We all know the game has changed over the last couple of decades or so.
Some lament it, others celebrate it, with the latter usually the haves of the game rather than the have nots.
I’ve particularly noticed it throughout the summer and with particular regard to that growing abomination that is the transfer window and the whole new industry and sub-division of the game that is the transfer market of the twenty first century.
And I won’t hold back. I hate it.
It’s become an utter and total obsession within the game, a sport within the sport, a one stop shop of rumour, gossip, speculation and tittle-tattle that won’t go away, dominating both the airwaves and the back pages with a never ending supply of what is, for the most part, complete and utter rubbish.
Yet people feast upon it with all the greed of Mammon. Which just serves the feeding frenzy even more-the brighter and brasher the gossip and speculation, the wider and more vulgar the coverage.
Sky aren’t idiots. Their own celebration of transfer deadline day is close to becoming a television institution with its reporters at training grounds excitedly gabbling away about ill informed punts from assorted viewers; the very great majority of whom have about as much inside knowledge else contacts within the game as a wheelbarrow-and, in some cases, fewer.
Yet they lap it up with their tales of covert assignations at motorway service stations, multi-millionaire international footballers asking for directions on the London Underground and sightings of Croatian Under-21 internationals in Holiday Inn reception areas.
After all, most football supporters will never have heard of Mario Pasalic yet most hardcore football gossip merchants will claim to have seen and recognised him instantly by a mere passing glance in a departure lounge or filling station.
Get a grip people. If I’m busy trying to decide whether to have a McThis, a McThat or a McOther with my cup of scalding hot brown liquid in the middle of South Mimms services on a busy Monday morning, John Ruddy could moonwalk his way past me holding a 6ft x 4ft banner that says “I Am John Ruddy” and I wouldn’t notice him.
In much the same way as ‘Robbo’ from Warrington won’t have stood and had a nice friendly chat with an arbitrary Polish international quite by chance on that same morning either.
BBC North West 11:34 Rob from Warrington has texted us to say ‘Just had a long chat in the Costa queue with Łukasz Piszczek at Burtonwood Motorway Services, he says his move to Everton is as good as done and he’s looking forward to joining the Toffees later today.
Yep, sorry Robbo and 99% of your contemporaries but that’s bollocks. You know it, we mostly know it and Sky probably know it. But it won’t stop them getting his bored-in-the-office fantasy up on their rolling news ticker tape.
And so it continues and perpetuates, grows and grows like some monstrous boil on the back of the game where the game itself seems to have become less and less important by the day. Who cares if it’s a load of nonsense?
Jim White doesn’t.
It’s the sort of tale that would have him hotfooting his way to Merseyside in an attempt to see just who is driving into the Everton training complex yet, inevitably, aside from a blurry clip of Leighton Baines leaving it in his 4×4 (“Leighton Baines leaving there, clearly doesn’t want to have a word with us, however, the fact we’ve just seen him on Sky does cast a little doubt on Russ from Hevingham’s claim that he saw Baines talking to Arsene Wenger in the dining area at London Colney a short while ago”) there’s nothing to see other than a few fans gurning at the camera from the pavement.
And thus we come to Norwich City and how all the tales and titillation have affected us this time around.
Sky certainly excelled themselves when it came to our very own Russell Martin this time around.
He was off to Burnley apparently. Hilarious – and we knew it.
Yet they took it as gospel and, sooner, much sooner than later in fact, there it was on Twitter for all to see. That is until Sky realised they’d been made collective arses of and updated the story by declaring that the move was “dead in the water” thus desperately trying, in vain, to give some credibility to the story rather than admit they were on the wrong end of a wind up.
One of many they will have fallen for throughout the day. But at least it gave us all a little bit of light entertainment, much in the same way we all chuckled when, last week, Wes Hoolahan was off, yes, off to Burnley. I’m now wondering if John Ruddy might not be linked with them now by the end of the day?
Nathan Redmond has, as we know, been the subject of much more fevered speculation during this transfer window – indeed, maybe Jim White has even mentioned him by name.
In the end, despite much speculation, Nathan stayed put, which was probably his – and certainly the club’s – intention all along. But the somewhat lazy criticism that Nathan has been subjected to lately from some Norwich fans does make me wonder that, if it persists, he might not end up thinking he’d be better off elsewhere.
