As the January transfer window gently closes at midnight tonight it is plain for all us Canary types to see that it will have resulted in “a masterly policy of inactivity” to quote Richmal Crompton, who remains one of my favourite authors to this very day. Although she never knew it, in many ways she inadvertently taught me to write. She would never have created Just William if she had realised the consequences of the inspiration she provided to me.
We bought nobody, sold nobody and none of us will genuinely claim to be surprised by that.
Who cares what Newcastle, Watford and Burnley have done? Not us, we’re Norwich City and we do it our way. Or in this case, we don’t do anything at all. Defensive midfielder? Oh no. Striker? Oh no, no, no***. Dean Smith has been quoted as saying we are fine with what we’ve got, although whether that is a genuine assessment or Deano speaking on behalf of others I am not too sure.
As I write it seems Scott Parker might be making a cheeky offer to get Todd Cantwell on loan at Bournemouth with a view to buy upon promotion, but that remains just a rumour so I’ll leave that one right there for now.
But that’s enough from me so let me reintroduce the posse, who have their own thoughts at this stage of the season.
Alex A, aka Ed, says: “We learned over the past six months that players from foreign leagues need time to adjust to the English game. You can probably get away with it in the Championship, but in the PL, no.
“What’s done is done and we just have to hope that Mattias Normann will be able to return next month, along with Lukas Rupp and Jacob Sorensen. I’m sorry, but Kenny McLean is just not good enough for the Premier League in my opinion.
“I was hoping that Todd Cantwell would be able to fill some of the void left by losing Emi Buendia, but he has been a shadow of his former self and is practically worthless in the transfer market. I just hope that he rediscovers his love of the game in the future, wherever that may be. Please not at Newcastle though.
“It does appear that Smith has discovered a formation and tactics that suit ‘the hand he’s been dealt’.
“To go to Watford and claim all three points was massive and to see Josh Sargent claim two goals was tremendous, both for him and the team. I’d expect to see a few minor changes to the team for the visit of Palace.
“There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel in our fight for survival, but until all the postponed games have been played we don’t really know where we stand.
“We may still fall at the final hurdle, but I feel much more positive that we can at the very least survive in the Championship.”
Alex B reckons: “My biggest disappointment of the season must be Daniel Farke getting the sack along with his backroom team but after such a poor start it was going to happen. It’s a pity these owners didn’t follow him out of the door as his failings were due to their intransigence on investment. Closely followed by Cantwell not turning up and thereby seemingly ruining his career.
“My biggest and happiest moments were seeing City get two wins on the bounce and seeing both Jacob Sorensen and Pierre Lees-Melou show that they can operate in this league and long may it last.
“With the return of Normann, I can’t see Billy Gilmour getting much game time.”
Cutty adds: “I‘ve been a Canary fan since the early 1950s and over the years it‘s been a rollercoaster ride with this season going to the extremes, the nadir for me being the Charlton game. We won but on hearing an ex-City player Darren Kenton saying ´Some of the City players were putting themselves behind Charlton players so they wouldn‘t get the ball´ I despaired.
“We were playing a team a couple of leagues below and we have a new manager – what a chance to shine, to wear the Yellow and Green with pride. Where was the team spirit and what could we expect for the rest of the season? And then along came Everton, we win, Idah scores and gets rave reviews!
“Next up Watford and a 3-0 win with Sargent getting a brace, and we‘re out of the bottom three! Just 12 days from despair to cheer, in 70 years I‘ve never known such a turnaround. What happens next I haven‘t a clue but my mojo is back.
“It‘s a funny old game.”
Bernie Owen reckons ironically: “It’s been a most exciting transfer window viewed from my gaffe in Wivenhoe on the Costa del Colne. Nothing has happened. We haven’t had any bids for any of our underperforming squad, particularly that young man from my old abode of Toftwood, aka TC.
“I can only suppose the fact that his head is scrambled has affected him so much in training that neither Farke and latterly Smith wants to play him. And potential buyers are holding off as his price drops every day.
“There’s been a little movement of fringe players, from a loan here to a loan there. The most surprising is Seb Soto moving to Livingston from Porto. It’ll take him three months to adjust to the weather.
“My low point thus far came in the game against Brighton. There was an almighty shambles in the Brighton defence and their keeper ended up 25 yards from goal. The ball breaks free, Sargent has it at his feet, the goal gapes, he mishits it wonderfully. It is on target but moving like a snail, giving Lewis Dunk the chance to run 30 yards and clear the ball to safety.
“In terms of improvement, I noticed that without our two of our three Scottish internationals we won twice in a row, although McLean was okay against Watford as a sub, with Sorensen looking like Normann’s midfield partner when they both return to the engine room.
