With just over a week to the big kick-off, you can almost smell the match day crowd and hear the primitive roar of anticipation.
I think most of us if we’re honest are feeling a heady mix of excitement and nerves and are being tormented in the middle of the night by questions such as:
Is the squad strong enough?
Will the defence cope with the likes of Aguero and Costa?
Do we have enough firepower?
Shall I buy the 3rd kit just for the novelty value?
Etc…
With the seemingly never-ending Robbie Brady transfer done and dusted, the main topic of polite and not so polite conversation now revolves around the trials and tribulations of the club’s still record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Rarely has a single player split the Canaries faithful in such a ‘Marmite’ fashion. There is most definitely a YES – we love him/give him a chance camp, and a NO – forget it, it’s not gonna happen for the lad camp.
For me, all the evidence is that he isn’t sharp enough when the opportunities arise in a game and just seems too small in stature to survive the cut and thrust of a long gruelling season up against rough and tough Premier-standard defenders.
The counter argument seems to be he works hard for the team (a quality that Gary Hooper doesn’t always convey), makes intelligent runs to find space and has a good first touch (maybe something Lewis Grabban consistently lacks).
Cameron Jerome has the lot. Kyle Lafferty, I’m presuming, will not be hanging around.
Ricky seems to be the darling of the Twitter world and is cut a lot more slack for missing chances than Lewis Grabban in particular.
I didn’t go to the West Ham game so can’t personally comment on his performance.
Instead I sat in front of a blank screen waiting for Mustard TV’s coverage. I won’t say anymore as they’ve probably suffered enough, suffice to say we all hope the technical glitches which cursed them that night will have been eradicated for the Brentford coverage.
There were reports of Ricky being booed by some at the ground after failing to take the best chance which came his way. If so, I’m sure it was the same thoughtless minority who dished out similar treatment to one or two others last season when things were going pear-shaped.
In his post match comments, Alex Neil seemed intent on highlighting positive aspects of the game in general and gave some honest and insightful thoughts on his Dutch striker:
“I don’t think he is ever going to be a big, strapping centre forward who is going to bash people about, however, if we can get the ball around the middle of the park the one thing he is good at is running off defenders’ shoulders and creating angles and creating space for himself.”
Who am I to pick an argument with Sir Alex of Norwich. His recorded thoughts after games have always come across as very well expressed, encouraging and comforting in both victory and defeat.
Sadly, we are not privy to his private thoughts or those given in the dressing room after a game.
However, “… the one thing he is good at is…” is not so encouraging. A top class striker has to possess more tools in the box than that?
It’s good to have options of course – players who can bring different qualities to games when it’s needed – but for a striker there has to be a consistent end product; the bulge of the net, the salute to the crowd and the hugs of team mates. I’m talking goals.
The vast majority, including me, want Ricky to succeed and to prove the doubters wrong by cementing his place as our number one striker, who goes on to score 15-20 goals in the most physically demanding league in the world.
Sadly, none of those seem very likely right now.
Clearly Ricky has not lost the talent which was evident at Sporting Lisbon but sometimes it just doesn’t happen for an individual at a particular club.
There are numerous examples where this has been the case, the most costly of which is probably Roberto Soldado at Spurs who came to England with a greater reputation than Ricky and a price tag about three times bigger.
Whatever you put Ricky’s lack of goals down to – Chris Hughton/Neil Adams/Robert Snodgrass, bad luck, inspired goalkeeping or evil cosmic forces – there comes a time to draw a line under it and move on.
For me, Jerome and Grabban have shown, albeit in the Championship, more than enough to be Neil’s go to men up top come the visit of Palace.
Of course, Neil and David McNally may still have new striking targets in mind before September 1.
If there is to be a parting of the ways for Ricky and Norwich, then best of luck, no hard feelings. A case of “que sera sera”.
It’s up to Ricky in whatever time he has left to ‘up his game’, find the back of the net and pull himself up the pecking order.
He probably knows that already but can he do anything about it?
In my opinion, if you buy a striker from a mid tier league (and the lack of depth in Portugal leads me hold this view) then they need a little something about them to step up to the next level. Sadly, I just don’t think Ricky has it.
I do hope he proves me wrong but I’m not holding my breath.
Two camps, undoubtedly.
Part of the issue is that he’s clearly nice. He does work hard for the team, has some subtle footballing skills – and looks like the good kid next door. We instinctively want to put an arm round his shoulder and say “don’t worry, it’ll be alright”. Those saying he should have a second chance actually mean he should have a fifth or sixth one.
