Summer signings...

[Gingerpele 0]

I know its a way off still, and some may still be worried (for some unbeknown reason) that we aren''t safe yet...

But who do you think or want us to go for in the summer? What areas do we need to improve first?

I personally think another winger should be high priority, we''ve only got two out and out wingers, and as the diamond doesn''t appear to be getting the results too often, I think having that extra option out wide (as Surman isn''t at his best as a ''winger'' not like Pilks and Bennett) could be really useful.

Obviously signing Naughton, or another RB is probably number one priority, otherwise we just have Martin (better at CB in the premiership...) and Francomb (No idea how useful he''ll be...).

Maybe, if we can find somewhere for Rudd to go and get first team football for the season, another (older) GK, Ruddy has no competition really, Rudd and Steer are both young and inexperienced, a season or two out on loan for one or the other of them could be key in them developing into GKs good enough for the premiership, if they don''t get that experience, I feel they might just not be good enough if say Ruddy got injured for a few months, or one of the top teams decided they wanted him. So if we could get in a GK, happy enough to be on the bench, could give some experience to Ruddy and the other two and wouldn''t cost to much...

I''m sure Lambert will have a surprise or two in store, so I have no idea as to any individual players could join us.

[I am a Banana 0]

 

[7rew 0]

I''d like another David Fox, maybe one who is a bit better defensively, but not at the expense of the creative play.

Full backs are a priority as well. Naughton and Drury looking unlikely to be here means that we need one each side.

We probably want another forward as well, as we only really have two scoring.

[CambridgeCanary 0]

Whilst everyone is free to discuss whatever they wish and I fully respect that right, I do think that this sort of thread is the epitome of futility.

 

When has anyone on here ever accurately predicted a player signed by Lambert before rumours in the media?  None of us has any idea what is in Lambert''s mind and for me, that is one of the most exciting things about being a Norwich supporter today.

[Gingerpele 0]

And I said as much at the end of the post, but surely we can discuss the kind of players we think we need? Obviously that means nothing, none of us are manager, or have the knowledge of the game that Lambert has. But that doesn''t mean we shouldn''t say who we want to sign, or what positions we think could be improved on.

[priceyrice 133]

I actually expect to see another 4-5 signings this summer with Lambert building on the squad and getting rid of some of the lesser played playersI think 2 full backs are needed and perhaps a CB, as i expect Barnet to go- i think we may sign two defenders, one a versitle defender.Another winger would be useful, for the reasons you mention GP, i would like to see someone come in with some pace and the desire to take the player on- in the Nathan Dyer moldI can understand calls for another CM, similar to Fox but i would prefer a box to box tough tackler as Crofts seems a bit off the pace and Johnson has gone of the boil a bit 2nd half of the season. I would love to see Siguarsson sign, he has some real quality, but i expect Swansea will make him a perm.Then there is also the need for a striker. I imagine C Martin and Wilbraham (could get another year contract offer, seems to get a lot of praise for his influence in the dressing room and i cant imagine he''s paid too much and is good cover for the big men) will leave, i would give Jackson a new contract too. I hate to say it but i don''t think we can expect Vaughan to be fit for the majority of next season, so another pacey striker would be handy.

So, that is 2 defender, 2 midfielder and 1 strikerTo bring in 5 players, Lambert is going to have to let 4-5 go as well- what players do you think will leave (i know it''s not great to talk about during a season we are doing so well, but hey ho)? I would suggest, Crofts, Barnet, C Martin, Lappin and Drury (perhaps - depending on bringing in adequate cover)

[grantroederdisaster 0]

2 defenders, 2 midfielders and a striker would be good business in the summer I think!

[First Wizard 0]

We''re not safe GP, far from it, anyone who thinks we''re safe are deluded.

