Have we been had ?

[Duffman 0]

With my season ticket arriving today I just feel like I''ve been had by NCFC.  I thought when Earnie left that Etuhu would be harder to replace and now what have we gone and done....bloody well sold him aswell.   Top that by Safri going and you have your 3 better players from last season gone.

All you Etuhu ''haters'', make no mistake, Etuhu will be missed alot more then you think.  I am racking my brain for replacements but I can only come up with Ben Watson and I dont think he is the same type of player.

Whoever is in charge of contract negotiating needs to be sacked, 1.5million and 3.5million for Etuhu and Earnie is peanuts to premiership clubs, why didnt we have bigger clauses (i.e. Michael Chopra 5 million release clause!!!).

I feel let down.

*** This post is subject to current rumours that Dickson Etuhu is leaving Norwich City Football Club, should his transfer not go ahead, this message will self destruct***

[blahblahblah 2]

Earnshaw and Etuhu have had offers from Premiership clubs.  Players and their agents call the shots in transfer negotiations out of a club these days, especially when a Premiership club comes in for them.  They can even buy themselves out of the last 2 years of their contracts, as Gabriel Heinze is doing at Man Utd.  And as we learnt from Damien Francis, you don''t want an unhappy player hanging around the team, you want them out the door.  If they want to leave, let them.The release clauses look cheap now because of the new TV money.  The clauses would have been set before the new TV contracts were arranged, 3 times the cost of the player was more than adequate at the time we signed him.  You could argue that it was an oversight not to get the clauses re-negotiated when the new TV money was announced, but how do you index-link a release clause to player price inflation ?    It''s impossible, because for every Koumas there will be an Etuhu.All that said, there will be more money in the pot for new players.  On that basis, this will very much be Grants'' team that kicks off in August.

[ricardo 8,043]

Beginning to look like Smudger had a point isn''t it?

So much for the wonderful transfer window and thoughts of a top 6 finish.

Someones having a laugh and it''s not me.

[Smudger 0]

I have told you so, but you would not listen... if you have been had by the club then after being had for the last two seasons you only have yourself to blame if you have fallen for it a 3rd time around.

When are you going to wake up?

This board of directors is royaly ripping off the good natured folk of Norfolk and has been getting away with it far too long now!!!

As for blahblahblah I truly feel sorry for you!!! [:D]

[Just what the Doc ordered 0]

This club really is a laughing stock!! and I for 1 after recieving my season ticket today, feel extremely let down!

[Tetteys Jig 851]

Ah come on! at least leave it till the end of August to moan, plus is anyone gonna give Chadwick, Brown and Fotheringham a chance?

[blahblahblah 2]

[quote]ricardo wrote the following post at 16/07/2007 4:15 PM:

Beginning to look like Smudger had a point isn''t it?

So much for the wonderful transfer window and thoughts of a top 6 finish.

Someones having a laugh and it''s not me.[/quote]

Oh, is that the date ?  Must get on, these transfer windows don''t close themselves you know.

No - wait - silly me.  The 07 means it''s July.We are a long way from end-game in my opinion.

[Grando 336]

if you really feel had you''re perfectly entitled to return your Season Ticket for a full refund before the start of the season, I believe (as you haven''t had used any of the ''product'' until the games have started)... Check the small print.

[tim howard? 0]

i agree ricardo it was only the other day i was slating smudger for being negative but after logging on to my computer at work and finding out etuhu was about to leave along with safri  it looks like smudger may well be right .if we sell the above mentioned we will have sold to of the best players at the club(on there days that is) and be left with an even thinner squad than we started with last season we need to spend proper money if we want to succeed .I would love to see ben watson but would doubt he would come to "naarfolk" this early in his career as he is still 21 all of a suden the future isnt looking so bright.

[ricardo 8,043]

[quote user="blahblahblah"]

[quote]ricardo wrote the following post at 16/07/2007 4:15 PM:

Beginning to look like Smudger had a point isn''t it?

So much for the wonderful transfer window and thoughts of a top 6 finish.

Someones having a laugh and it''s not me.[/quote]

Oh, is that the date ?  Must get on, these transfer windows don''t close themselves you know.

No - wait - silly me.  The 07 means it''s July.

We are a long way from end-game in my opinion.
[/quote]

I think the end game for this season has already been played Blah.

We''ve been burying our heads in the sand for too long now. Time to wake up and smell the coffee.

 

[blahblahblah 2]

[quote]As for blahblahblah I truly feel sorry for you!!![/quote]Don''t know why mate, I''m not the one who''s got to arrange a protest.  Seeing as everyone wants to join your protest, not Arthurs, it looks like you''ve been volunteered ! [:)]Do you know how much time those things take to organise ?Good luck !

[kevin brighton 0]

I have been converted to Smudger land but this latest disgrace to fall on fans that want to see a team built not destroyed. I am certainly going to look at the small print and see if what you say is correct. I travel a number of miles to matches at home and have been doing so since 1966 but maybe now is the time to take up fishing.