But Premier League strikers often aren’t very nice – in fact, niceness is a bit of a liability if you’re facing John Terry. You need bloody-minded confidence in your own ability and a fierce will to make your mark. Those with a long memory may recall Allan Clarke in Don Revie’s Leeds team – he appeared the slight, artistic member of that brutal side, but in reality he had plenty of tricks and ways to ‘look after himself’.
I can’t see Ricky as filling the role AN wants in his main striker. Could he be the ‘shadow striker’, operating behind Jerome on AN Other? It doesn’t appear to be an option they’re seriously looking at, but it seems to me the only way he has a future with us.
I’d love, of course, to be proved wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time…
As I alluded to in my post-West Ham piece, I have to reluctantly agree with Gary F and Stew. As pointed out above, Ricky’s ‘niceness’ has earned him more chances than many in these parts have been afforded, some of whom had more to offer in the PL (Steve Morison being one IMO), but sadly there is little or no evidence to suggest he’s going to score goals.
He clearly has a decent first touch, makes intelligent runs, but when faced with that most difficult of footballing tasks – scoring a goal – he fails to deliver. And when you pay £8.5m that’s what you’re expecting.
Like both of the gents above, I would genuinely love him to be proved wrong – but after watching him closely on Tuesday night I’m more convinced than ever that it’s not going to happen.
A decent piece and it will be fascinating to see what happens to him.
I have to say that, whilst originally part of the Ricky fan club, I am firmly on the fence at this moment in time. I feel that there is potential there – and if anyone can unearth it, it would be Alex Neil. There is a slither of hope yet!
However his first season has demolished his confidence and the fast, physical nature of the Premier league is a difficult place to re-gain form.The best thing for all parties might be to part ways and get him off the wage bill.
In many ways, he reminds me of Fernando Torres – a perfect example of how a prolific scorer transforms into a shadow of his former-self after a big-money move, public-pressure and injuries.
I agree with everything everybody says above, for and against, but for first time ever, feel confident that whatever the manager decides will be RIGHT! Now climbing down off this razor-edged fence as it’s given me a sore arse!
Interesting that the EDP ran a Ricky-flavoured piece today for which the majority of comments seemed to be pro-Ricky..go figure.
On the “too nice” argument, we’ve had some right fiery CFs e.g. Fleck and McDougall – the latter would have given Diego Costa a run for his ‘Mr. Nasty’ tag. I can’t think of any successful striker that didn’t ‘give it back’. Hence my surprise at the vitriol which came the way of Grabban when he was sent off at Rotherham.
Whatever your view, to boo one of your own players in a meaningless preseason match beggars belief. Shocking.
There’s no place for fence sitting when marmite is involved.
Four words. Iwan. Robert’s. First. Season.
Russ – The problem with Grabban at Rotherham is that he did it impetuously and in view of the officials. Allan Clarke could have taught him the art of biding your time, making it hurt and not getting caught.
I’d rather have dinner with RvW than Diego Costa. But I also know which one I’d want in my team.
If I’m not allowed to sit on the fence, then I’d have to be pro Ricky and give him a proper chance under AN.
In regards to the EDP piece you mentioned, Russ, I have a sneaky feeling that, if RVW had scored a simple tap-in, most people would class it as a good performance by Ricky…
I’m completely pro-Ricky and I’ll tell you why. He’s a player of ours and we should respect him. Sure he failed in his first season, but so did every other Norwich player that season. Confidence is everything for a striker. It appears a minority of our fan base, who are been ST holders for 20+ years can’t even understand this simple concept.
He’s our player, regardless of what’s happened before. AN has given him a fresh start, so as fans, we should too. A ball has not even been kicked in anger.
Gary – Little to no evidence to score? So if he’s creating chances for himself, which he has, he’s more than capable of scoring. His record prior to us suggests that.
As fans, we should support all our players. Imagine how much better his confidence would be if you all got behind him. Put all his bad performances, where they belong; in the past. I’m not suggesting he gets special treatment, just the support that is required.
@7 Graeme – Iwan Roberts – 7 goals. Yep, Iwan hardly set the League alight in 1997-98, and it wasn’t top tier either. Then again, Ricky didn’t exactly run into a goal fest last season in France either.
And, to pick up on another generalisation, the doubter’s aren’t anti Ricky either. We just have serious doubts about his ability to bag 15+ goals this season in the Premier League.
Re: Iwan Roberts – he came with a long track record of goals for other clubs at a similar level. Also there was never any doubt about his physical ability to mix it at the top level. He had that aggressive streak which meant he wasn’t ever going to be bullied.
I don’t think it’s a necessary requirement to be big and tall to succeed as a striker but you have to be strong – case in point is Aguero. Obviously Ricky can’t grow taller but he can beef up.
Don’t think Ricky could grow a beard like Iwan either!
Gary & Daniel – were you watching the same match?
