that’s why hes back in the championship rather than the PL but his experience there will be crucial (as not even our coaches or sporting director have any experience of it). 

Many many players have come back from serious injury in the past, it’s not a simple process as I’m sure Krul knows and it hasn’t been easy but he’s stepped up in the championship and imo deserves the chance in the PL.

[norfolkbroadslim 223]

Harry Wilson, Reece James, a keeper, a defensive midfielder and a striker, sorry that's 5.

[Petriix 2,834]

22 hours ago, Dean Coneys boots said:

One only need look at the goals against column to see that we do, indeed, need improvements to survive. There are fine margins in football and whilst I think the present team must be given a good crack at it- much like when we went up with Lambert- we will be in trouble without a handful of players who can solidify us defensively. Hence I think first team quality  GK, CB and CDM bolted onto what we have would give us a great platform to establish ourselves. 

After the first 6, we conceded only 45 goals in the remaining 40 games. Just 3 teams conceded fewer in this time: Sheffield Utd, Middlesbrough and Stoke. We scored more goals than the latter two combined. Yes, we could improve defensively but probably at the expense of playing such exciting, expansive, free-flowing, attacking football. Hands up who would trade our season for Sheffield Utd's?

We have the best defenders I have ever seen playing for the club and they are all likely to improve. The reasons why we conceded lots of goals early in the season have largely been addressed; mostly through having our 3 attacking midfielders track back a bit more. Changing the defensive personnel will not improve the team unless we spend £10m+ or unearth another unknown gem.

What we do need is to continue to find young players with the right attitude and the potential to develop so that they are ready to step up if anyone gets injured. Players like Lewis, Aarons and Godfrey have only become so good through playing first team football. This was a massive factor in handing Cantwell a starting place at times too.

[andyc24_uk 58]

We definitely need cover for Aarons at RB - I actually thought we might keep hold of Pinto as he's got the top flight experience and isn't a bad player, but clearly he wants first team football which is understandable. 
We also need a new striker - Srbeny seems a nice guy but he's not really been good enough for the Championship, won't be anywhere near PL standard. He probably needs to move on realistically for his own career. Rhodes I'm still in 2 minds about - seems an important figure in the dressing room but was nowhere near good enough in the top flight last time he tried. Depends how much we'd have to pay for him. Idah I would love to see get a chance but I suspect a season on loan in League 1 or 2 beckons, then integrated into the first team squad the following season. 
Defence I'm not sure... I think the personnel are good, but maybe we need to improve the defensive coaching instead as we make too many mistakes and let in too many goals; but every single one of our CBs also show flashes of brilliance that suggest they're all good enough if only they could find some consistency...  Maybe we throw a fairly sizeable pay cheque at a talented defensive specialist coach from a bigger club? 

Beyond that I actually don;t think we're desperate for anyone. Backup 'Keeper would be nice, depending on how highly DF rates Oxborough as the long-term successor to Krul;  If we find the right player as cover for Emi and/or competition for Hernandez then excellent; if not then I dont see it as essential. 

[HertsCanary93 222]

Reece James could be a brilliant and realistic signing - but one we would only be able to afford on a loan deal. He has looked fantastic whenever I have seen him and would potentially cover the requirements we have to strengthen at RB and DM.

While I am no huge fan of loans, if you are restrained and keep them to 2 max - they can be a great way to strengthen for cheap.

Also Chelsea's transfer ban, could hinder any business with them, I imagine many of the youngsters (foolishly) will see it as a chance to break into their first team. Tammy Abraham made that mistake last season.

[Rich T The Biscuit 562]

16 hours ago, Coneys Knee said:

Anyway, for me I think the squad needs:

- a right back that can push Aaron’s hard

- a DM 

- a player in the Buendia/hernandez mould

- a forward to compete with Pukki.

thats my four, and I genuinely don’t think we need anymore so long as there are no leavers.

Completely agree with this. 👍🏻

[Woodman 92]

17 hours ago, Bethnal Yellow and Green said:

Having watched him for a full season, I don’t think he is Premier League quality. 

Not being argumentative, but what specifically brings you to that conclusion?