[smooth 114]

I think all of you have quite rightly highlighted that we need to improve the spine of the team.We need another centre forward, we need 4 forwards who are fighting at the bit, we do need pace and guile up front as we have two battering rams, jacko and Vaughan for pace but both (due to injury and being out of the team) have not made a long term impression.Midfield we need a voice in there, we need a midfield general who can control games when we are 1-0 up. A wise head, similar to Danny Murphy, to just take the game by the scruff of the neck and sit in front of the back four to allow Howson, Pilky, Surman and EB to show their worth. In January 2013 we will then need a box to box midfielder. Why January, well because we have needs of a winger. We need genuine pace, Matty Phillips has been suggested and I agree a very good player. Snodgrass we know would create, score and add some more Leeds determination to this team.Defensively players will leave and again I believe our main priority is full backs, can we keep Naughton? Well I hope so, can we sign Whitbread? Again essential. If Whitbread doesn''t sign, then we need a centre half and I would go for a leader at the back with a strong voice. Two big signings however if both Whitbread and Naughton come off and I agree Drury has covered brilliantly this season but next year is crucial. I can see him having a massive drop in form next season.Goalkeeper is an intersting one. Jaaskalinen could be a great addition. I believe the two young guys can step up but for a whole season, it is not right. As always who will want to be signed as a number 2.So for me a genuine striker, a winger and a central midfielder, two fullbacks and maybe a goalkeeper.In January 2013 a box to box midfielder and another wide winger.I have full trust in EB and Pilky but I also believe we need to look at additional play makers out wide, secondly we then start looking for the big striker who warrants a larger fee than what we have paid before.

[Gingerpele 0]

Wiz, of course we are. Do we really have to go through this again?

How on earth can we be far from safe? All we are waiting for is the mathematically certainty.

I''d bet my house (if I owned one) on us staying up now, we don''t even need to win another game to stay up. Wigan, QPR, Bolton & Wolves will not pick up enough points to get above us, Blackburn might, but the other four, no chance. And we''ll win at least a couple more games.

I don''t care whats happened in the past to Norwich, or any other club in the relegation battle. None of that has any relevance on this season, was Lambert in charge then? With Grant Holt as captain? I don''t think so... Any disappointment you have had to go through in the past (I imagine its more for you, i''ve only supported Norwich through two relegations because i''m only 19), should have no bearing on whats happening now. Its different, Lambert is different, you say you have faith in Lambert? I think anyone still worrying about relegation has very little faith in Lambert....

[First Wizard 0]

[quote user="Gingerpele"]Wiz, of course we are. Do we really have to go through this again? How on earth can we be far from safe? All we are waiting for is the mathematically certainty. I''d bet my house (if I owned one) on us staying up now, we don''t even need to win another game to stay up. Wigan, QPR, Bolton & Wolves will not pick up enough points to get above us, Blackburn might, but the other four, no chance. And we''ll win at least a couple more games. I don''t care whats happened in the past to Norwich, or any other club in the relegation battle. None of that has any relevance on this season, was Lambert in charge then? With Grant Holt as captain? I don''t think so... Any disappointment you have had to go through in the past (I imagine its more for you, i''ve only supported Norwich through two relegations because i''m only 19), should have no bearing on whats happening now. Its different, Lambert is different, you say you have faith in Lambert? I think anyone still worrying about relegation has very little faith in Lambert....[/quote]

 

 

Blackpool went down with 39 points GP.

[First Wizard 0]

[quote user="Gingerpele"]Wiz, of course we are. Do we really have to go through this again? How on earth can we be far from safe? All we are waiting for is the mathematically certainty. I''d bet my house (if I owned one) on us staying up now, we don''t even need to win another game to stay up. Wigan, QPR, Bolton & Wolves will not pick up enough points to get above us, Blackburn might, but the other four, no chance. And we''ll win at least a couple more games. I don''t care whats happened in the past to Norwich, or any other club in the relegation battle. None of that has any relevance on this season, was Lambert in charge then? With Grant Holt as captain? I don''t think so... Any disappointment you have had to go through in the past (I imagine its more for you, i''ve only supported Norwich through two relegations because i''m only 19), should have no bearing on whats happening now. Its different, Lambert is different, you say you have faith in Lambert? I think anyone still worrying about relegation has very little faith in Lambert....[/quote]

 

Its not faith in Lambert whats the problem, its faith in the Premier league officials!