Daniel (10) – Completely sympathise with your sentiments. Those fans who boo RvW are in the same category as the dentist who killed Cecil the lion – while I’m generally a man of peace, I’d happily strangle the lot of them.
However, there’s a difference between the principle you describe – if someone’s playing in a Norwich shirt we get behind them – and a reasoned debate about our squad. I’m fully behind the principle and delighted to hear it advocated with such passion. But surely this forum has a slightly different purpose. We discuss (generally in a civilised way, listening as well as talking) issues around our club, including the merits of different players.
In that context I’m always happy to hear alternative views to my own, and I don’t believe this forum – unlike the boo-boys – does any harm to our club.
Cheers.
Daniel [10] – I think you are absolutely 100% spot on with this. Firstly and foremost, Ricky is a Norwich player and he and everybody else that pulls on a Norwich shirt deserves our respect and support. I’ve been a Norwich fan for 30 years and I can certainly think of a few players (without wishing to name names) over those years who have just turned up for an easy ride, pick up their wages and perhaps don’t deserve respect – but none of our current crop fit into that category.
My view on Ricky, as with all of the other players, is entirely pragmatic. In Ricky’s case his goal scoring record for Utrecht and Sporting plus his full international status for the Netherlands demonstrate that he is a good player with a track-record. In his first season playing for the club we simply weren’t able to see what he could do. Perhaps down to tactics, injuries, loss of form, confidence, adapting to new country / club – likely a combination of many or all. Sure he didn’t distinguish himself but, which strikers did under the Hughton regime? Holt, Morisson, Jackson, Becchio, Ellmander and to a point Hooper – a lot of proven talent in there that just didn’t quite fire under the Hughton style of play. Also, which players during the relegation campaign played anywhere near the level we knew they were capable of? One or two maybe but not many. The point I’m making and I think the one Daniel is also making – others last season were given the opportunity to step-up and show what they could do and ultimately did, why not Ricky? He certainly is prepared to word-hard for the team and give 100%. Whether he turns-out to be Premier League quality – well, time will tell, but any striker getting into double figures this season will be doing well.
I also don’t really get the issue raised by some that physically he isn’t strong enough. Yes, he isn’t going to win a 50-50 with John Terry but then again neither do Wes Hoolahan or (formerly) Darren Huckerby, yet they have been highly-effective because they use other qualities. Ricky to me fits into that category albeit slightly differently in that his qualities are his vision, work-rate and his off-the-ball movement. Like with most strikers, confidence is everything and he really needs a goal or two and good service. The latter – service, is something that he is much more likely to get under the current style of play and his past track-record shows that he knows where the back of the net is…
Daniel & Jon – Accept completely your eloquent and well reasoned arguments in Ricky’s defence, and I’d love nothing more than your faith in him to be completely justified.
And, just to be clear, as long as he’s wearing the yellow shirt he’ll receive nothing less than 100% vocal backing from me.
He’s a nice guy who’s clearly technically able, and if anyone can get a tune out of him it’s Alex.
Let’s hope he’s offered a chance and takes it.
Daniel – it’s silly to say that just because someone wears the yellow and green, that they can’t be constructively criticised in any way and somehow that’s treasonous. From my article and all the comments saying they don’t feel Ricky is good enough, none defend booing or being abusive to him.
You have to develop a critical faculty towards anyone who isn’t justifying the fee/wages that they have and can keep laying the blame for his failure at others feet for only so long.
Yes well said Daniel. Spoken like a true fan of the beautiful game. From what i’ve seen in pre-season, his game is better than it was in his last season with us and he’s working harder. He does get into good positions too, which will ensure he gets plenty of chances. I presume he’s working hard on finding the net in training and AN’s probably working with him. The difference of course being the pressure when faced by 27,000+ fans. However, with our improved, more positive style of play under Neil, you could see him regularly getting 3-4 good chances a game, and that would surely lead to a tally of double figures over a season; even if most of them are tap-ins, you have to get into the right place for a tap-in, and Ricky does that with good movement. I’m keeping the faith and think if he plays, he will end up finding the net, purely down to that movement and positioning. Interestingly, i don’t think he’s played with Hoolahan yet in pre-season. With the kind of defence-splitting passes Hoolahan provides, RvW’s running off defenders will be extra dangerous. He just needs to stick a chance away in a league game and he’ll be up and running. He’s not bad at headers either and you expect with Brady in the team, the level of crosses will improve massively. I still expect Jerome to be first choice though, but think Ricky could do a job playing off him in a number 10 role, or maybe just coming on for 20 minutes to give tired defenders the run-around when more spaces are opening up. All shall be revealed soon enough. Lets hope for a good win against Brentford tomorrow (revenge for them inflicting NA’s first defeat as Norwich boss!)