[writeronthestorm 4]

Anyone know what the Passlack situation is? I'd be happy for us to sign perm/loan

[spencer 1970 207]

I don't usually like loans featuring highley but funds are saying we're reckon we're going to need them. Let's also be shrewd and get them from teams we're not aiming to take many points off. I'd just have the 3.

DM/Defensive Cover = Reece James on loan from Chelsea. but he's been amazing in a fairly poor side inthe Championship and was in many a pundits TOTS.

Winger/AM role =  Harry Wilson from Liverpool. Derby to fail in the POs' and us to offer him prem footy.

Keeper -  (it's all been said above, it's a tough tough game, no need for sentiment). (I'd also like Sheff UTDs loanee, but I'd guess he'll stay there now).

Striker -A back up/challenger to Pukki.

The savings on 1 & 2, would leave us more money for 3 & 4 which are vital IMO. UNLESS webber and farke can work their magic and unearth another gem that we don't know of.

 

 

 

 

 

[Bethnal Yellow and Green 1,557]

2 hours ago, Woodman said:

Not being argumentative, but what specifically brings you to that conclusion?

Strangely it isn’t the clangers, all keepers will make one or two a season and that’s normal. 

It is certain things I’ve seen consistently over the season, I don’t think he’s s hopeless keeper and if Norwich were remaining in the Championship I’d be perfectly happy for him to stay first choice. 

What I have seen is regular handling errors, spilling shots into danger areas rather than getting them clear. This often comes from the long, low shot, something that is Krul’s biggest weakness. When Krul first came through as a keeper his big strength was his agility and ability to get to shots quickly and explosively. He has some great showreel saves due to this, t is also why van Gaal brought him on as a penalty specialist. This ability to make big diving saves and cover a large area of his goal always compensated for his slightly iffy positioning - if he had both he’d have been a world class keeper. 

After the horrific injuries he’s had, he has lost a lot of this explosive agility. You can still see he can make a great close range, high reaction saves, but when stuff comes from distance and low his poor positioning and lack of pace to get down means that some stuff gets past him that really shouldn’t, or he is getting to it later. This means he often pushes it away rather than holds onto it. 

I think his ability on crosses isn’t great, although not awful. He also struggles at set pieces with claiming stuff above attacker and defenders, another symptom of his injury. 

I think he has improved a bit as the season has gone on, but regular small errors are still evident. 

I also think if you go through Norwich’s first team, player by player, he is the stand out one where you can say ‘this is a position that could be improved on, without spending £10m’. This is partly due to him being a little off the pace and partly because keepers tend to be cheaper than other positions. 

 

[Woodman 92]

Thanks Bethnal, I'd agree his early season form was iffy, and he did seem to parry a lot of shots out in front of him rather than to the side or hold onto the shot.  But, as you say, every keeper makes mistakes and when they do it usually results in a goal.  However, I think he learnt quickly from those early mistakes and since Christmas, I think he's been one of our most consistent performers and I'd say only a handful of the goals we've conceded since then were directly down to errors made by him.

He does have a lot of positives - good with his feet (very important for our style), his command of his defence, his experience and overall I think he's a very competent keeper. 

He does need back up as most of us agree he is way ahead of McGovern and Oxborough, but I don't believe we should look to spend a fortune when we have two other areas (CDM and striker) that need cover/competition for the current players.

 

[Indy 3,283]

I have to say, I remember watching Ajax awhile back and they have a young winger who’s not making their first team in Cerny, he’s supposed to decent enough, Ajax do produce top talent? Just throwing it out there.

[Big O 225]

I agree with a lot of the posts on here, the summer transfer activity will require a very careful balance from Farke and Webber. The team spirit and the intuitive way we are now playing should only be tinkered with care. Our best chance of staying up is riding our momentum and getting early points on the board. We do need to keep planning 2 seasons ahead though and whilst highly positive about our chances we do need to consider the potential constraints of the home grown rule if we do drop back down especially as our key talent Aaron’s, Lewis, Godfrey all tick that box.

in terms of outs I assume srbeny, Thompson, cantwell and oxborough may well go out on loan to get a season under their belts and will be interesting to see if Ben Marshall is sold or not.

