Early signs not promising..

[The Judge 0]

So the transfer window is now shut. There have been numerous comings and goings from the club in the summer (some needed - some forced) but are we in a better position this season to mount a promotion/play off challenge this season than last ?? - In my view absolutely not. We weren''t equipped last year and we aren''t this.

Goalkeeper - improvement -Marshall is better but why bring in 2 goalkeepers when money it tight and its outfield players we needed ?

Right back - improvement Ostembor. But where is the cover ? (Colin, Louis Jean, Hughes out)

Centre Backs - no change - still weak. Unbelievable to think that we haven''t strenghtened the area of the pitch that has been the most glaring weakness for 3 seasons. Staggering.

Left Back - no change. We have brough Murray who can play left back - is he better than Drury who flatters to decieve.

Centre Midfield. Potentially stronger in terms defensive capability (Brellier, Russell) but very much lacking in terms of creativity and play making. Not saying this was great last season but the exit of Safri has taken this away totally.

Right/Left wings - no change.

Centre Forwards - Cureton for Earnshaw - this was forced on us and Jamie is an adequate replacement but if you had the choice who would you have in your side ? - sorry but has to weaken us. Dave Striker - who knows ? - from what i''ve seen so far he isn''t going to set the world alight.

Overall we shipped out some necessary deadwood, Thorne, Henderson, McVeigh, Louis Jean, Hughes and were forced to part with Earnie and Etutu and we have bought in some OK replacements in some areas (Jamie, Russell, Semmy, Marshall) but is this good enough ?? Not in my opinion and this is backed up by the performances I have seen and heard about so far. OK some people aren''t fit, are ill, adjusting to life in the Championship etc - but even when all these things go away will we stop conceding goals with the defence we have ? will we create chances from centre midfield ? will we control a game by pressing up the pitch with centre midfielders dominating the play with short sharp progressive passing, or knocking that early ball out to the wings ?

Early signs aren''t good...

The next 5 games will be a real test and will show us how good, average or poor our side is going to be this season.

I do think we have the basis of a stronger 1st team, however due to what ever reason (targetted players not available, silly prices, not wanting to come to Norwich, or lack of ambition from the board) we haven''t brought in those extra 2/3 pieces of quality into the team in key positions (CD, CM) that could make the real difference to our season.

Perhaps they will come on loan (I certainly expect a defender) but how long will it be before we hear the line about clubs wanting too much for loan sign on fees... prepare for another season of mid/lower table mediocracy i''m afraid.