Because it’s ridiculous.
“He hasn’t got an end product” people wail, adding that, “…he has pace, two good feet, takes people on and gets crosses in, terrifies opponents so much that they often have more than one person marking him and isn’t afraid to have a shot either.”
But he doesn’t have an “end product”.
That’s like saying David Beckham couldn’t head the ball or that Ronaldo simply can’t run at defenders and brush them off in the same way Yaya Toure can. ‘Hey, see that Raheem Sterling over there – he’s OK, but he’s no target man, you can’t launch long and high balls at him in the box so that he can leap above defenders and win the header’.
He’s got no “end product” either then. Good job he doesn’t play for Norwich.
The thing is, if Nathan did have the “end product” that everyone is looking for, and, by that, I mean an ability to constantly hit the target from 30 yards or repeatedly finding his man in the box, he wouldn’t be playing for Norwich and more than likely would either never have signed for us in the first place!
So let’s get things into perspective as regards Nathan Redmond and give him a little backing and support because he’s a player who can make a difference in a game – and at this level they are very few and far between.
No end product”. For goodness sake, you could say that about most of the Norwich players, they’ve all got faults or perceived weaknesses in their game, that’s why they’re playing for us and not for Chelsea.
Michael Turner isn’t the best at imperiously striding, ball at feet, out of the box to launch, Bobby Moore-like, another attack. Steven Whittaker doesn’t tackle and win the ball in the manner of an Ian Culverhouse and whilst Bradley Johnson has a lot of qualities, he’s no creative midfield maestro a la Ian Crook.
All of our players have their strengths and weaknesses and Redmond is but one of them. So let’s focus on his strengths and give him a little support and encouragement instead of lamenting the fact he isn’t Arjen Robben.
Because if he was then Jim White would certainly have spent the day at Colney. Except it would have been London Colney not Norfolk Colney.
Agreed re: Redmond. I have been guilty of groaning when that final ball of his flies into the River End, but the ‘campaign’ against him seems to have taken off since fans have stopped moaning about the Wolves game and Neil Adams inability to manage a team! Redmond will only get better – and I for one am happy that he will still be wearing green and yellow while he perfects his ‘end product’!
I don’t think the more rational criticism of Redmond is in any way “lazy”. It’s based on facts – 1 goal and 4 assists in approx. 40 games is a poor return. Previous heroes of the wing such as Gordon, Fox and Barham all averaged a goal every 6-7 games and I suspect considerably more assists.
Potential is all well and good but for an attacking winger/forward, accurate crosses, assists and goals (i.e. end product) is paramount. Stewart Downing/David Bentley etc had pots of potential but in the end didn’t fulfill it due to lack of consistency which is what Nathan is currently displaying. I’m glad he’s stayed and hope he improves but think a spell on the bench watching Murphy or Bennett in his position might be a good kick up the you know what and maybe he should watch his namesake’s ‘end product’ at Swansea.
Spot on about the window and the Sky nonsense.
Generous to Nathan Redmond. He might not be Arjen Robben but he’s still a highly paid professional and we ought to be seeing some improvement in the accuracy of his crossing and shooting. Simply to excuse him by mentioning his other strengths is dodging the issue.
Redmond is hugely talented but he reminds me of Aaron Lennon five years ago. His lack of the so-called ‘end product’ has seen a highly promising career stall badly. I hope for better from Redmond.
A fair enough rant but those smart enough to filter the nonsense just get the opportunity to laugh at those that cant. I think you’re taking the event far too seriously. But the demonstrations against Sky Sports were very interesting and I for one was extremely heartened (is that a word?) to see so many share my view of the evil empire. One reason I am so pleased we are back in the Championship and not paying disgusting wages to spoilt children who happen to be able to kick a ******* ball.
Thats my rant
Nathan Redmond should be among the first names on the team sheet- no doubt at all. But, and its quite a big but he frustrates me. Everything you say about him is true, buy he has the ability to pass well, to cross well and shoot well. If he can bring those into his game consistently he’ll be a -possibly- world class player.
I think he is right to stay at Norwich. To develop he needs to play every week, sitting on the bench somewhere will not help him at all. Given another year or two I hope he can bring out those extra skills. To me he is 10% short of being truly outstanding. As a fan I am frustrated because I so want to see him succeed, for him as well as the club and I believe he has all the tools to be at the very top, just yet he isn’t quite using them.
