That was quite a weekend for Norwich City.
The excitement of landing Ben Gibson from Burnley, the gathering storm around what must surely be the imminent departure of Jamal Lewis to Newcastle and an uninspiring exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Nathan Jones and his physical Luton Town outfit.
Reactions to the Luton match have split the Canary nation down the middle as so often happens during our ever-evolving but sometimes never changing lives following the Yellows.
The mood veers from *we had a whole team plus bench out so what can we have expected* through to a fully-fledged and vociferous element which claims we should not have lost to the Hatters under any circumstances.
Personally I’m in the former camp and am fairly positive that we will not see a repeat of that particular performance at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday simply due to the fact that eight of the patched-up Luton XI will surely not be involved against Huddersfield unless the Stieperdude or Timm Klose [I know] are on the bench. My trio to retain for that matchday squad would be Jordan Hugill, Kieran Dowell and Bali Mumba.
Mind you the Carabao is put into perspective when we notice the following scorelines of course: Huddersfield Town 0, Rochdale 1; Birmingham City 0, Cambridge United 1; Newport County 2, Swansea City 0 and Northampton Town 3, Cardiff City 0.
Returning to Klose. He didn’t surprise us by picking up his obligatory pre-season injury now did he? It happens just too monotonously and regularly. Although he’s got two years left on his contract I can’t see there’s much of a future here for him especially as we now have Gibson on board. Obviously I hope it’s nothing serious but whenever I hear the words *Klose* and *knee* in the same sentence I tend to worry.
I’m not quite as unsympathetic as MFW readers such as Alex Bain, who mailed me thus: *another season with Klose getting injured. Sorry to say this but if he were a horse he would have been sold for glue by now*.
Black humour is often up there with the best and that line’s no exception. This of course brings me neatly on to Ben Gibson as it makes the timing of his recruitment all the more important.
On the face of it this looks like one of those *hats off to Webber* deals. Yes the loan fee is not cheap and neither are his wages but we’ve got a whole season to evaluate the lad, see how he fits in and if we get promotion we’re obliged to buy him. But not so if we don’t. And that looks a very shrewd bit of negotiation to me.
I’ve also seen it in the public domain that Gibson wanted to join us all along and he has certainly been making all the right noises since coming on board. Despite initial doubts I’m becoming increasingly confident about this signing.
So onto the subject of Jamal Lewis.
I’ve never been a great reader of Mags fansites but as I got up at stupid o’clock yesterday morning I thought I’d check a couple out. Toon fans seem to like Jamal very much and are glad he’s likely to be incoming, but they’re even issuing their own caveats about their club in a way that not even the most disgruntled Canary would ever do.
A couple of opinion pieces and practically all the comments thereon say words to the effect of: Jamal we’d love you here but do you know what you’re letting yourself in for?
Of course there’s the expected tirades against Mike Ashley and all he represents but I was surprised to observe how many Newcastle supporters are on the boycott [been there myself] and just how toxic the atmosphere is in the environs of St James’ Park.
One wry Geordie said he’s rather have Ashley than Delia but make what you want of that remark. 🙂
And of course, we get some lovely Liverpool fans putting their boots in saying we’ve denied Jamal his dream over two million quid as in the difference between the offers.
Not so me old Scouse muckers. Do your maths. £10m v £13.5/£15m possibly rising to £18-£20m with realistic add-ons? It’s not quite the same. Plus Brucie is also prepared to pay a lump sum up front by all accounts. Suits us.
Personally I always thought Leicester would have been an ideal home for Jamal when they sold Ben Chilwell to Chelsea but it was not to be.
All I will do is wish Jamal all the best. He has been terrific for us over the last couple of seasons and certainly deserves to play in the PL.
But if one of our academy products is to go early it might as well be young Mr Lewis as we are well prepared with Xavi Quintilla and Sam McCallum waiting in the LB wings.
And by the looks of Bali Mumba how could the Black Cats let him go for a rumoured £500,000 plus add-ons. The future doesn’t look too bad at RB either when you factor in Sam Byram.
Something tells me Max might be the next [and hopefully the last for a while] out of the door.
Oh and I can’t end without congratulating the Binners on their Carabao Cup progression can I?
Ermm, yes I can.
Well Martin, a great article to start this sunny Monday morning in Norwich.
