Ambition?

[Salopian 1]

The bid put in for Howard of Luton, and the continued interest in Mcleod of MKD, says a number of  things:1) There''s not much money available - we should not expect any outstanding players, or is Ernie lined up for departure?2) Either of these may be competent Championship players, but would not cut it in the Premiership - if we ever get there we shall stand little chance of staying there with a team of competent Championship players, unless money can be found for major re-building (please not under the present management!)3) Hoofball is the planned way forward.It looks as if we are in for a disappointing season, and mediocrity in the medium term!

[Canary Boy 0]

Hi Salopian

I take on board what you have said.

Why are we trying to buy Howard, a tall 30 year-old target man when we''ve just let Peter Thorne go for nothing?

[Canary Poirot 1]

On the contrary Salopian. The signing of Howard is just what this team needs (aside from a good right winger). Having a big striker in your team is a very valuable thing to have.

When you''re under pressure, a big hoof forward to a huge galloot up front relieves that pressure, and the big galloot has the added bonus of being able to hold the ball up, so possession is retained. Iwan was immense at holding the ball up, and was about 30 (maybe late 20s) when he initially signed for us. Iwan was immobile when he signed for us. He still went on to score 96 goals for us, the third highest in our history. Iwan was also only proven at Championship level. So lets not get too mad about ''only'' signing Howard.

Also, to sign a proven Premiership striker is going to cost about £3 million - that seems to be the going price - largely because such players are in such short supply. And we simply do not have that kind of money lying around. And Howard is not a bad buy. He scored 14 goals at Championship level last season, and if we sign him, and he gets 14 for us - then we''ll be top 6, as I''m sure, if Earnshaw stays, he''ll bag at least 25, injury permitting.

And I wouldn''t be so sure hoofball is the way forward. I''m beginning to think, the lack of signings means Worthington has no other option than to turn to youth - and that is a sign which seems to be true seeing the number of stories coming out of Carrow Road relating to youngsters and contract signings. And it was the fans after all who were calling for youth to be given a chance. If we go out and sign someone, that''s another person blocking the route to the first team for a youngster.

I personally think, we''re going about our business quietly, and may be pleasently surprised next season. After all, Worthington and Hunter both have FIFA pro licence coaching badges - and it can''t all be about hoofball. Very few people in the world have this qualification and it is held in the highest regards.

[First Wizard 0]

[quote user="Salopian"]The bid put in for Howard of Luton, and the continued interest in Mcleod of MKD, says a number of  things:

1) There''s not much money available - we should not expect any outstanding players, or is Ernie lined up for departure?

2) Either of these may be competent Championship players, but would not cut it in the Premiership - if we ever get there we shall stand little chance of staying there with a team of competent Championship players, unless money can be found for major re-building (please not under the present management!)

3) Hoofball is the planned way forward.

It looks as if we are in for a disappointing season, and mediocrity in the medium term!
[/quote]

I know one poster who''d agree with you Salopian!. [;)]

[0peteddMMyyyy0Falseen-USTrue 0]

Cos Thorne was appalling, Howard wasn''t at Luton but has not played yet at Carra Rd, give him time under the masterly Worthy.  BTW where has PT gone?

[We need a Manager 0]

If this is the type of signing we make while getting the parachute money god help us next summer , little old Norwich ...spot on  .

[0ridgemanddMMyyyy0Falseen-USTrue 0]

Sorry to disagree but when you lump the ball up the pitch you want your striker to be there under Worthington our striker is so often in his own penalty area [ala Ashton]. When you defend a set piece with 21 players in your area the minute you clear the ball it comes straight back at you and puts you under further pressure. Its worth noting that in several World Cup games certain teams are leaving three players up which takes out four defenders thats seven players out of the eighteen yard box which gives defenders a better chance of clearing to one of your own.

As said on an earlier post the FA Pro licence has little regard for some Worthington had this licence all last season and we played the worst football I can remember Souness also had the licence and done little whilst Roeder didn''t have it and achieved much more.

The FA Pro licence is virtually a closed shop for those in football.

[EadiesRight Foot 0]

Many people have noted the complete absence of ambition from the board. But perhaps they are being slightly astute.

Picture the board room - Worthless goes cap in hand to Delia "Ermmm, the sityewashun is I need another hard working midfielder with commitment"

"Sorry Nige, we dont have the money. Why not try and get someone sh!t like Steve Howard??"

All the while the plan is not to give Nige the money as they have only given him a cetain period of time, and are saving the money for a new manager. WOO - HOO!!!

[nh_ncfc 0]

[quote user="Canary Poirot"]On the contrary Salopian. The signing of Howard is just what this team needs (aside from a good right winger). Having a big striker in your team is a very valuable thing to have.

When you''re under pressure, a big hoof forward to a huge galloot up front relieves that pressure, and the big galloot has the added bonus of being able to hold the ball up, so possession is retained. Iwan was immense at holding the ball up, and was about 30 (maybe late 20s) when he initially signed for us. Iwan was immobile when he signed for us. He still went on to score 96 goals for us, the third highest in our history. Iwan was also only proven at Championship level. So lets not get too mad about ''only'' signing Howard.

Also, to sign a proven Premiership striker is going to cost about £3 million - that seems to be the going price - largely because such players are in such short supply. And we simply do not have that kind of money lying around. And Howard is not a bad buy. He scored 14 goals at Championship level last season, and if we sign him, and he gets 14 for us - then we''ll be top 6, as I''m sure, if Earnshaw stays, he''ll bag at least 25, injury permitting.

And I wouldn''t be so sure hoofball is the way forward. I''m beginning to think, the lack of signings means Worthington has no other option than to turn to youth - and that is a sign which seems to be true seeing the number of stories coming out of Carrow Road relating to youngsters and contract signings. And it was the fans after all who were calling for youth to be given a chance. If we go out and sign someone, that''s another person blocking the route to the first team for a youngster.

I personally think, we''re going about our business quietly, and may be pleasently surprised next season. After all, Worthington and Hunter both have FIFA pro licence coaching badges - and it can''t all be about hoofball. Very few people in the world have this qualification and it is held in the highest regards.

[/quote] Well said mate :)

[Herb 0]

[quote user="1st Wizard"]

I know one poster who''d agree with you Salopian!. [;)]

[/quote]Enjoy your holiday?Sadly, I just knew you''d come crawling back.