A toast to old friends - Damian, Iwan + Malky

[Cantiaci Canary 610]

Its been both said before that Damian Francis had a habit of going missing when you most needed him and we have missed him greatly this season but looking back on this season with perspective I really feel the root of our problems stem from that sale.

I know Francis wanted to leave and was more than lackluster in pre-season and Worthington would have kept him if he could but we have NEVER replaced him. His ball winning and ordering of the midfield were what maked us tick and no one can consistently offer us that at the moment. It is just so gutting to see him unused at Wigan. When he left Carrow Road he took our drive, consistency and nucleus with him.

Finally I appreciate that Iwan had to go and Worthington probably misjudged Mackay but since their departures we have failed to find any generals on the pitch. When we have had those damp squid matches and no-shows we missed a few men who could grab the lads by the scruff of the neck and pull them back together. We are such a quiet and at times timid side these days. Bring back some warhorses!

OTBC

[TheManWhoSoldDerveld 0]

I agree, but I don''t think anyone could have really done anything about Francis, the guy wanted to leave, he wouldn''t have performed for us this season.

We have sorely missed a Malky type character since he left.

[ZLF 335]

Agreed KP - the lack of leadership over the last couple of seasons has been crucial particularly when we have needed it most in games when the team have disappeared (Luton away) or where it was crucial for a good result to keep the slim play off/avoiding relegation hopes alive (Fulham, Burnley/Preston away).

Shacks always appears to lead the back line well, so perhaps he could  be captain next year; alternatively we need to sign someone with real inspirational qualities who can actually play football. 

[Citizen Journalist Foghorn 0]

Its amazing the difference Dennis Wise and Don Hutchison have made to Coventry.  Their drive, experience, and leadership have probably been invaluable.

[no1canary 0]

i do believe that we need to sign someone who will be our captain straight away. a midfield general who can drive a team along. i wouldn''t know who though. thats what scouts are for.

[chicken 0]

I agree - and those sorts of players are very hard to come by.To be honest I do not think we let Malky go too soon. He is what - 35 now? He was a lot worse than Fleming with distribution although his ability in the air was fantastic. Sure he could have done a job this season but I dont think he could hack prem football unless he had a real quality defender alongside him that can distribute the ball well once it is won.Otherwise you are right. But I think you underestimate other players too. Holt was also a good midfield battler - he was screaming all of the way through matches and was also capable of getting our players into shape etc.We saw what a half arsed Francis could do the second half of last season and it cost us. Had he performed for us the second half of the season I think he would have gone to a better club than Wigan. I don''t mean that in a bad way but reportedly Charlton were interested in him in January last season and didnt follow up the interest in the summer. That suggests that people twigged that he could potentially be a problem player.I doubt he enjoys playing reserve football for Wigan - it may be possible to get him back who knows? But one thing is for sure we do need another commanding player.Its interesting because a lot of people want Koumas, yet he isnt a commanding player. He would be a great addition to the squad because he can play center mid or right wing. But we would need someone strong and solid alongside him. Safri is a good choice but again who would be the one to marshal it.I have been impressed with Gareth Barry since he was made captain - maybe Shackel should be given the band and see what he can do with it? He seems capable of getting the team going. Maybe contraversial but Robinson does his own fair bit of that too . . . .And experience doesnt matter - Roe Coker is how old? I think we need that scout who found Francis (from nowhere!!!) to have a hunt in the lower leagues again. worse comes to worse and the same thing happens we are at least £1.5 million better off. And Wigan must be kicking themselves now. Having shelled out that much money along with add ons for a decent player who kicks a ball around for their reserves!!!

[DuncanMirams 0]

i believe we lost francis on the day of the inter milan friendly. He was booed by most but i clapped him, and i believe that had the whole stadium chanted his name etc he would  have stayed. I had to sit in the middle upper barclay and remember being annoyed at the snake pit and lower barclay for not chanting for him.I also believe that Malky could have cut it up in the premiership, he was class in the air and was solid on the floor, all that he lacked was pace, but then again once he left all our defence lacked was ariel dominance. Iwan should have been kept as he is great for the team to have off the pitch and in the changing room, he is a model proffesional.

[Hucka Hucka Huckerby 0]

[quote user="DuncanMirams"]i believe we lost francis on the day of the inter milan friendly. He was booed by most but i clapped him, and i believe that had the whole stadium chanted his name etc he would  have stayed. I had to sit in the middle upper barclay and remember being annoyed at the snake pit and lower barclay for not chanting for him.I also believe that Malky could have cut it up in the premiership, he was class in the air and was solid on the floor, all that he lacked was pace, but then again once he left all our defence lacked was ariel dominance. Iwan should have been kept as he is great for the team to have off the pitch and in the changing room, he is a model proffesional.[/quote]

Absolute rubbish! He was boo''d because he was leaving whether we liked it or not! In his mind he was nolonger a Norwich player after the Fulham game!!! (Or during jusging by his performance!!)