In terms of signings - Nick Powell on a free at Wigan could be useful. Good age/pedigree and gives us another physical option to compete with Stipermann or off the bench with  Pukki. If we go down the loan route Mason Mount rather than Wilson for me. 

I assume Rhodes might be on some type of buy if you go up deal too but if not it would be great to bring in Maupay from Brentford.

I like everyone else recognise we are short in the two wide positions in terms of depth so a winger is a must - I’m sure there will be a detailed list of overseas options but Daniel James would be a dream addition. 

A back up right back is a must and I think a more defensive minded player to compete with trybull would be useful, although I agree with other posters that Klose back to centre half and Godfrey in midfield in there is an option. 

 

 

 

[Creative Midfielder 1,985]

On 07/05/2019 at 12:39, Feedthewolf said:

You know what, Lakey, I'm with you on this.

Not from the sentimental 'they've earnt the right to have a stab at it' perspective, but more from a continuity perspective. I don't think we'll be able to pay the kind of money that would bring in players of a calibre to drop straight into this style and system and look a cut above.

You only need to look at our performances last season and then this season to see that this is a complex tactical system requiring outstanding levels of fitness and footballing intelligence, and it's not something that can be picked up overnight. All the players in and around our first team understand all the nuances of the style and tactics that have got us to where we are. I certainly think we need to strengthen the squad (cover/competition at GK, RB, DCM, wing and CF), but superseding any of these players for expensive yet uninitiated 'marquee signings' is likely to do more harm than good.

Yep, you and Lakey have nailed it IMO.

[Crafty Canary 495]

A big factor in our success this season is that we now seem to have a recruitment team that are able to identify talent that is relatively cheap to acquire. On this basis I don't care who, if anyone, is brought into the club this close season as I'm confident that they will be a good fit both in ability and character.

[Fr. Chewy Louie 137]

That defensive mid slot is going to be critical, so I'd want to push the boat out for some quality there.

I assume we won't often play more than one out of Vrancic / Leitner / McLean together in midfield, so will be interesting to see who wins that one. 

Plus first-choice keeper, back-up RB and striker as others have said.

[Foxy2600 297]

Tammy Abraham

Angus Gunn

Max Power

Andy Keough 

 

Coat Hat.....

 

 

[Foxy2600 297]

None of the above....Chris Maguire 

[kirku 1,332]

On 08/05/2019 at 15:31, Bethnal Yellow and Green said:

I also think if you go through Norwich’s first team, player by player, he is the stand out one where you can say ‘this is a position that could be improved on, without spending £10m’. This is partly due to him being a little off the pace and partly because keepers tend to be cheaper than other positions. 

 

Very much agree with this, which on a personal level is a shame because he's clearly been a massive part of the dressing room and seems to have really taken to the club

[Redders Right Foot 22]

On 05/05/2019 at 04:23, East Rider said:

I predict we will unfortunately lose one or two of our back line, possibly even one of our gifted midfielder.

Historically when the bigger clubs come calling, despite the obvious less chances of appearances with them, players tend to force or want moves. Even if it means giving up the chance to play each and every week with us. 

Look at some of the top 6 -7 clubs in the Premier, they will strengthen, that's for sure and a few of ours will no doubt be looked at for next season or to be coached for the future.

So my four signings would wait until we know who is likely to move on from our first team. 

New RB and CB probably.

This may be a bit optimistic, with my yellow and green glasses on, but I genuinely feel we are rid of players that would "force a move" - especially now that they can show what they do in the prem with us next season. If a first team member moves on this summer, I think it will be more down to the club deciding the money is too good to turn down.

[Redders Right Foot 22]

On 09/05/2019 at 09:57, Fr. Chewy Louie said:

That defensive mid slot is going to be critical, so I'd want to push the boat out for some quality there.

I assume we won't often play more than one out of Vrancic / Leitner / McLean together in midfield, so will be interesting to see who wins that one. 

Plus first-choice keeper, back-up RB and striker as others have said.

I'd agree with that, with the exception of if Stiepy gets benched or injured. In which case I could very well see the Mayor taking over that number 10 role