As for the transfer window, seems to work for clubs at the top of the tree, which is what really matters to those who own the game so I can’t see it being changed
Some Norwich “Fans” seem to need something to complain about and for some reason have zeroed in on poor Nathan. Sure, he’s not the finished product…yet. But, as you say, if he was he wouldn’t be playing for us. If, in a year or two, he’s not progressed his game then it may be time to start worrying but moaning and criticism now isn’t going to help him.
“For goodness sake, you could say that about most of the Norwich players, they’ve all got faults or perceived weaknesses in their game, that’s why they’re playing for us and not for Chelsea.”
Ooh, Edward you need to be very careful here, you’ll have the “little-old-Norwich” police on your case in no time. How dare you imply we’re not as big as Chelsea and co?
I think most of us hate the transfer window, although the one advantage is that at least we now know that the likes of Redmond and Ruddy will remain our players for a major part of the season.
In days gone by had one of the top flight clubs lost, for example, a couple of keepers to injury in mid-October then out would come the chequebook and JR would be gone before you could blink.
As for Sky, it always amuses me when people complain about their detrimental effect on the game, the obscene wages, the inconvenience piled on supporters actually attending games, the over-hype of the transfer window and so on.
Yet at the same time many of those same people insist on paying this awful channel’s subscriptions that fund it all. You can’t have it both ways. I won’t touch it with a barge pole.
I had hoped that in these supposedly austere times when our standard of living is said to have dropped and we’re all heading for poverty that Sky subscriptions would be the first to take a massive hit. Sadly it doesn’t seemed to have worked out that way.
Excellent article. Agree 100% re.Redmond. What an exciting prospect!
OTBC
I don’t think anyone disputes Nathan’s positive qualities but there is a choice to be made between him and Josh in terms of quick wide players and a comparison of end product has to form part of that discussion. Both Josh and Nathan are young players with areas in which they can and will improve. We should be glad to have both of them at the club and I’m sure the coaching staff are working hard every day to improve them.
I hate it too
They will turn the screw
As each window gets more absurd,
But if you were SKY
It´s hard to deny
That some still believe every word
And for what it´s worth
Staying down to earth
And turning all media off,
Is still the best way
To combat D-Day
Although I´m sure many would scoff
As regards who we
At NCFC
Have both hung on to, and let go,
It could have been worse
Far worse, as we curse
Yet one more ludicrous window.
I agree with you, people need to lay of Redmond. He is a very exciting young player and he gets us off our seats several times a game. Lets face it, Neeyul and Co will be giving him a bit of time to work on his crossing and shooting and it will develop. I’m really glad redmond stayed, he has the potential to change games for us.
Sadly though, i have to admit that i love the hysteria of the transfer window, and especially the nonsense of deadline day. I absolutely gobble it up! I think it adds an element of excitement and suspense outside of the matchday experience. We picked up some good signings and kept hooper and redmond. When the window slammed shut, it felt almost like we’d won a game! A success to be proud of.
That said, I personally think that the window should close before the season starts.
One day the whole edifice will come crashing down – it’s unsustainable. The total spent in the PL this window would put it in the top 15 of the national GDP list and Falcao’s reported weekly salary would run a decent size hospital for a month (possibly) – this cannot be good for anyone except the already wealthy owners and players and TV channels. The rest of us are mugs for tagging along with it all.
One word spells it out for me – ETIHAD or;
(1) Each Team Is Hallmarked “Abu Dhabi”,
(2) English Talent In Here Almost Disappeared,
(3) Embodies The Ideals: Hubris, Arrogance & Decadence.
“That’s like saying David Beckham couldn’t head the ball”
Sorry Edward, that’s Apples and Oranges. David didn’t need to head the ball, he needed to be 20 yards outside the box pumping it in to people who can head the ball. That was his purpose.
The trouble with Redmond is that he doesn’t appear to be particularly good at fulfilling his purpose. Yes he’s got a lot of pace. But if he can’t score or get the ball to the people who can, then is he that good? And it’s not that he’s mediocre at those two jobs. He’s really quite poor.
