On the day that City have elected to release eight academy/development players, most notably including Tristan Abrahams and Pierre Fonkeu, I thought I’d take a look at who of a more senior level might be joining them in a mini-exodus from the Carra.
Regular MFW readers will know that I’m a massive fan of The Clash, so I thought I’d label this piece Should they Stay or Should they Go.
Starting from the back, Michael McGovern and Aston Oxborourgh.
Well The Sun today (Thursday) claims we are interested in Joe Hart. Now I’ve heard some pig-poo in my life but this one tops the lot. It ain’t gonna happen and nor would I particularly want it to. Upsetting the harmony in the dressing room in one fell swoop is not for me, or I am sure Daniel Farke and Stuart Webber.
McGovern recently signed a new two-year contract and whether he ends up as number two or three I think it’s right to retain him for his perceived loyalty and personality.
Oxborough? Either they fancy him, or they don’t and maybe a Remi Matthews-type loan to bottom of the Championship/League One might help them decide.
I expect another keeper to come in, but it won’t be Joe Hart, trust me.
Ivo Pinto has already effectively left and with great dignity. I’ve fond memories of him and wish him well.
Felix Passlack is an interesting one. Super-Max has blown him – and indeed Pinto – out of the water. But Passlack will be ingrained in our style and philosophy and maybe a further loan or sale from BvB isn’t beyond the bounds of possibility. I can’t even guess at that one, but we need right back cover. Maybe Felix is the man?
Onto two totally different cases at centre back. With Zimbo and Ben Godfrey currently in impressive incumbency, plus Our Timm looking likely to sign on for a further couple of years, the game is surely over for Sean Raggett.
Grant Hanley? I would think anyone we can bring in who is better with the ball at his feet is a safer bet. But I’m not writing him off – you never know.
As for Marcel Franke, it seems like a kiss on the bum and a packet of wine gums would be a good deal to get rid. Recruitment cannot be spot on all of the time.
Todd Cantwell will surely be a case of retain and loan to a top Champ side – surely, he can only get better?
Matt Jarvis is off the radar and out of contract. Shame injuries did for you Matt – not your fault – but it’s game over.
Yanic Wildschut is in the same category I’m afraid.
And as for Ben Marshall Millwall chief Neil Harris (a man I have a lot of respect for on several levels) does not want him back. On loan or permanent. If Harris doesn’t want him, neither do I.
Let’s move – literally – forward.
Sorry Carlton Morris we know you’ve been incredibly unfortunate with injury, but you won’t cut it in the PL. Sorry again because I love your spirit and attitude but it ain’t gonna work out with us.
Nelson Oliveira? I’d be preparing a well-stuffed brown envelope asap for Reading (or anyone) to take him off our hands.
Dennis Srbeny – hmm. I don’t see him contributing too much to the PL to be honest. I’m aware that others feel differently but I think it’s probably time to go.
I started with The Clash so I’ll end with Bank Robber and I’m sure we can guess who I’m dedicating it to (clue: he might, or might not, play in the SFA Cup Final).
‘Nuff said.
Despite all the great work that Webber and Farke have already done with the squad since they arrived by the evidence of your list Martin there is still a fair amount of ‘churn’ yet to take place. Given what we now know of how both Webber and Farke operate when it comes to recruitment, I would imagine they already have a shopping list prepared and ready for action. Several of the high earners contracts finish this summer and there is a good few who we will not be sorry to see depart. The legacy of the previous management of the club regrettably.
I for one am really looking forward to seeing who we bring in, can guarantee Joe Hart won’t be one of them though!!!
You’re definitely right in terms of the “shopping list” General.
The trip to the check-outs may not happen remarkably quickly but happen it will. Before pre-season all will be in place is my guess.
And I’m glad you agree with me about Joe Hart.
MFW must be the only NCFC-related site with a brace of Generals on it – we have General Melchett too!
Thank you.
Hi Martin
An interesting read.
Franke has according to Blid and Newsnow rejected a permanent move back to Germany and says his only aim is to get into the city side for the premiership this could be a long sad story for him but who is going to break his heart???????
A similar story could be Jason Rhodes he has provided good cover for Pukki this season when needed.
Passlack is a conundrum he came with great reviews and was suppose to be the automatic replacement for Pinto but never got started, Bild again is reporting last week his parent club are nolonger impressed with his attitude so looking to get him off the books permanently or another season loan could turn out to be another Webber/Farke steal.
Srbeny the bench warmer he needs game time so not really adapted to the english championship maybe loaned out to a club that plays a similar style to city for a season then make a decision.
Hart I am with you on this possibly his agenttrying to find him a team.