A pretty accurate summary of Saturday’s events and I’m sorely tempted to pay to watch the game at the John Smith stadium. My only disappointment from Saturday is that more players didn’t try to impress DF when given their chance, but from what I’ve read, Mumba should at least be on the bench, as should Hugill. Apparently, only some fine goalkeeping by Randolph denied Pukki a goal yesterday.
Could Ben Gibson lead our defence to become ‘dam fixers’ as opposed to ‘leaking’ goals at an alarming rate?? Only time will tell and I expect it will take a few matches for him to achieve full fitness and get used to how NCFC plays.
It looks more and more likely that Lewis will be off to the North East and for a fee which should eventually match our valuation of him. I see another ‘Cherries’ player is off – make that two, as I’ve just seen that Fraser is off to the North East as well.
No need to ask if you enjoyed the cricket and I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like to have to face Mr Archer, as the ball hurtles towards you.
Hi Ed
I’m in the City today and if there’s any sun I can’t see it! Heavy mist first thing too.
As I understand it it’s a tenner to watch weekend away games while midweeks and home games are free to ST holders – and possibly members too. Can’t remember exactly what the club said but there’s supposed to be an email bulletin in the next few days.
Agree with you about the squad for Huddersfield – I forgot to add Zimbo.
Pukki’s miss was not nice to watch. Clean through and Randolph made a fantastic block but 12 months ago Teemu would have buried that one.
Jofra is just a tad frightening I would agree – I’ve enjoyed every match this summer and under the circs it was really good of the Windies, Pakistan and Oz to travel.
Thanks as always.
Morning Mr P, another monday rolls round again, Saw the Liverpool moanings, I also noticed that they did not allow comments. Typical we are right and nobody will tell us different.
Some good planning gone into this window, covering the area where the expected leavers would be. Very good news and relief we got in a defender, with Hanley out and Klose getting the usual knock, we would have gone into the season in a mess at the back. Gibson is the first senior centre back to have been brought, since August 2017 Hanley entered.
Lewis has been good for us, but that is the first on the academy conveyor belt. Which is the plan. Do admit to thinking it would be Aarons the first one sold. But there is plently of time left of the window to be concerned about.
The exit at Luton is not a massive let down, except another defeat tagged onto the record, given the way this competition is being crammed in., sort of glad we don, t have worry about extra games to pick up cards and injuries.
Still think we had enough there to have done better, the players hardly did anything to change Farke,s mind for inclusion. Mario, looks to be slipping down the order, shame I did like him.
Still a very handy guy to have around, did fully understand why him & Hernandez started on the bench.
Now all eyes onto saturday, wonder what we will be saying this time next week?
Morning Lad
I saw a great Twitter comment via MFW’s feed this morning which said words to the effect of: at least Newcastle can conduct business with dignity, despite their uncertain circumstances. A bit of a barb from one of our own but spot on imo.
As I’ve admitted before I too thought Max would have been first but I guess he’ll now have to settle for second! I hope it’s PSG – what a move for the lad that would be.
When Saturday comes…… don’t ask me until 1700!
Cheers
I did manage to find a site which allowed me to point out the errant maths for Liverpool fans – since when of course it appears to be even more upfront, so now we are £7m better off than if we had accepted their bid. The entitlement and arrogance of fans of the top teams still manages to surprise me.
It’s very good business – all our signings paid for by one deal and the squad not really weakened. I don’t think Lewis progressed much last season; if anything he went backwards, so maybe we had taken him as far as we can anyway.
Hi Stephen
Yes I agree with you about Jamal. I reckon Todd Cantwell might be in a similar category but I’d suggest stagnation rather than going backwards in his case.
Last season I did a Liverpool preview with a great guy called Tony Evans, who is with an excellent site: The Anfield Wrap. I’d recommend it, but expect a bit of Scouse fire if you visit. Not specifically against us: sometimes against the world but mostly presented in a very amusing way.
Other Reds sites I tend to avoid 🙂
Thanks
Morning Martin,
An interesting article as usual.
As for Saturday’s early exit from the League Cup, it seemed to be going ok we certainly created enough chances to win the game until Klose’s injury and the substitutions made around that time.