Having read all the comments I still agree with #1 Gary Field. However, anyone who boos RvW or anyone else in a a yellow shirt should suffer in silence. It is indefensible to boo an individual during a game if they’re putting the effort in. If they’re not it’s a different matter, but I doubt anyone could call RvW lazy. The marriage was ill-conceived, but like most of us I would love to be proved wrong. Let’s face it, we’re not going to get much of our money back on him so let’s see what Sir Alex can do. Ultimately, only he can decide.
Gary – I don’t think anyone would doubt the support and backing that you give the players, nothing personal implied by my comments at all. All fans have the right to be critical of players if they aren’t delivering – many of the team probably earn more in a week than most of us earn in a year, and appropriate criticism comes with the territory.
My comments weren’t meant to be either pro or against Ricky. Personally, I feel it’s very difficult to make a call on him because we simply haven’t seen him playing at full fitness in a team whose structure and style of play suits a striker with his attributes. In that respect, he is a bit of an ‘unknown’. So, I’m sitting buttocks-clenched tightly to the fence (not a nice image over lunch – sorry everyone!) and reserving judgement for the time being. However, I’d just like to see Ricky get a fair chance to right-some-wrongs as one or two others did last season.
Do I believe RvW will make it? I honestly don’t know. His technical abilities and track record prior to Norwich say he definitely has something about him and he certainly offers us something slightly different to the other strikers on the books. As you say, Alex Neil has a big part to play but ultimately it comes down to RvW himself, does he have the strength within to take the chance?
My main ‘striker’ concerns are actually orientated towards Hooper and Lafferty. In my humble opinion, Hooper is just too inconsistent and doesn’t work hard enough for the team without the ball or when he is having a bad day. Lafferty is an odd one, his physique and presence is akin to Grant Holt in some ways and the kind of player that a Premier League centre half would hate to play against. I wonder whether he will get a crack of the whip when back to full fitness?
Ricky, Ricky – the situation’s getting sticky,
For only goals will save your Canary bacon,
Ricky, Ricky – sorry to be tough and picky,
But your chances simply have to be taken.
***
Whether it’s a toe poke or flick,
We don’t give a toss or a hoot,
Ball-between posts-please stick,
Or you will surely get the boot.
Interestingly, I saw RVW get more balls played to him through the middle against West Han than I think he got in an entire season under Hughton. Alex Neil points out how we can play to his strengths after just a few weeks working with him. Hughton NEVER admitted anything like that. Which is why, in my opinion, I have a sneaky suspicion Alex Neil will get something out of RVW.
RVW reminds me of how Michael Owen used to play (a young Owen) – he was powder puff against big defenders but give him a yard and he’d be off – if only RVW could add the tenacity, he’d be fine.
Personally I rate him 5th out of our 5 senior strikers. That could change but I don’t see it happening for him. Someone above said we should get him off the wage bill. Didn’t we try that, but the move broke down because he refused to take a drop in wages?
If he stays he’ll be an occasional sub. He’ll only start due to injuries or suspensions. If he’s happy with that arrangement you’d have to question his motivation.
As others have said I’m happy to be proved wrong. And no one should boo their own player, unless they’ve done something exeptionally heinous like rip their shirt off and wipe their bum with it!
All I will say is, we have a friendly today – and I sincerely hope that Ricky gets on the pitch at some stage and manages to hit the back of the net once or twice just to give us all something more to talk about.
Can’t help wondering aloud what the difference was between rvw missing a one on one on Tuesday and grabban missing one today. Other than the reaction of some towards the player. I don’t blame either player btw. The keepers did well on both occasions.
Graeme (24) – Fair comment
Graeme (24) – all strikers miss chances of course. From what I’ve seen over the past 12 months, Grabban has received more than his unfare share of silly negative remarks from City fans. I’m not sure he’s been treated any different from Ricky.
Who’s best? Think we have to trust the boss’s judgement. He sees the attitude and application day in day out. The fact that Ricky wasn’t even on the bench today was telling.
Graeme (24) The main difference is probably that Grabban has been a consistant performer and regular goal-scorer for us, including a winner against Ipsw*ch and two assists. RvW’s miss was just another example in a long list of failures. I don’t want to be harsh but it’s just a fact. He’s not good enough.
Yes he could do with beefing up a bit but being the type of striker he is what he really needs is an extra yard of pace, if Alex can sort that out the knighthood will be on it’s way shortly!
Russel (16) & Stewart (13) – Not at any point did I criticise anyone on here for providing constructive criticism. My point was aimed at those who think it’s acceptable to boo their own players. I agree with a lot of your views. I just think we should allow him some time under AN, before we get on his back.