Looking at other players linked
A free transfer of 29 year old striker from Spain
A free transfer from Rotherham
A £15m holding midfielder from Newcastle
A Striker from Germany who is Srbeny best friend
This will be a fun filled close season many more ridiculous rumours for players city can’t afford, also stupid offers for our young players that are proving themselves.
In my opinion city will have identified the players they want and they will fall into a set pattern of
Age
Temperment
Ability
Cost/Value
So let the fun start open the transfer window.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
What a turn around for Spurs
Hi Alex
IMO Franke is a non-starter. We don’t want or need him. It just didn’t work.
It’s been silly season for agents for a few weeks now and they’ll go into overdrive over the early summer; as I’ve said somewhere else on MFW I’ll only believe a signing when it’s revealed on NCFC official.
Your “pattern” is spot on and, let’s face it, we won’t be after anybody who isn’t prepared to do a job for us in the Championship if it all goes Pete Tong.
But I’m really pleased with the current approach to sales and recruitment. REALLY pleased.
Yeah I’m really happy for Spurs (my second team) too. How brave was that?
I doubt they’ll win the CL but off to Madrid they go!
Thanks as absolutely always.
I think there will be plenty of “ins” and “outs”, and I suspect our loans manager, Neil Adams, will have a busy summer. Louis Thompson, Carlton Morris, Dennis Srbeny need a good loan to rack up 30+ games after such a unlucky and inactive season.
Wildshut, Raggett and Franke will ideally be sold, second choice loaned or third choice ‘contract terminated by mutual consent’.
Promotion means hopefully we can hold on to players we want to keep like Aarons, but depending on their Premier pay rises, may make some unwanted individivuals difficult to move on.
Hi pab
The trouble is that when you write something like this it’s based on – say – 80 per cent common sense, 10 per cent intuition, eight per cent wishful thinking and only two per cent perceived knowledge!
We all know that squad wages are going up for the PL but I doubt it’s a truly massive hike. But enough to keep our key squad members here for the entire season should they choose to remain.
Agents might yet attempt to undermine us but I can honestly see our most saleable assets – as in Godfrey, Aarons and Lewis – remaining and seeing where we collectively are at next season’s end.
That problem, that time.
Thank you.
Thought provoking article, Martin. The recent recruitment has rightly been praised – some fantastic bargains as we know. Is it fair to say that we’ve been more successful with overseas imports than buys in England? Apart from Franke (who, to be honest we didn’t see much of) I can’t think of a failure from abroad. With English players it seems we can add Ben Marshall and the unfortunate Raggett to a list that includes Watkins and Husband. I’m not complaining, mind, just musing!
I can’t see that we need many players to come in. A striker and a winger would be nice. I’d like to see both Leitner and Vrancic starting the first game in the prem but how do we fit them in?
Hi John
I left Husband off my list as tbh I’d forgotten about him!
No real bad there I guess. He’ll go. Somewhere.
You’re right, we don’t need a lot but somebody to genuinely keep Krul on his toes would be good, and as you say a striker and a winger are pretty much essential.
Don’t expect me to comment on rumoured incomings until they arrive – most speculation so far has been donkey dung in my view!!!
Thank you.
I suspect only two things are certain about the forthcoming transfer window for Norwich City:
i) it’s been long and thoroughly planned by Stuart Webber and Daniel Farke, and
ii) press speculation about who we’re going to sign will be wide of the mark.
And maybe a third: there’ll be one or two real surprises. But I don’t believe they’ll include Joe Hart.
It’ll certainly help keep our attention occupied through the summer!
Thanks Stew.
I’m glad you also agree with me about Joe Hart – it’s a big no-no in my book for so very many reasons.
Of course plans have been in place for some time and that’s why I’m (for once) happy to await announcements from NCFC official.
It’s a wonderful feeling to trust the “management team”.
And I do.
Thanks
A fairly accurate assessment.
Not sure Thompson will make it given his injury history and the likelihood we’ll need a sublime DM too.
Might see a few surprises too, ones you’d not expect, Tettey perhaps? He hasn’t got the legs for it anymore and Webber isn’t a man who demonstrates much sentimentality for the now.
Shopping list is likely GK (cover for Krul?), RB (cover) CB (Zimmermann too slow) DM (See video of Leeds at their gaff cutting through our midfield where they almost score) Winger (Hernandez’s decision making) and Striker (Cover).
Which will be permanent and which loans who knows, but one things for sure we WILL spend money, despite what Webber has said, just focussed and smartly.
Hi Hillary – “fairly accurate” is the best any writer anywhere can realistically achieve:-)
Tettey has (I believe) over another year on contract here and I fully expect him to see it out. We needed him against Villa when the Mayor was forced off after all.