You could see there were a few of our players trying to find their rhythm. So yes its a game we should have been capable of winning in spite of so many players not being available. But I agree with you that we will see a very different line up next week and hopefully a performance to go with it. Mind you if DF and the players ever needed a reminder of how bl**dy difficult it will be playing back in the Championship then Luton provided it. Teams will sit back and let us try and break us down just like they did whilst offensively relying on counter attacks and set pieces (whilst being really ugly and physical). We will need to have the antidote to that and obviously if there are any of our players who feel they can swan around with the notion they are too good for this league they need to be identified early and sent on their way (remember Olsson, Brady Etc. of 2016?!!). Nothing less than 100% commitment to the cause with the team spirit of two years ago will do.
I agree with the players you identified who showed some promise on Saturday, namely Kieran Dowell and Bali Mumba. I would add to that Josh Martin he still has to develop but there is a raw talent there that looks really exciting. I think for Huddersfield, Hugill should be on the bench with Pukki starting, DF will stick with him for the time being.
Ben Gibson – whereas I’m confident SW & DF have done their homework on him, I’ll wait until I’ve seen him play before forming an opinion. But I find the thought of him beside Ben Godfrey (assuming he stays) a really interesting one.
Newcastle should be a good move for Jamal (Leicester would have been better, but….) I expect he will get game time and if his progression continues he is young enough and will get that move to one of the big boys.
Lucas Rupp seems to be set up by some fans as this seasons scapegoat. Personally, I see a decent player at this level who is still trying to find his rhythm/ match sharpness (didn’t he have a long layoff in Germany?). As a player, reminds me of Simon Lappin??
Over and out.
Have a good day
Cheers
John
Hi John
Straight to the King of Spain. Simon Lappin was loved by a huge proportion of us supporters but still sees to be under-rated a decade on. Strange.
I totally agree with all of your second par. We will need a bit of steel or barking, b0ll0cking and biting as we used to call it. Gibson, Hugill and Skipp could be just the men.
The Bee Gees [as in Godfrey and Gibson] could make a good combination and Zimbo is genuinely right footed and to me that could point to a three at the back at some stage. The original wait and see, is that one.
Lukas Rupp? I simply haven’t seen enough of him *in the flesh* so I find it hard to judge him objectively tbh but I’m certainly aware of the moans.
TV evidence suggests Bali Mumba could develop into really quite something.
Cheers
Thank you Martin for this latest update. Bit of a waiting game this transfer window thing, which I understand will continue until October 5th. The fee for Jamal Lewis seems reasonable and really, who can blame him for wanting to leave ? I’m not sure that he’s made the right choice in opting for Newcastle but probably he’ll get some game time there hey Scousers ? Hopefully he’ll also progress further than Jacob Murphy who looks destined to leave the Magpies for around 3 million [source Chronicle live] Apparently he’s been playing well recently but Steve Bruce seems to be looking elsewhere.
Compare and contrast Bournemouth, who have already parted company with Callum Wilson, Nathan Ake, albeit for substantial sums though an exodus which will surely leave more impact than departure of JL, having said that there is a way to go till October 5th. Deep breaths all round then
Hi Dave
Well we certainly haven’t fought very hard to bring either of the Murphy Bros back into the fold now have we?
Onto Nathan Ake who went to Citeh for £40 million. A good player but at £40m? No ta. Callum Wilson very nearly joined us at one stage from Coventry I’m led to believe. I don’t really know what to make of him even now as he blows so hot and cold.
We will sell off at least one more and my money’s on Max.
Cheers
Re Bournemouth: Plus Aaron Ramsdale
And they’d already let Fraser’s contract run out. Seems he might be on his way to Toon as well.
Toon sources are saying Fraser is on his way to them on a free.
And Callum Wilson followed by Jamal.
Their medical consultants must be busy just now.
Yes Bournemouth seem to have had a mini-exodus with very little coming in.
So far.
High wages & no relegation clause?!!
Rather them than us!
Hi Martin
An interesting read on a wet day in Blackpool but the sun keeps threatening to burst into life.
Dark humour that’s what you get from Gt Yarmouth exiles living up north lol.
Tomorrow will be interesting whether to watch the final T20 or a very possibly england game if the last one is anything too go on.
Lewis will be a sad loss to the team but when out last season Byram coped well and now we have 2 players for that position.