[Gingerpele 0]

They are going to deduct points from us? Or give the other teams more points?

[Gingerpele 0]

Yes Blackpool went down with 39 points, so what. Were 3 teams on 22 and one on 23 points after 28/29 games? The answer is no, the bottom four was 27, 29, 31, 31 points after 28 games... See the difference?

[Gingerpele 0]

Actually the bottom three, thats after 29 games. So 9 games left to go, and the team on 31 points has 9 points to gain to move above Blackpool''s 39.

This season, 10 games and QPR (and Bolton) have to gain 15 points to move above us. Without us winning any points. Please please please explain how on earth you think thats possible without showing a lack of faith in the team/players/Lambert and thinking QPR+1 other are wonderful and suddenly going to burst into form...

[First Wizard 0]

[quote user="Gingerpele"]They are going to deduct points from us? Or give the other teams more points?[/quote]

 

I''ll just say two words.............Phil Dowd.

 

He''s the ref today.........enjoy.  [:''(]

[PurpleCanary 6,386]

[quote user="priceyrice"]I actually expect to see another 4-5 signings this summer with Lambert building on the squad and getting rid of some of the lesser played players

I think 2 full backs are needed and perhaps a CB, as i expect Barnet to go- i think we may sign two defenders, one a versitle defender.

Another winger would be useful, for the reasons you mention GP, i would like to see someone come in with some pace and the desire to take the player on- in the Nathan Dyer mold

I can understand calls for another CM, similar to Fox but i would prefer a box to box tough tackler as Crofts seems a bit off the pace and Johnson has gone of the boil a bit 2nd half of the season. I would love to see Siguarsson sign, he has some real quality, but i expect Swansea will make him a perm.

Then there is also the need for a striker. I imagine C Martin and Wilbraham (could get another year contract offer, seems to get a lot of praise for his influence in the dressing room and i cant imagine he''s paid too much and is good cover for the big men) will leave, i would give Jackson a new contract too. I hate to say it but i don''t think we can expect Vaughan to be fit for the majority of next season, so another pacey striker would be handy.


So, that is 2 defender, 2 midfielder and 1 striker

To bring in 5 players, Lambert is going to have to let 4-5 go as well- what players do you think will leave (i know it''s not great to talk about during a season we are doing so well, but hey ho)? I would suggest, Crofts, Barnet, C Martin, Lappin and Drury (perhaps - depending on bringing in adequate cover)
[/quote]

 

I suspect there will be quite a cull this summer. Lambert has a squad that was built up with various aims in mind - getting out of League 1, getting out of the Championship, trying to stay in the Premier League. In that sense it is a bit of a ragbag. Now he has a clear objective - at the least stabilising in the PL - and can assess players according to that standard. I would add Korey Smith, Adeyemi and Wilbraham to that list above as possibles.

 

 

[smooth 114]

If Bolton go down, and with a season where he has been out there may be a very good chance of getting the combatative midfielder who can fill the bill.Stuart Holden - he would be a perfect young tenacious midfielder who can control the game and put his foot in. Yes he has had injury issues but if they were to go down he would be a player that is a jewel in their squad who can go on to better things. An international, strong young man with great leadership skills who would be just the voice we would need in the midfield.Seeing Jarvis and Doyle at Wolves in todays game. We would again say they are very much players that would improve our squad, but probably other teams would look at them. Seperate point, no question Wolves game is a game we can get a win. After seeing there heads drop and lack of defensive abilities we have to move the ball quickly to our wide men and get balls in to the box.I certainly think that the midfield position is a key position this summer and Holden would be a player that I think we could put in a serious bid for and although it would be pricey I think it would a great signing.

[pete_norw 0]

[quote user="smooth"]If Bolton go down, and with a season where he has been out there may be a very good chance of getting the combatative midfielder who can fill the bill.