“Can we stay up? Yes. Will we stay up? Probably.”
So that’s the views of the posse and, of course, MFW would like to hear what you lovely readers think too as the transfer window fades gently away into the ether. Don’t be reluctant to share your thoughts.
I’d like to dedicate this piece to the late, great Barry Cryer, who sadly passed away last week. He was a fine gentleman in every respect.
*** I don’t really need an excuse to sign off with this 🙂
Joao from reading would do me or the lad from Qpr .
Hi Jim
QPR will not be selling anybody as they are doing really well and I can think of at least two of their forwards I would like but it ain’t gonna happen.
Reading? Can’t think of anybody there that I would particularly covet.
Cheers
TC to Bournemouth or Olympiacos makes sense. As long as it’s not to the North East head choppers or another of our relegation rivals, to have him well away from the club is, sadly, necessary.
I wish there was more to get excited about for us in this window, but the imminent return of some decent players and the recent upturn in form gives us a bit of hope.
Hi Don
Todd would think he is far too good for Olympiakos. Maybe he might go to the Cherries in the hope that they are coming up and we are going down.
Any which way, we need rid.
Cheers
I seem to remember suggesting, when people were talking about selling TC for sums north of £20m, that it would be quite a lot of money for a midfielder who can’t tackle, rarely heads the ball and isn’t even a dead ball specialist. Nor does he have a “Gary Holt” extra lung. Unless you are in Brooking or Brady class (Liam, not Robbie) that just isn’t enough for the Premier League. He’s had his head turned somewhere along the line, by his agent presumably, though it could be his hairdresser.
So let him go to Bournemouth, invoke our contract extension option, and as long as they are in a different division to us let him stay there for a sensible fee.
One heartwarming story from the window. Who would have thought that day last June that we might be seeing Christian Eriksen v Teemu Pukki part 2 at Carrow Road in a few weeks time? Wonder if they’ll get Anthony Taylor to ref it too.
Hi Keith
Personally I think Christian Eriksen is a very brave and determined man and I wish him all the very best for the rest of his career.
If I were in his shoes [boots?] I could never have contemplated a return but that says as much about me as it does about him.
Cheers
Can’t say I am sorry if Cantwell decides his ambitions lay in a division lower. Having seen some his younger days in Dereham, good bloody riddance I say. but that is a very personal reason to me .
Didn’t expect anyone to walk through the door, striker at QPR would have been reasonable, especially as Hugill had a good time there.
Having some boys come back from injury will be like the odd new signing. Burnley seemed to have it bad with covid, mmmmm but having games in hand is ok, but you have to win them
We’ll see now as we get close to the final few furlongs. let’s hope SaS can keep our noses in front
Hi Lad
Dereham is not on my beat so I wouldn’t know Todd’s recent history but something is very obviously not right and I agree that he surely must go.
Final furlongs? There’s a long way to go yet!
Cheers
Well with the breaking new TC in advanced talks for a Bournemouth loam with an option to buy how the mighty ambitions of said player has fallen.
Is going south to a potential promotion club more ambitious that helping your present club stay up not in my eyes it shows disrespect to Norwich City and its supporters.
Can Parker a no nonsense player who praised Worthington for kick-starting his career while on loan turn TC around I am not sure but for both City and himself I hope he sees the errors he has inflicted on his career.
The big question is will City try and fill the void or will Delia keep her flour dry ready for a promotion push if the R word happens.
Hi Alex
In terms of this season Cantwell will not leave a void to fill.
I’d rather keep Rashica there or give Tzolis a chance myself.
Cantwell is not Buendia and is not Madders either. He has no steel.
I won’t lament his inevitable departure I’m afraid.
Cheers
Obviously what Norwich is trying to do today, is somehow make Cantwell sign his 1 year extension. If he signs, then they let him leave as loan. Cantwell basically has all cards in his hands, he have to wait only until summer to be free agent. If he signs extension, then he should get large salary rise which likely is impossible because of contract rules. So they should make completely new contract with him. Then also very likely Norwich would have to pay I would guess at least about half of his salary to make loan possible. Also Cantwell would have to get back to Norwich in summer after his loan period. If you would be Cantwell, why on earth you would write extension? His market value has dropped, but still 100% sure he will find new club because he is free agent and rather young one.
It looks that Norwich is keeping Teemu even they know he is gone after this season and Norwich will not get any transfer fee. You will see that he will be dropped, when/if Norwich relegation become obvious. Norwich playing system does not suit him anymore, when playing system does not suit its honestly better to not play at all. Im more worried about his national team games, its obvious that he very likely loose his scoring touch. He is not only option, but once again good example how things can get difficult with club and player when contract gets closer to end.