It will now be a toss up between 4 who will be the next academy grad to depart the fine city and as with Lewis we can only wish them a successful career wherever that maybe until they play us.
The next question will we have 11 in will there possibly be a no12 and 13 if good deals could be done maybe another CB if Godfrey leaves.
So may things have changed in recent months and many more could still change but in football there is a little constant that still get people talking and long may that last.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay safe and stay healthy
Hi Alex
Anyone who has ever been in one of the services [or equally supported NCFC] will know the true purpose of black humour at its finest.
On a personal level I don’t see how I can enjoy my football in quite the same way when I’m [understandably] not allowed into the ground to witness it.
Our spending, I feel, is done.
Cheers
Luton again. Oh, bother. At least it makes Farkes team selection a bit easier as only a couple on Saturday gave the play me message.
Ah cricket , going rather well and on the telly. Now if you want another cricket fix enter your chosen county team into a web browser and follow the match day links to live streamed free coverage of all the days play from the 4 day and t20 blast games.And its free . Not all sports are mercenary under covid.
Hi Bernie
Oh bother? That’s not like you 🙂
Actually I reckon Farke’s team selection will not be that easy this season given the current size of the squad.
I don’t do County cricket at all. I swear I fell asleep once at Chelmsford watching Essex against [I think] Gloucs. At least I was paid to go so it wasn’t all bad.
Ta me ole Walrus
Not bothered about the Luton result. Progress in this cup will only add to fixture congestion in this truncated season. However, pleased that Mumba showed the promise we believed he had. Sunderland fans must be seething at how he was let go.
I understand Newcastle’s interest in Lewis was a mistake by Mike Ashley. He thought he was bidding £15M for John Lewis.
Hi Jim
Completely agree with you.
The Mackems were NOT happy about the Mumba rob {I mean sale] and I’m beginning to see why. He looks so composed for his age.
My mate’s missus is a *partner* at John Lewis [everyone there is dubbed a partner] and I doubt she’d give you a kiss on the butt and a packet of wine gums for the entire business right now. So much so that she’s quit!
Cheers
Morning martin good read again I wish Lewis well with his move and look forward to see mr Gibson yes mr klose injured again who turns like a tugboat a quote from Greg downs wont be a miss on recent form . as we are building for the future I amused at them giving Kenny stay clean a new contract as he clearly isnt premier class and can’t tackle as a dm he’s pants and before anyone says he be good in the championship so were trybull and leitner all the best mate 😊
Hi Kevin
Can’t remember who [Rivo maybe] but somebody alongside Chris Goreham once said that Seb Bassong had the turning circle of an ocean-going oil tanker.
The Mayor is regularly deployed by Farke who sees something in him that I never have. He’s got a little bit of everything but does it make him a complete midfielder? No.
We’ll meet again. Do know where but don’t fecking know when 🙂
Cheers
Looks like we’re going to have to hold tight for a few weeks – relegated teams rarely come out of blocks quickly. But it depends how much of the first choice team Farke wants to change and how quickly.
As I posted yesterday 10 of the 11 who started against Villa in May 2019 are currently available, the exception being Buendia (Cantwell was on the bench) though of course with Lewis’s imminent departure that’s likely to be 9.
So he could go with the experience of Krul, Aarons, Godfrey and Zimmermann, with a new left back, probably MaCullum. He’s got Vrancic, Stieperman, McLean and Henandez in front of them to which he can add Cantwell. And then Pukki up front.
I guess it’s in the middle he’s most likely to tweak it – Dowell and Skipp for Vrancici and Stieperman perhaps? With Martin and Placheta in the mix, and Lungi and the Luxemburg lad also pushing he has plenty of options.
There’s bound to be speculation about Aarons, Godfrey and Cantwell. From what I saw of the pre-season streams the first two looked totally up for it, carrying on much as before. If they go, so be it, but if they stay they’ll be fine. II’m not so convinced Cantwell is very keen for another shot at the Championship though. We’ll see.
Good luck to Jamal Lewis. It looks as though he’ll be joined by Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson so they’ll be able to compare relegation notes. Buying a player who has just been relegated from your division is always a risk. Buying 2 for a combined £30m+, getting one free, is surely asking for trouble.
Steve Bruce frequently starts quite well at a club then gradually fades away. If he’s still around to spend money in the January window I’ll be surprised.
