So after a torturous and trying season which has thankfully given us a chance to fight another day, here are my reviews of the remaining players in the squad. Not going to include the players who have gone for good (Brown, Brellier, Murray) although current loanees are in my list. Also not included are those who haven’t played a match this time around (Gilks, Eagle, etc). Sorry guys, but there just isn’t enough room or time. There have been enough players this season to last a lifetime!

Events in the next few days could obviously change a few things here…

David Marshall - One of City’s better players this season and one of Grant’s better signings. Still prone to the odd error which is worrying, but he’s a young guy and should improve with time. Expected to remain first choice next season.

Jon Otsemobor - Started the season well, then faded, then improved again. Excellent pace but can be prone to lapses of concentration. Get the feeling Semi can offer much more than what he has, but we really need some extra cover in this position should things go awry. Was miles better than the competition (Velasco, Bates).

Juan Velasco - Thought this was a strange signing at the time, and after his disastrous 15 minutes at Coventry, has been absent with a ‘thigh strain’ since. On the bench against WBA but doubt we shall see him at Carrow Road again. Suspect he has already gone home.

Ryan Bertrand - I really like this guy. The Ipswich game apart, he has taken to the side like a duck to water and seemed equally adept at left midfield or left back. Hopefully another season loan or permanent signing.

Mo Camara - Apparently has already been released, although I’ve not seen this confirmed yet. Did a good job for us when he came in, but found his chances increasingly diminished by the impressive Bertrand. Not one for the future, so thanks Mo and good luck.

Adam Drury - A season pretty much wrecked with injury. On a long contract, so will still be here if fit enough but if Bertrand stays, then he has fierce competition for his place.

Gary Doherty

Jason Shackell

Alex Pearce

Have grouped all three together, because I think from these we have to lose one. All are good centre backs in their own way, but I think all lack the sort of strong, experienced leadership that a Martin Taylor or Malky Mackay brought. I’m not sure any partnership involving these three players is going to bring major results. Glenn needs to bring someone of this ilk into the side and I can‘t see Roeder keeping four centre halves. Docherty has improved and despite the odd error, is perhaps at the moment the strongest of the three. Shackell has slipped a bit but still produces some decent displays. Pearce is the unlikeliest to return, as he is only a loanee, but apart from a couple of dodgy games (notably Ipswich) did okay.

Mark Fotheringham - I often forget Fozzy is still only 24 because he seems to show so much maturity with the captaincy. Is a million miles better than last season, and its also easy to forget he missed the first 3 months of this season with injury. Still needs to show a bit more consistency, but I hope he signs a contract, stays next season, and keeps the skipper’s armband too.

Matty Pattison - Hmm…Interesting one. When he plays well (eg. Sheff Utd at home), he is very very good and reminds me of Gary Holt at his best. When he doesn’t (eg. Sheff Utd away) he can be truly awful and remind of Andy Hughes at his worst. Obviously had his off the field problems, but hopefully can move on from that. A good squad player, but I don’t know if I’d want him in the team every week. Plays better with Fozzy than with Rusty (too similar in style).

Darel Russell - But for his back to back red cards, may have snuck the Player of the Year trophy. Has a better attitude than his first spell here and works well with Fozzy in the middle. Needs to chip in with a few more goals though.

Michael Spillane - Has disappeared slowly back into the wilderness after his forays into the first team either side of this season and last. Roeder is not afraid to blood youngsters, so you have to wonder if Spillane has a future here.

Kieran Gibbs - Improved slowly after his unimpressive start, but still looks a bit lightweight for regular Championship football. Jury is out on this one.

Lee Croft - Another interesting one. If you ask City fans about Crofty, its rare you’ll find someone who particularly dislikes him. He works hard and has got on with it, despite playing under 3 managers and in a bad side. At the same time though, there is an alarming lack of consistency. The goals haven’t exactly flowed and neither have the crosses on many occasions. His disappearance at the end of this season makes me wonder if Glenn has already earmarked his departure.

Luke Chadwick - Talented player and committed player, but I just can’t ever see him being fully fit. Would keep him for the last year of his contract as a squad member (unless anyone came in for him) but no point trying to nail him down as a first team regular.

Ryan Jarvis - I watched Ryan play at reserve, first team, and international level and have to say I never understood what all the fuss was about him. Looks like the Bury away game was his last chance because he hasn’t figured since.

Rossi Jarvis - Not played since the autumn, so its unlikely he’ll figure again for us.

Ched Evans - I would love us to get this guy on loan again - unlikely we will have the money to sign him. Good player but a really good attitude too. Could have come to Carrow Road and acted the big shot without delivering. Yet, apart from one dry spell, he has looked talented AND committed, something that similar loanee David Bentley often failed to deliver three years ago.

Jamie Cureton - A great enigma. Top scorer, some crucial goals which delivered crucial points, and a genuine desire for the shirt. On the other hand, a stack of missed chances, too many offsides, and the fact that 5 of his goals came against Barnet and Colchester. I’ve been reliably told more than once that Glenn will sell, but it’s a gamble. Perhaps not good enough for 46 games, but good enough to come in the side and off the bench when needed? A real tricky one for Roeder.

Maceo Rigters - No idea. Wasn’t fit long enough to judge.

Dion Dublin - Yes, I know he’s one of those leaving, but I had to mention him. Top top man who could have come here for the money and sat on his backside. That he didn’t is testament to his attitude and ability. Thanks for everything Dion and good luck!

Chris Martin - Has it all to do really. Not scored a goal since he signed his contract last year and hasn’t really figured much too. Roeder has spelled it out to him, but with one or two stories doing the rounds (and recently publicised in one of the local papers) it looks like Chris has to sort his head out first before he can sort out his football. A shame.

Darren Huckerby - And finally…my favourite ever Norwich player. I’ve seen technically better footballers at Carrow Road but not one that excited me as much as Hucks has done (I like my enigmatic flair players). However it has to be said that this has been his least effective season whether it be through injury or through lack of form. There have been flashes of the old Huckerby towards the season’s end but I wonder if the time has come to call it a day. At best I think a one-year deal and a big wage cut. Otherwise, it’s a big big thank you, goodbye and good luck. My inclination is heading towards the latter.

Not forgetting…

Glenn Roeder - I didn’t want him to come here and I know a fair few people who agreed with me (and will now no longer admit it). Has been a revelation and did what not many thought possible. Glenn didn’t only keep us up, but managed to do it without spending a massive amount of money and also by finding that you can actually get loan players in from the Premiership and get them to play for us if their lives depended on it. I have a great deal of belief that Roeder can get us back to a decent position in the table and also believe he won’t do it overnight. He MUST have the backing of the board though. Anything but and we are either going to drop back to where we were or see GR try his luck elsewhere. Its not good to keep ploughing through new managers. Just ask Leicester…