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Lambert has most boxes ticked as thoughts turn to August and City's Championship return

29th June 2010 By Tom Haylett Leave a Comment

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With the dust beginning to settle on England’s dismal World Cup campaign, City fans’ thoughts will start to turn to the new Championship campaign, with the first friendly contest only 11 days away.

It seems as if the football season is never-ending, especially with events in South Africa continuing to dominate the sporting headlines. 

And as soon as that comes to an end at Soccer City, Johannesburg on July 11, Paul Lambert’s men will be in the thick of pre-season training ahead of that curtain raiser at home to Watford.

The Canary squad looks to be in excellent shape, with a flurry of signings since the League One champions began their well-earned break back in May.

There are, however, still some issues to be resolved, and Lambert will be very keen to secure a No.1 goalkeeper by the middle of July at the latest.

The smart money would still be on Fraser Forster returning to the club for a second loan stint, but Newcastle boss Chris Hughton appears to be undecided on the impressive stopper’s immediate future.

He clearly sees Forster as a Toon ‘keeper at some stage, but the Hexham-born player wants games now – and current United No.1 Steve Harper looks to be inked in for their Premier League return.

The Geordies also have Tim Krul on the books, and some Toon observers insist he could be even better than the man who won the Canaries so many points in 2009/10.

But as it stands, I’d be surprised if Forster doesn’t start this campaign with the gloves at Carrow Road, after enjoying such a successful year in Norfolk as City cruised to the League One title.

Elsewhere on the pitch, the Canaries seem to be pretty much set, although as Gillingham striker Simeon Jackson continues to be linked with a move to East Anglia, it seems fairly clear that Lambert would like to add a striker to the mix.

Grant Holt and Chrissy Martin will start the season up top, with Wes Hoolahan most likely weaving his magic just behind.  But behind that, Lambert hasn’t got too many options.

Cody McDonald – and don’t get me wrong, I think he can do a decent job – is still unproven in the second tier and the same goes for Oli Johnson.

The tricky striker could upset some Championship defences but he has never played at this level before and could take some time to settle in. 

The other front man is, of course, Luke Daley and while he has plenty of potential, the City chief will not want to rely on him as a frontline forward too often.

But after the additions of Elliott Ward, Andrew Crofts, Steve Smith, Andrew Surman and David Fox, the defence and midfield numbers will give Lambert plenty of options come August 6 and that Friday night TV date with Malky Mackay’s Hornets.

There could be one or two departures, with Darel Russell yet to commit to a new Canary contract, but even so, there is plenty of cover, with the Canaries easily able to field two different midfields of similar standard.

The only other position that Lambert may look at is right-back, with Russell Martin and Michael Spillane currently the two looking to get that particular gig.

Martin performed admirably for much of last year’s title romp, but his lack of pace may mean Lambert looks for a different option, if only to give that side of his defence a better balance.

But in terms of his summer recruitment drive ahead of that return to the Championship, it is certainly a case of so far, so good.  Canary supporters should be suitably impressed.


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Filed Under: Column, Tom Haylett

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