The big suggestion is that Bruce will improve Lewis but in all the time he has been a manager I can’t remember one player that he has really improved so is Ian Barclough saying he is better than Farke in my mind NO
Baraclough overstepped the mark with those comments. A classy international manager would not have opinionated on internal club matters.
Hi Keith
*Good luck to Jamal Lewis. It looks as though he’ll be joined by Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson so they’ll be able to compare relegation notes.*
I love that line. Cruel but fair.
For me I think Dowell and Skipp should surely start.
If Cantwell feels the need to jump ship let him do so – at the right price, obvs. He can be brilliant but I’m yet to become totally convinced.
We’ve plenty of options but little time to bed them in before Huddersfield.
Good comment – thanks.
I agree with your comments regarding the Luton game, that not a lot can be read into it Martin.
I wonder how far off Ben Gibson is fitness wise, will we lose another one or two players before Saturday ?
I agree with you as well on the subject of Timm Klose, ANOTHER pre-season injury ! I also feel if we lose Ben Godfrey in the next few weeks Stuart Webber may need to look for another centre back.
I just hope Grant Hanley is fit very soon, we need him.
What worried me post the Luton game was when Daniel Farke said on Canary Call that we needed another month before you see the best of us.
Again I urge patience with all these new players, but it is ( Kind of) 12 defeats on the trot, surely we need to show some improvement from Project Restart in the coming month ?
I cannot believe I just wrote that, 12 losing games in a row. At this level it would seem impossible to do that.
“I just hope Grant Hanley is fit very soon, we need him.”
Have to disagree with you on that Tim. I mean, yes, I hope he’s fit, I’d never wish him ill. But do we really need him?
Early in the 18/19 season he was first pick. After our first 5 or 6 not very successful games he got injured and we all thought “things are bad enough, now they’ve just got even worse”. As it turned out they hadn’t because Hanley’s problem is he can’t really play the Farke way and it was from that point on, with Godfrey and Zimmerman, that it all started to come together.
I can see where you are coming from Keith, at times he looks clumsy.
But he is deceptively quick and I think he was badly missed during Project Restart.
And before that I think he was playing really well. I can remember my mate Nick texting me just before the restart to say Hanley was out for the season and my heart sank.
I felt there and then our chance of staying up went. That was also because we had no Zimmerman, but for all the potential Ben Godfrey has a lot of goals last season were down to him.
I cannot disagree that Zimbo and Ben were the mainstay of our Championship winning side.
I do worry about Grant’s injury record, if you have him and Timm on the books it is a worry.
Hi Tim
I am absolutely sure that every supporter in the land would say the same but it really seems like our lot are particularly missing us – the crowd.
Project Restart did us no favours at all in that respect. Setting aside my personal feelings about not being able to go to games a club like ours hasn’t recovered from the ban on supporters and that has shown in our results. My fear is that will continue.
It’s a bit like the Stones playing for just their roadies and a journalist from the NME.
And to be fair I can’t see that aspect getting better anytime soon.
Thanks – good comment.
Gibson looks to be good business, particularly how the deal is structured. Let’s hope he can get up to match fitness quickly. Can see us having G men at centre back – Gibson and Godfrey.
I have seen reports that Liverpool offered £8million plus add ons so £10 million potentially. If that is right then there is £5.5 million difference on initial fee. Not an inconsiderable school. Can’t understand why Liverpool social media is hailing the non deal as great business by Edwards. Our £20 million valuation was always an opening gambit in any negotiation. There is always a compromise to be found, which seems to be what Newcastle have done. I’m not convinced that Newcastle is the best home for Lewis but I wish him all the best and hope his career goes from strength to strength, except whenever he plays against the Canaries.
I wasn’t too upset by the result against Luton what did upset me was the performance of some of the fringe players. That said Mumba, Hugill, Dowell and Martin should be in the squad for the Huddersfield game, alongside Zimbo and Tettey.
On the showing of that game Barden looks a decent prospect.
OTBC
Stay safe one and all.
Hi Colin
I agree – Barden did nothing wrong and seems confident with the ball at his feet.
The Lewis situation is one for the Scousers to sulk over [many of them are specialists in that respect] and not one for any of us to worry about. Que sera and all that.
Our line-up against the Terriers will definitely be interesting.
Thanks a lot.