There is uefa fulsal european championships in Netherlands going on. Finland has played first time in history in major futsal tournament and….still plays. Group where Finland was included Kazakstan, Italy and Slovenia. Finland beat Slovenia, played draw against Italy and lost to Kazakstan. Kazakstan won group (they have brazilian players + have invested to futsal well), Finland was second so Finland plays today quarter final with Portugal, which is reigning world champion and european champion. Incredible achievement! Game against Portugal surely sound mission impossible, but foreign futsal experts seems to think its not. I dont follow futsal, thing what I see that Finland like always is very difficult team to play against. Finland plays very equally with 3 lines. Miko Martic ( croatian) has made incredible job as a coach. I have played several times kind of futsal, rules and ball were different but same way indoor and goals were handball goals. Also kind of futsal 1 vs 1 which was very tough physically with shooting and goal saving areas so not just exactly 1 vs 1.
Hi 1×2
I’m not sure just how negotiable the Cantwell contract extension actually is as the option is in favour of NCFC.
I really hope a sensible solution can be found as Dean Smith does not want him here and Todd Cantwell does not want to be here either so a parting of the ways is surely essential – to my mind anyway.
You are right about Teemu, of course you are. When a player such as him leaves a club like Norwich you can be sure he will be held in the very highest esteem here for evermore. He has written his way into our history and we do not forget.
Kiitos
I think you will find that in Cantwell’s case the option to extend lies entirely in the club’s hands. There is no option for him to not sign. When his contract was originally signed by him that covered the extension if the club wanted it.
Hi Nick
Thanks for tidying that up – I thought it was like that but not 100% sure.
Cheers
With Newcastle, Everton, Watford, brentford and Burnley all addressing the obvious deficiencies in their respective squads we can draw one of two possible conclusions.
Either city are in fine fettle and in no need of the shot in the arm provided by a new face or we are handicapped by having a totally uncompetitive owner weighing us down. Take your pick.
Hi Chris
I think I can make my choice rapidly and easily 🙂
Cheers
There is no extension to sign by Cantwell it is part of his original deal negotiations and city can if they want take up that without the player agreement or not as he already did that when he signed the deal.
Happy to confirm that is how I read it too.
Extension must be signed in football. Every club would make only those +1 , +2…. contracts. Extension salary cant be also a lot higher or lower than regular contract was, its have to be close to regular contract. Extension is also never player favor, that player could extent his contract but club would not want. Exactly same reason club cant just extend player contracts without player agreeing terms which means it need signing. Otherwise we would talk about slavery. Contract extension in football means activating negotiation time, it blocks player to negotiate with other clubs during that time. It cant be activate anymore when there is only last 6 months left of contract.
I don’t know about anywhere else in Europe but in the UK *negotiating time* can be any time during a contract if it’s behind behind closed doors!
We call it *Tapping Up* and I’m sure there will be a similar phrase in Finland.
Sorry didn’t see this when I replied with the same message!
Chris spot on there 👍💯%
I don’t expect much, if anything, done today except maybe TC out.
Our squad, when you take into account loans, is vast. We are bloated and would sink with Championship revenues. So it’s once again time to go lean.
As for TC. Something has gone wrong and it’s not likely to be fixed. We had potentially a 20M player there (based on his first PL foray) and between Farke and Webber they have squandered that opportunity.
Hi Dave
At one time there was talk of £30 million but unlike the £20m figure I guess that was all paper talk and agentspeak at the time.
There must have been a reason why no PL side even as much as made an offer and I can only guess at what that might have been.
Cheers
But Bournemouth ???? Really ?
I think this is as massive risk by Todd Cantwell Martin. Talk about a sideways move.
If they do come up they will be certainties to be in a relegation scrap if not for relegation itself.
So what will he have gained ?
A bigger contract certainly, and has that been Cantwell’s gripe all along ?
Players coming into Carrow Road on bigger contracts than he is on ? I know this does happen and that players noses have been put out of joint.
It seems to me Cantwell’s big falling out may not be with Daniel Farke nor Dean Smith, who has actually backed him when he was patently not fit, but more with Stuart Webber.
We do not see the other side of players outside many pretty mundane interviews. Okay you will get a Grant Holt, Chris Sutton or Darren Huckerby who will tell it like it is but most players turn out the same old, same old time and time again. Game of two halves, we must do better, we let the fans down etc
I wonder if Grant Hanley has tried to find out whatever is up with Todd. Grant is the captain and I am sure he must have had a word. Todd comes across as shy and that can be mistaken for disinterest or even arrogance.