Potential is all well and good, but how long can we afford to continue starting someone with potential ahead of someone who can actually do it? Another whole season? I’d have been tempted to sell him if we could have got 5m for him.
Likening Redmond to others? Nobody has mentiond Louie Donawa. He, fleet-of-foot down the touchline then . . . . eeerm . . . “options, options” . . eeerm.
Like @Keith B, I too had hoped that Sky would have taken a ‘recession hit’ – it hasn’t happened, sadly.
Sure, we aspire to the PL – The Holy Grail, but in reality, what is it? It’s an evermore plutocratic ‘regime’, where the top table can be identified before a ball is kicked. Look at the vulgar cash Man Ure have splashed – it’s indecent – displaying yet again, it’s a ‘rich boy club’, and it gets worse by the year. Most provincial clubs, can expect no more than a sojourn in the rarefied atmosphere, that is the top flight of today. Living off scraps (by comparison) pulling the tail of the tiger occasionally, but ultimately, caught and devoured. A level playing-field it ain’t, once a slope, it’s now a sheer face. Thems me thoughts?
(14) – good call on Louie Donowa.. scored every 5-6 games for us i.e. end product for an attacking MF/winger. He did blot his record by becoming a Tractor Boy for a season but went on to have a good run at Birmingham.
Every player has to have end product – from the keeper (clean sheets/shots saved) to defence (tackles made/headers won) to midfield/forwards (passes/assists/goals).
The equation is simple: Pace minus end product = athlete (not top footballer).
This is a bit worrying – I find myself agreeing with Dave B (13)!
Well, not entirely. Can’t deny that I’ve found Redmond’s delivery, and progress, a bit disappointing. I wouldn’t have been too unhappy to see us cash in at £9m, if that rumour was true. On the other hand, he’s a talented Norwich player who’s clearly trying hard and is still very young. I’ll get behind him and hope he turns out to be a Theo Walcott rather than an Aaron Lennon.
PS Ed: hope you feel better after that. Always good to let off steam!
Never been to convinced by Redmond. Seems a good bloke and willing worker but he goes missing in games and you can’t do that if you want your team to play well at Norwich city level. Last year I blamed Redmond and Snodgrass for the lack of goals because they couldn’t cross to save their lives. Clueless Chris didn’t help them by playing inverted wingers but even then being pro, you’d think they’d have enough time to practice crossing. Poor old RvW and Hooper.
Let’s hope with the squad looking as healthy as it does on paper that it spurs everybody to up their respective game.
ps… If all else fails we can get rid of anyone January.
Agree on all points. Sky’s coverage of deadline day is increasingly excruciating. I’m bored of Jim White becoming a caricature of himself, of Sky giving a live TV platform to complete & utter muppets behind the presenter to the endless references to the window ‘slamming shut at 11.00!!!!’ despite the reality it gets left ajar for quite a while
Yes Redmond’s end product needs to improve. While his goals/assist ratio needs to be higher, I’m confident the opposition fears him greatly & adaptations they make to counter his threat benefits us. If we sold him, more expectation would be placed on the Murphy’s I believe at the end of this season people will see why we did the right thing in keeping him
I find it so frustrating that the window doesn’t ‘slam shut’ before the season starts. If the whole (non) event took place when there wasn’t any actual football happening it would be (slightly) more justified, making the breath even more baited in waiting for the big kick-off.
But, the real frustration lies in the fact that pre-season, and even the first few games of the actual season is rendered as some kind of phoney war, where the look of clubs’ squads can be misleading, and a long way and many changes from the ones that will play the majority of matches in a season. Take Andrew Surman, for example. The number of matches he played during pre-season would suggest he was a big part of the plans Neil Adams had for the Championship season, but five games in he’s off to Bournemouth. Admittedly, injuries to other players meant that he played more than he would’ve if everyone had been fit. The point is that the idea of pre-season is to get your squad in shape before it starts for real. How can anyone do that if their business can’t be finished until two weeks and three matches after that?
Re Redmond, I completely agree that people should get off his back. He’s only 20 years old. The confidence with which he runs at defenders is a great thing to see. In some way it’s a compliment to him that so many expect so much. We have other players who don’t provide any more for the stats addicts than he does but people leave them well alone, but many see how talented Redmond obviously is and, somewhat perversely, therefore expect more.