Stuart Holden - he would be a perfect young tenacious midfielder who can control the game and put his foot in. Yes he has had injury issues but if they were to go down he would be a player that is a jewel in their squad who can go on to better things. An international, strong young man with great leadership skills who would be just the voice we would need in the midfield.

Seeing Jarvis and Doyle at Wolves in todays game. We would again say they are very much players that would improve our squad, but probably other teams would look at them. Seperate point, no question Wolves game is a game we can get a win. After seeing there heads drop and lack of defensive abilities we have to move the ball quickly to our wide men and get balls in to the box.

I certainly think that the midfield position is a key position this summer and Holden would be a player that I think we could put in a serious bid for and although it would be pricey I think it would a great signing.
[/quote]

Why go for wolvws players, If  they were any good they would be higher its the players not the fans that get the results. 

[Salopian 1]

Unless Vaughan makes a comlete recovery and comes good, and even if he does so, we need a striker or two. Morison and Holt are not complete strikers and, more importantly, are not consistent. Martin, I suspect, will go elsewhere, and Willbraham.... Where strikers will come from, I have no idea. There is a dearth of (hungry young) British strikers, - Holt was second to Rooney a few weeks back, in goals scored in the Premiership! We have one or two quick and good strikers in the Academy, but next season is too soon for them.

 

The goals have dried up - from the strikers and from midfield. I hope that Howson will find his shooting boots, or we could struggle to score enough for the final few points to survival. Bennett (E) has a good goal scoring record, and Pilkington has show his ability. These two must come up with goals, and more from Wes and Surman would be welcome.

 

Otherwise, I hope that Howson will provide the physicality and mobility to complement Fox''s skills, but we need another central midifielder in reserve. (Has Korey improved enough, is it too soon for Ball?)

[Yorkshire Canary 118]

As mentioned by others another left back and right back[ could be naughton if he signs] a fast winger ie Moses or Jarvis if their clubs go down. Up front push the boat out for Steven Fletcher in a better side with more crosses he could be our center forward for a few years with Holt. Also a gamble but Rodriquez at Burnley and possibly Rhodes

[Chunky Norwich 0]

I''d love to get Naughton on a full transfer. Add in an out-and-out striker like Rhodes, some wing competition and back-up for Pilks and Bennett and cover for left-back and I''ll be happy.

[Webbo118 0]

[quote user="First Wizard"]

[quote user="Gingerpele"]Wiz, of course we are. Do we really have to go through this again? How on earth can we be far from safe? All we are waiting for is the mathematically certainty. I''d bet my house (if I owned one) on us staying up now, we don''t even need to win another game to stay up. Wigan, QPR, Bolton & Wolves will not pick up enough points to get above us, Blackburn might, but the other four, no chance. And we''ll win at least a couple more games. I don''t care whats happened in the past to Norwich, or any other club in the relegation battle. None of that has any relevance on this season, was Lambert in charge then? With Grant Holt as captain? I don''t think so... Any disappointment you have had to go through in the past (I imagine its more for you, i''ve only supported Norwich through two relegations because i''m only 19), should have no bearing on whats happening now. Its different, Lambert is different, you say you have faith in Lambert? I think anyone still worrying about relegation has very little faith in Lambert....[/quote]

 

 

Blackpool went down with 39 points GP.

[/quote]

Doesn''t mean a lot. In the previous two seasons, West Ham and Hull stayed up with 35 points.

[NWC 315]

i think one of the priority signings has to be Kyle Naughton who has been a real stalwart for us this season.

If Bolton go down, I would like us to have a look at Stuart Holden (but I think he will attract bigger spending clubs than us), and especially Chris eagles who is a brilliant player and could provide the quality crosses into the box that we desperately crave.

[Syteanric 1]

i excpect Lambert might have one or 2 eyes on the Euros and the olympics this summer for potential new signings.