Who knows a player we all hoped to replace Emi is now Championship bound and that is a football mystery.
Hi Tim
Yes it’s a move a Brown Crab would be proud of isn’t it?
I can’t explain why nobody in the PL came in for him beyond saying that perhaps heads of recruitment simply *didn’t fancy him* for one reason or another.
To a large extent now players are told what to say to the media but the three you mention from back in the day were great, all of them.
As for Grant Hanley, the whole dressing room will know what’s up with Todd and maybe now he’s gone a tale or two might leak out – sometimes it happens like that, sometimes it doesn’t!
Cheers
Hi 1×2;
Unless I’ve got this totally wrong, I think that the club are holding all the cards regarding Cantwell.
Yes; his current contract expires this summer, but they have the option of a further year which, if they exercise it, he has to comply with.
Such a waste of what talent he has; for me this was the ideal opportunity for him to shine, especially as he was one of the few bright spots from our last foray into the PL. As others have said, someone, somewhere has turned his head and thoughts away from NCFC. There cannot be too many players of his age who are now probably going to attract a fee of only around 10% of his worth 2 years ago.
There are so many rumours flying around about what has gone wrong; I suspect that we’ll never know for sure.
O T B C
Hi John
Rumours are a funny old thing, he he.
I’ve heard about half a dozen Cantwell rumours and if I were a betting man I know which one I would back as the most likely to be true. Just as in a horse race that would still leave me with another four or five possibilities that I couldn’t rule out.
And there’s always that dark horse known as *the truth* which as you say we may well never discover.
Cheers
Once again we are in the position of having a very good manager and woeful owners who have failed to provide much needed investment.
If we go down I hope there is a reduction in the season ticket price.
I’m reaching the end of my tether when it comes to subsidising Delia’s custodianship of our club which is well past it’s sell by date.
Hi John
The way things are going I’d be surprised if ST prices were frozen, let alone reduced.
We must also bear in mind that we haven’t actually had money taken from our accounts for many moons now and being hit for, say, £50 a month means more to some folks than it might do to others.
Still cheer up – only a couple of seasons to go and then we can all celebrate Delia’s Silver Jubilee 😉
Cheers
Thanks Martin, I’ll get the balloons ready!
Thought you’d like that one 🙂
Agreed. If this goes belly up from here on In, they should do the decent thing and get out at the first possible opportunity.
Hi Guys, pleasure to read as usual!
Having noted that Cantwell had refused Olympiacos preferring to play on the UK’s south coast, I immediately contacted my agent requesting that he get me on the first flight to Piraeus Greece to beat the transfer deadline.
Sadly my agent Sidney ‘Fagbut’ Sozzlewhet must have mis-interpreted the message, because he’s booked me on a coach trip around the bars and beaches of Corfu – not quite what I was after.
Cantwell’s made a good choice, good luck to him, hope there are no further disruptive elements within NCFC, S&S appear to have melded and welded a team by the end of the first half of the season, lets hope we can keep it up, and stay up!
Where the other relegation battle Prem clubs are concerned, lets hope those who have ‘bought big’ have problems settling ‘big’ in.
I see Lampard’s sidled his way into the money again, well…
COYYs!!
Hi Kev
The likes of Lampard make me laugh in a slightly distracted kind of way.
I’m the last to claim he isn’t a good manager but with his wealth, lifestyle and all that goes with it I cannot get why he’s doing this. It can’t even be for the glory as Everton aren’t going to be winning anything anytime soon.
My agent Arturio Dalio was probably just as bad as Mr Sozzlewhet. I always wondered why he would only accept cash or luncheon vouchers.
Cheers
Oh I don’t dislike Lamps, Martin, it just seems to me he thinks he’s got to be a manager, plus he wouldn’t want to be outdone by Rooney and Gerrard.
My honest opinion, although I do like the other two, Wayne Rooney is the one to last, not only is he leading Derby County from the front, I think his belief is more than football, so well worth his salt.
I think the other two would’ve simply walked away.
It might just be that Sid ‘Fagbutt’ Sozzlewhet and Arturio Dallio are one and the same, probably for tax reasons! I never see Sid without a club sandwich in his hand…
I met Arturio when I dwelled just outside Llucmajor, Mallorca on and off for a few years. He always rented me something resembling a car for a really good rate but constantly pleaded with me to exchange my pounds for Euros with him.
Even when I showed him my Banca March card he wouldn’t give up!
Rafa [his real name] was a nice guy though and in real life not quite how I’ve portrayed him here. We had many a laugh and a drink together.