If you had asked me a few weeks ago where I thought Norwich may finish next season, I would have said with our current squad…about 10th. Not likely to struggle but just a couple of defenders short of the play-offs. If anyone asked me today where we might finish, I would probably say…errrm, about 10th.
It has been a weird summer (and not just with the barmy weather we have had since the season finished) with so much activity going on around Carrow Road. Say what you like, whether it has been positive or negative, its been a damn sight more interesting than most pre-seasons - and I’m not even talking about the action on the field. Its been a right old soap opera off the pitch. Not even poor old Frank Butcher (RIP) could have added any more drama and pathos to the shenanighans that have been going on.
Rob Earnshaw’s exit wasn’t a shock but the transfer fee was, and prompted much gnashing of teeth at the pitiful amount received. Dixon Etuhu’s departure will be most famous for the bizarre non-scripted rant of Darren Huckerby who, instead of promoting a new shiny bus service, ended up promoting the grubby world of insider dealings. After announcing the club’s transfer policy for the next few weeks, Hucks has since gone into hiding with a groin strain. He does have the scan to prove it though…
Peter Thorne finally left the building making noises about “not having a fair run”, conveniently forgetting that you can’t really run when you are on the treatment table 349 days of the year. Meanwhile Martin Hunter’s messy departure provoked another ‘blistering attack’ ( © Mr P.Grant ) from a manager who probably throws teacups at the wall if he’s been given a plate of Digestives at half-time rather than a packet of Hob Nobs (well I certainly would).
And then there was Youssef… Oh dear, I don’t think I have ever heard a Norwich player slaughtered by a manager in that fashion while still at the club (I think John Bond went off on one about Martin Chivers once but even that pales in comparison). I actually found the whole episode quite comical, firstly for Safri’s incredible cheek to behave the way he has done, and secondly for Grant’s hysterical rant which just went on and on and on… How I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall watching those two have a discussion.
Sadly, the incoming transfers have provided less shouting and screaming, although some of them seemed to drag on forever. David Marshall finally (and thankfully) made it here, despite the fact his agent having other distractions (namely Joey Barton plus some legal stuff that got mentioned in the Red Tops). Jamie and Darel are back having taken the long way round, while Otsemobor, Strihavka, Smith (when fit - what is it with Premiership loanees and injuries?), Gilks and Brellier (my big hope) will hopefully be useful additions. How long as well before we hear Granty say that a fully fit Luke Chadwick is “like signing a new player”? In fact, he may have done so already.
Finally, the brave decision to give the captaincy to Shackell. Much as I like Adam Drury, I feel that the skipper’s armband has not suited him recently and it was time for a change. It was somewhat surprising that Shacks got it, but then again, he’s not a kid anymore and perhaps need a push to make that next step up. To be fair, I don’t think there were many obvious contenders (Brellier possibly, and maybe even Russell), but hopefully Shackell is mature enough to accept the challenge and thrive alongside it. Good luck to him.
Now let’s sign a big centre half and get that party started!