Not sure about Zimmermann’s lack of pace myself.
He’s not quick admittedly but nor is Kompany. We’ll have to wait and see.
Onel is a law unto himself and I doubt he knows what he will do until he’s done it, agreed. He reminds me of Wilfried Zaha in a strange sort of way.
Focussed and smart spending? Yep, you’ve got it.
Thanks – great comment.
As far as I’m concerned, the bloke at Hearts might as well go straight to hell when his contract ends.
I don’t feel the same about our other absentee high earner, Matt Jarvis. Although whilst being out with injury he’s picked up more than enough money to buy a brand new Cadillac, he’s had a bit of a run at Walsall and, if he can stay fit, the pressure drop in his career may be just what he needs (elsewhere).
I think career opportunities for Carlton Morris and Sean Raggett will be available, perhaps for Shrewsbury and Lincoln? I was surprised to read that Marcel Franke wanted to come back (promotion pay increase in his contract?), I thought he’d be better off in his safe European home.
Perhaps Neil Adams will exert some remote control over Anton Oxborourgh and Todd Cantwell as they go out on loan but I think there’s a possibility that Adam Idah may get the call up to the first team squad. I read that Wigan are due a chunk of money from us as part of the fantastic deal we negotiated to sign him (was Mrs May the chief negotiator?). Good luck to Wigan but where’s Yanic? Perhaps he’s lost in the supermarket.
I think Grant Hanley, Timm Klose and Felix Passlack should stay free in the knowledge that there are likely to be chances In defence (it’s unlikely that the four horsemen who have started the last umpteen games will remain without injury and suspension forever)
Finally, I can’t deny that I’m a huge fan of Ivo Pinto and it was brilliant to see him involved in the celebrations at Villa Park.
This post contains a first team of 11 Clash song titles, well done if you got them all.
Hi Don
I got eight Clash references straight away. Pressure Drop was a bit unfair – it’s the B-side of Tommy Gun or English Civil War (with the Animal Farm artwork on the cover) but I can’t remember which.
Can’t get the final three – you’re in complete control on this one. Let’s hope Webber and Farke know how to deal with the police and thieves (ie regulations and agents) over the summer. 1-2 crush on you is how I feel about Zimbo and was Daniel F one of the four horsemen?
Norwich Calling.
Cheers mate – a great laugh.
In order of appearance: Straight To Hell, Brand New Cadillac, Pressure Drop, Career Opportunities, Safe European Home, Remote Control, The Call Up, Lost In The Supermarket, Stay Free, Four Horsemen, Deny.
Thanks for that!
The ones I didn’t get were The Call Up, Stay Free and Deny.
Hopefully pre season friendlies are not called off, I wouldn’t want us to train in vain and we have to be careful that Arsenal and West Ham do not chase our targets who might be attracted by London calling. Does Angus Gunn have South London relatives? Gunns of Brixton?
Cheers, I wish I had thought of Gunns of Brixton.
Me too – nice one John!
I agree with most of your analysis Martin (I notice you don’t even bother mentiong Naismith). How to move Marshal on could be tricky, because one assumes he must have been offered a decent package to join us last year. Maybe one of the relegated clubs will be interested.
I don’t think there will be any change between the posts, at least not in the first transfer window. Why would there be? Krul has been working with the guys in front of him for a year. Come to that so has McGovern.
If we are going to spend any money at all on upgrades I believe the first area they will look at is defensive midfield. Patrolling that space 10 yards or so in front of the penalty area is crucial in the PL.
With Stieperman, Vrancic, McLean, Hernandez and Buendia providing some lively options further forward I wonder if there could be a surprise fund-raising exit for Leitner. If you take away his face-saver at Portman Rd I’m not sure that he was all that effective when he did play. Certainly by the end he seemed to be behind Vrancic and Cantwell in Farke’s pecking order.
The big unknown is whether there will be serious bids for any of our squad that simply can’t be turned down. It was interesting hearing Rob Newman (now scouting for Man City in Spain) speak on Monday. His take seemed to be that the bigger clubs will want to see how these guys get on in the PL before taking the plunge. Fair enough; hope he’s right.
I would be surprised, and very disappointed, if we sold any of the key guys to the likes of Palace, Southampton, Bournemouth or Brighton. They, and one or two others, are effectively the clubs we need to overtake in order to establish ourselves, so I don’t think Webber and Farke will be keen to give them a helping hand.
Finally, Webber is of course managing our expectations by saying we’ll have the smallest budget (smaller then Sheff U’s, really?) and spend the least money. I don’t blame him.
I dare say it’s true, but even allowing for some automatic pay rises triggered by promotion, there’s still likely to be room for some investment.