If what you say is true that fans are entitled to a full refund having received no beneficial use of the product bought or was it the product we thought we purchased than maybe its time to run a poll on this to see just how many supporters are ready to make a stand.

 

[blahblahblah 2]

[quote]I think the end game for this season has already been played Blah.

We''ve been burying our heads in the sand for too long now. Time to wake up and smell the coffee.[/quote]

Well, Smudger should be happy at least, he''s been calling for change for ages, now we''re getting it.  Albeit in the playing staff. 

Safri plays 25-30 games a season, has done since he played for Cov.  He''s a useful option though. And he''s still here at the moment. 

If you believe some on here, Etuhu only played 20 games last season, even if he was picked for 50. 

There''s a big market full of possible replacements out there, and a pot of cash waiting to be used.

What''s the point of throwing in the towel before round 1 ?PS Sorry for the big font - not expressing outrage, just experiencing technical problems with fingers.

[ricky knight 0]

hey smudge all us doubters will always be wrong in the eyes of some on here but keep fighting the good fight bro, even Hucks is now concerned.

[Unlucky Fried Kitten 0]

I''m yet another convert to the Smudger camp. I really don''t have any faith in our scouting team finding adequate replacements for Safri or Etuhu. Sell, sell, sell! No price too small for any of our players.

[Karl Pilkington 0]

I also may be a smudge convert.

A team can''t lose 3 of it''s best 4 players from the previous season and expect to improve.

We are not going to get 2 adequate replacements before the season starts. To fill their boots.

I was really upbeat about the season at lunchtime, my confidence has just taken a bit of a batering.

[Grando 336]

[quote user="kevin brighton"]

I have been converted to Smudger land but this latest disgrace to fall on fans that want to see a team built not destroyed. I am certainly going to look at the small print and see if what you say is correct. I travel a number of miles to matches at home and have been doing so since 1966 but maybe now is the time to take up fishing.

If what you say is true that fans are entitled to a full refund having received no beneficial use of the product bought or was it the product we thought we purchased than maybe its time to run a poll on this to see just how many supporters are ready to make a stand.

 

[/quote]

I certainly returned my season ticket a couple of years ago when a move meant I couldn''t attend games. I was paying via the direct debit scheme at the time and didn''t get charged. Just took the card to Carra Rud and they did all the paperwork without a fuss.

[DONT REMEMBER YOUR TENURE AS ENGLAND MANAGER 0]

 

If Saf leaves, we have to sign at least three centre midfielders, 2 center halfs

As much as I have been converted to Hooooooozzeeeeeeeeey, no way is this guy good enough for centre midfield.

Was hopeful for our chances this morning, now not sure. The board simply has to release the funds to buy some good players.

Huckerby''s reaction though spot on, does worry me to thinkin what is really happening behind the scenes

However sign Ben Watson then I will be very happy!

 

[FilletTheFishWife . 0]

like we did last season?

that''s too late.

this board take one step forward and two back every time there''s any transfer activity. Shame on  them.

[dickyst220 0]

Hasn''t Grant just said he is not looking for anymore players ???? Now if Saf & Dixon go & we don''t get replacements............

then yes you really have beed had!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chicken 0]

In all fairness Smudge I think its pretty far fetched to claim that you told us so!

Infact I do not remember you saying anything about selling the whole squad - infact I remember you saying that we SHOULD sell the whole squad! So I am afraid you can''t really use that as a told you so.

Also may I mention "the boy who cried Wolf".

According to you we should have been relegated at at least three different points last season and we werent and thats just LAST season.

However I will accept that you have questioned the boards honesty and supposed transparency but please do read the bit above about wolves. So for that you get 1 "I told you so" point. ;oD

 

[renegade tootsie 0]

Still with you blah, but only just.  Its the fact that Huckerby has stuck his neck out in such a definite fashion. Lets be honest you cannot misconstrue his comments, he is very fed-up and I think we would do well to trust his judgement as one of the few winners we possess.

You are spot on, there SHOULD be literally millions to spend if this goes through, as in perhaps 5-7 million.   Grant should be able to have a bloody field day in the transfer window now. 

Should.....

 

[quote user="blahblahblah"][quote]I think the end game for this season has already been played Blah.

We''ve been burying our heads in the sand for too long now. Time to wake up and smell the coffee.[/quote]

Well, Smudger should be happy at least, he''s been calling for change for ages, now we''re getting it.  Albeit in the playing staff. 

Safri plays 25-30 games a season, has done since he played for Cov.  He''s a useful option though. And he''s still here at the moment. 

If you believe some on here, Etuhu only played 20 games last season, even if he was picked for 50. 

There''s a big market full of possible replacements out there, and a pot of cash waiting to be used.

What''s the point of throwing in the towel before round 1 ?

PS Sorry for the big font - not expressing outrage, just experiencing technical problems with fingers.
[/quote]

[Smudger 0]

[quote user="James Smith"]Ah come on! at least leave it till the end of August to moan, plus is anyone gonna give Chadwick, Brown and Fotheringham a chance?[/quote]

Chadwick yes...

Brown and Fotheringham NO... they are utter c**p!!!