[andyc24_uk 79]

Top priority has to be RB, as I''m sure most people will agree... Preferably Naughton, even if he''s expensive. If we need to pay 3-4m for him, then so be it - the benefit of getting a player already integrated with the rest of the team and clearly fully behind the NCFC ethos would easily be worth the extra money, versus someone else who may only cost 1m but would be completely untried and not a part of the existing successful team.

Second, we need a quality striker. Morison unfortunately really isn''t cutting it - Sorry to say, but he''s not been good enough for a couple of months now. If we''re going to build a squad capable of winning cups and challenging for Europe, then we have to upgrade our front line. Someone like Morrison should be third or fourth-choice striker at best. Holt is performing, Jackson keeps on improving and has a lot of potential especially as an impact sub to give an injection of raw pace as opposition defenders start to tire - but we need at least one genuine top-class player - someone the calibre of Ba and Cisse at Newcastle - to play alongside Holt if we''re going to achieve things at this level. Rhodes may be good enough, or PL might have to look abroad this time.

Lastly, we need a backup at left back. Drury has done us great service, but he''s noticeably tiring during games - his age is catching up with him. He gives his all every match, but visibly struggled in the second half on Sunday. Probably not a coincidence that our form wobble has coincided with Tierney being out - we need him back and 100% fit ASAP, and then a young player to come in as his backup. I wouldn''t mind seeing Drury stick around as a third level of cover too, but certainly we need someone else in - it''s now beginning to hurt us this season, and a long-term Tierney injury next year could really damage us.

Other than that, I think we''re reasonably well covered, with youngsters coming through in most positions as well. Possibly a gamble on a promising young centre-back for free or cheap would be worthwhile, especially if Barnett goes, but that''s the three positions I''d say are most important - Would rather see PL spend bigger fees on a few players of proven quality to strengthen the side this season, instead of going down the lower-league route.

[GJP 79]

[quote user="andyc24_uk"]but we need at least one genuine top-class player - someone the calibre of Ba and Cisse at Newcastle - to play alongside Holt if we''re going to achieve things at this level.  [/quote]

Well it really would be quite something if we could get a player in that kind of bracket. Ba is a very, very good player and there a few better goalscorers around at the moment. Not convinced Cisse is going to be as good as him but even he cost the best part of £10m.

 

Doubt we''re going to be in a position yet to compete for the signings of players like that.

[star_manic 0]

i would like us to go for either fletcher, if wolves go down, or rodriguez and as others have said, making naughton a permanent canary is top priority, he is only going to get better.

[BW 0]

[quote user="CambridgeCanary"]

Whilst everyone is free to discuss whatever they wish and I fully respect that right, I do think that this sort of thread is the epitome of futility.

 

When has anyone on here ever accurately predicted a player signed by Lambert before rumours in the media?  None of us has any idea what is in Lambert''s mind and for me, that is one of the most exciting things about being a Norwich supporter today.

[/quote]

I predicted Ryan Bennett a good 12 hours before anything was said in the media

[Rudolph Hucker 0]

We''ve had good evolution but if we stay up I feel the second season will be even tougher so it is time for a little revolution.

 

We desperately need pace and prescence up front - especially away from home - so a striker in the Odemwinge mould is a must.

 

If any player has played less than a handfull of games it is time to seriously consider their future here; likewise anyone either not fully committes or unable to get along with their team-mates or any agitators:- goodbye.

 

Players whose careers Paul lambert has salvaged who feel they are attracting interest from elsewhere can put up or push off but don''t try to hold the manager or the supporters to ransom. The truth is most players and managers are suited to one or two clubs in their careers - unless they are exceptional and the grass is seldom greener on the other side.

 

We have two up and coming young centre backs; we should add possibly our best player, Kyle Naughton, to the permanaent staff if at all possible; Drury deserves another year and Russell Martin can carry on if he remembers where he came from and stops going on about Newcastle etc.

 

Bennet and Pilkington deserve the chance to continue; Howson looks like the player we need but some midfielders need to go and a big and dominant midfielder brought in.

 

Holt is at the heartbeat of the Club but the strikers otherwise need a bloody good shake up.