Oh, sorry, read it again properly, you did mention SN obliquely … oops!
Hi Keith
I have not openly admitted to mentioning Naismith – although I think editor Gary chose his header illustration quite astutely.
Also I didn’t mention Jordan Rhodes but that wasn’t obscurity – I can’t see him doing much in the PL for us but apparently he is such a character I wouldn’t mind if he stayed around. It’s unlikely but I’ll leave that up to Messrs Webber and Farke.
You have a great point about defensive midfield. Yep, a definite area for reinforcement but we have quite a few who can play there if push comes to shove. It’ll be bl00dy hard work in the PL though.
I firmly believe Palace, Brighton, Soton and Bornemouth WILL NOT be getting any of ours.
They’re for sale to the top six or nobody.
Thanks very much.
A rather excellent and thought-provoking article Martin and I have to say that I agree with most of it.
I really liked Morris, but I feel that Idah is a step up and I can see him being loaned out for 6 months to see if he can ‘cut the mustard’ playing regularly and at a higher level. We’ll need cover for Pukki and if DF feels like chasing a game and bringing on a 2nd striker then JR is possible if we can reach agreement with Steve Bruce and JR’s salary expectations.
Raggett and Franke I can see having ‘contracts terminated by mutual agreement’ or similar.
I’m looking forward to seeing who SW/DF have identified as incoming (I’d be very surprised if they haven’t already identified their primary targets) and as you and others have said the Joe Hart rumours are well off the mark and Krul has developed into a pretty decent keeper in the same way that Ruddy did. IMO, it would be very harsh to bring a new No 1, after all that TK has done for the team.
Hi Ed
I’ll have a go at addressing two excellent points you make.
Firstly I expect Tim Krul to be numero uno next season. He’s far superior to Ruddy imo.
Maybe we need a seriously decent number two GK to come in – I wouldn’t overtrust McGovern in that capacity tbh.
Secondly as Abrahams and Fonkeu have shuffled off this yellow and green mortal coil there must be a lot of Colney faith and hope in Adam Idah. As I’ve said before on MFW I’ve only seen him play once but he looked the part to me.
But he’s probably not up to the PL just now. We need somebody ready to go and I’m sure he’s already on his way – in theory anyway.
It’s easy to write about the outs – and less so about the ins!
Thanks as always.
Honestly, I don’t think we’ll see too many in’s unless we move on some players for decent cash.
One of the papers reported there was a 10M bonus pot for promotion for the players. The club have also reported they’ll pay back the bond+interest (circa 7M), and we were due to be in debt at Christmas, so we could have racked up between 5-10M debts based on previous forecasts. So the initial PL payments have probably been accounted for.
Obviously if we sell Max Aarons (which I’m not suggesting), then that opens up many possibilities.
Call me crazy, but I think the biggest out will be Stuart Webber to Manchester United.
Good stuff Martin;
What we also need to remember is that the “home-grown” quota is different in the Premier League, and given the inflated prices for players in this country, I can see more dealings with continental countries.
Personally if they can bring another Buendia or two in for thay type of fee I think we’ll be well set.
I’m now a little worried by Ed’s comment regarding SW….surely he’ll give us at least another year (SW that is, not Ed)!
O T B C
Thanks John
You’re quite right about the criteria for compliance with the “homegrown” rule being more relaxed in the PL in that the number of homegrowns applies to the entire squad and not just the matchday 18.
Another Buendia would be just dandy and I wouldn’t put it past Kieran Scott and his scouting network to come up with one!
David – in the nicest possible way – I hope you are as crazy as a mad thing crossed with a box of frogs!
If we lost Stuart Webber we would be done up like a kipper and I guess (almost) every NCFC fan has come to realise that. Mind you I guess Man Utd would appeal to him. Oh shucks, your comment has ruined my summer (not really but you know what I mean).
We don’t really need too many ins – but we particularly don’t need Webber as an out!
I don’t see SW going ANYWHERE soon and think he’ll stay for at least another couple of years!! 🙂
I really, really hope you’re right Ed!
Good stuff Martin. The only player I’d add to that is Louis Thompson. Sadly I don’t feel his body is able to withstand playing professional football so will always be bouncing from recovery to recovery. Hopefully I’m wrong.
Regarding Webber, I don’t think he’ll goin the short term but he will look to move on in the future. The presence of Zoe Ward at the club could well help to keep him as long as possible. When he does leave, I’m certain he will have his replacement lined up ready.
Hi Dave
You’re absolutely right about Webber of course – he will go one day but in my dreams he will establish us in the PL first.
As for Thompson he has been exceptionally unfortunate with injury. I feel this pre-season will determine his future with (or without) NCFC.
Thanks as always.