[Smudger 0]

[quote user="blahblahblah"][quote]As for blahblahblah I truly feel sorry for you!!![/quote]

Don''t know why mate, I''m not the one who''s got to arrange a protest.  Seeing as everyone wants to join your protest, not Arthurs, it looks like you''ve been volunteered ! [:)]

Do you know how much time those things take to organise ?

Good luck !
[/quote]

Yeah NO time at all mate...  unhappy people just turn up outside the ground and show their dissaproval at what has been going on here for the last couple of years!!!

oh when did I volunteer myself as some kind of group leader?

I will help in any protest that happens and will even help to get such a thing off the ground... but have I ever volunteered as some kind of spokesperson for such a group?

I do not even see it as a group... I just see it as a bunch of INDIVIDUAL''s who are sick to death of being taken for mugs turning up an en masse voicing their disapproval!!!

[Smudger 0]

[quote user="chicken"]

In all fairness Smudge I think its pretty far fetched to claim that you told us so!

Infact I do not remember you saying anything about selling the whole squad - infact I remember you saying that we SHOULD sell the whole squad! So I am afraid you can''t really use that as a told you so.

Also may I mention "the boy who cried Wolf".

According to you we should have been relegated at at least three different points last season and we werent and thats just LAST season.

However I will accept that you have questioned the boards honesty and supposed transparency but please do read the bit above about wolves. So for that you get 1 "I told you so" point. ;oD

 

[/quote]

oh so I did not say all along that the most we would spend this transfer window was any money that we receive for selling Earnshaw then???

Even I appear to of been a little way out on that one again don''t I Chicken?

It really does say that something is drastically wrong at Carrow Road when Huckerby comes out with the comments that he has done today and even the NCFC board of directors biggest critic seems to of over-estimated what they would spend during this transfer window doesn''t it????

[Ankles50 0]

I have read seperate threads over the past month or so speculating on either Safri or Etuhus departure.  In neither case were fans too upset at the prospect of losing one of them, generally the tone was

Safri = often injured or fatigued, always at Africans cup, off the boil when Ramadam came around, he only plays in 60% of matches a season & thats not enough.

Etuhu = Sporadic in perfromance, if good rarely for a whole 90minutes and that only happend 1 in 5 games, disappears from games & doesn''t dominate

As soon as Le Judge was signed there was no discussion about him battling for a slot, he was a shoe in for a start we were just speculating who might be his partner. 

Surely this is a evidence enough that neither of these two are good enough, lets be honest would they be in a CCC select 11?  I doubt they''d even make a CCC Select squad of 22 actually, so why so upset if we can sell both for 1mill-1.5mill?  I can only assume it is because there has been no excessive speculation surrounding new arrivals for our midfield, and based on recent history we all feel it would be in keeping in character for the board not to replace them.....Just because www.footballrumoursthatareallcobblers.com or whatever that site is hasn''t linked us with any & all available players in hte last few days does not mean work behind the scenes has not been ongoing

Personally anyone who is not passionate about wearing the crest on their chest, and in engaging with other clubs regards personal terms i believe neither of these two are that fussed let alone lacklustre effort through last season, should be sold & fast.  They are replaceable & i will give the benefit of the doubt until the season starts that better in both talent & desire will be brought in

[Hog 0]

There were so many doubters, but it looks like Smudger is having the last laugh. Not that its a fun filled laugh of happiness, probably more a strangled sob, torn from his throat, just like the heart that is being torn from our football club.

 

 

If we don''t invest ALL the money we have gained, then we will need a miracle to stay up, let alone think about promotion!

[Marty 0]

If a premiership club comes in with a good offer it is difficult to prevent the transfer from happening. Also, it is amazing how many people were slagginf off Etuhu for being lazy and inconsistent, and then when he leaves he is suddenly the best thing since sliced bread. I thing we need a replacement for both Etuhu and Safri if they leave, but to be honest I thought our midfield needed improving last year, so maybe this will happen now.

[TwoSheds 0]

Yes we have been had! The board are new age robbers and should be locked up!

[shortfatb 0]

Calm down and stop getting excited. 

Etuhu and Saf leaving is, I believe, less about who is leaving but the fact that the squad is 2 senior players down.

Grant sure as hell didn''t want them to go because he wants at least 2 for every position and he will therefore be determined to replace them if and when they go.

Huckerby''s rant also helps in terms of showing there is a determination and desire to succeed within the club.

If anybody chose to check there have been more negative posts than positive on here about Etuhu and Safri in the last 2 years and I also think Brellier would have been first choice this year anyway, presumably for Safri.

I understand Safri played well against West  Brom away and I don''t know where Keano gets his decision to buy from but you have to assume that he knovs about filling the role he used to play, however I would suggest that the betting on Dixon being the Black Cats player of the season or being booted out after not having a 1st team game after October are about the same odds. 

There are 50 days left before the window shuts, there''s money and I''m sure every Football Manager fan can come up with a list of midfield prospects. I back the Board and Grant and Duffy to make it right and I believe that they will be determined to prove their detractors (and Dixon and Safri) wrong.

KTFaith/FTSmudgers