It’s nearly upon us.
As ever, the five or six weeks that constitute pre-season pass almost in the blink of an eye, and the weekends are about to get serious again.
It seems only a few days ago that Ashley Barnes was pictured, on the pages of the Club’s official site, arriving at Colney for the first time carrying a cardboard box containing all his worldly goods, but evidently not. Try 36.
(I know… it’s an age thing).
So, like it or not, and whether we feel ready or not, season 2023-24 is just about here and, as mentioned above, those lovely Saturdays free of angst and anxiety are about to end.
Those who can ‘take it or leave it’ are the lucky ones. For most of us, as hard as we try to appear indifferent to the outcome of a particular game and/or where Norwich City stands in the footballing pyramid, it matters. And I mean, really matters.
All of which makes it doubly difficult when trying to rationalise why we so desperately want our team to win every single game it plays, yet we (or at least some of us) actively dread the prize on offer if we win enough or too many games.
A club that’s ill-equipped to handle the big prize on offer if it’s successful is a little difficult to throw your whole weight behind, yet we do so unconditionally.
No wonder we’re such a stroppy, highly-strung, and befuddled bunch 🙂
But, it has to be said, the off-field uncertainty and lukewarm summer transfer window – lukewarm only compared to the one we were promised – has had little bearing on what’s happened on the grass, with the pre-season completed minus any obvious disasters or defeats.
That, of course, means absolutely nothing if we proceed to stink the place out against Hull – am fairly sure David Wagner would settle for seven friendly defeats out of seven if it meant an opening-day win – but given how this group (minus the new players) had forgotten how to win a game of football, for once a win or two in pre-season did feel important.
As well as there being plenty of technical ineptitude, the Class of 2023 badly lacked heart and cajones, so the arrival, in particular, of Messrs Duffy and Barnes made perfect sense. That both have figured heavily in the starting XI as game time approaches has to be a positive as both form part of that once-brittle spine.
Credit: Norwich City FC.
If both can help engender a positive mentality around this group, one befitting of a Championship side with playoff aspirations, then that in itself will be a sizeable step up from where we were in May.
In fairness, both Jack Stacey and Christian Fassnacht also appear the types who will add to the positive mindset of the group, and so in terms of those who have entered the building, there’s been little to moan about. 🙂
The only complaints have been around numbers and the fact we were promised a massive refresh rather than a few additions but, as we know, this was predicated on the basis of one, two, or three of our most saleable assets being sold for sizeable sums.
Of the three said assets – Max Aarons, Andrew Omobamidele, and Milot Rashica – only Omobamidele has featured so far, and while Aarons is a famously trouble-free character, the presence of a brooding, scowling Rashica, who clearly would rather be anywhere other than Norwich, helps no-one.
In the case of Omobamidele, the injury to Jonathan Tompkinson and the absence of Grant Hanley until 2024, makes any sale tricky. We’ve been caught too many times short of centre-back options when injury strikes, and so whoever’s currently in charge of transfer strategy will I’m sure be acutely aware of the consequences of a sale without an adequate replacement.
Also, if the notoriously unreliable rumour mill is to be believed, the club has not exactly been swept off its feet with offers for the young Irishman. Neither, come to that, has there been a deluge of offers for Aarons and Rashica.
So, despite previously having had a good whinge about Stuart Webber and his broken promise of big changes that clearly haven’t happened, I have some sympathy for the Club. In a nutshell, it has zero funds to play with if no one of value departs.
And let’s not, for now, revisit why we operate on such a shoestring. We all know why.
On a positive note, those who have arrived all appear, on the face of it, to have made us physically stronger, a bit more resilient, and, dare I say it, a little more solid.
I accept that taking such a leap of faith based on friendlies alone is dangerous territory – I was excited by the signings of Marley Watkins and Ben Marshall – but the four aforementioned newbies appear to be dependable rather than sexy signings and so, for that reason, appear relatively low risk.
The wildcard is Borja Sainz – the relative unknown who we hope will have a small sliver of Emi Buendia about him – but to find out if he’s going to be a little bit Emi or a little bit Sinani, we’ll sadly have to wait until October (at the earliest).
Unlike the other four, he has an element of the unknown – for us and also our opponents – and that offers a tinge of excitement that you don’t necessarily get through signing grizzled veterans and/or steady Eddies.
As ever when you’re a City supporter, significant chunks of patience are required. Hopefully, when young Master Sainz kicks a ball in anger it will be worth the wait.
But, a slow churn of players and injuries aside, it does at least feel like Wagner’s current group is good to go and that, on this occasion, any opening-day catastrophes won’t be down to them being under-cooked.
It looks and feels like they’re ready and that the double (and triple) sessions have at least delivered us a squad that is considerably fitter and more durable than the shower that finished 2022-23.
If pushed for a prediction, my answer would be the Championship is the Championship (yes, I know) and almost anything can happen, but both my head and my heart are telling me the same thing: that mid-table anonymity beckons.
I’ll go for twelfth – not threatening the serious playoff contenders but also steering just clear of any relegation nightmares – with the huge caveat that my predictions are notoriously terrible.
Also well worth noting is that the starting XI on any given opening day is rarely one that endures. Even if there aren’t any permanent new signings through the door, we’re told by those who know to expect a Premier League loanee or two to join us before the window closes.
As ever, time will tell.
C’mon lads. Time to deliver.
OTBC.
***
Please let us know your City prediction in the comments below.
Sums it up really well.
I would say that our 1 to 11 is as good as any in the league, its just below that when I see us struggling.
The squad is not strong or balanced enough and I think everyone at the club knows this but our hands are tied without departures.
It’s said that Wagner likes a smaller squad even after last seasons disaster, surely we cannot play two up front with only three in the squad.
Here we go again, hoping for a good injury free season.
Still some time left in the transfer window to ship out a couple. As you rightly pointed out expect ‘ins’ will now be from the loan market. On a positive note, Sargent is now getting the chance to play in his preferred position, Sara is looking good….well he was against Olympiakos from my seat. Most importantly for me is that the team seems to have a better shape, with players knowing what is expected of them. Finally Duffy puts a smile on my face, just watching him ‘row Z’ a ball gives me confidence we at least have a solid no nonsense anchor in the defence, plus a forward who likes to get in people’s faces and unsettle players….and referees!
The bookies predict 8th this season, with Leicester and Southampton walking it! ( So maybe Southampton wouldn’t be such an unlikely destination for Max !)
Fair comment, Bruce. I initially scoffed as the prospect of selling Max to a rival but, as you say, from his perspective, it does possibly offer him a route back to the PL.
We have history selling players to Southampton and they all had good careers
Ron Davies
Ted MAC
Phil Bowyer
Redmond
So could be a good move
Don’t get the pessimism. With 6 new players in plus the promising Kellen Fisher to replace Pukki, Dowell, Byram (did he play at all last season), McGovern and the two loanees who contributed little, there is a rebuild taking place. Most new players have had a full preseason and look ready to go.
Our dour finish last season had more to do with the injuries to McLean, Hanley and Gibson before the final 10 games than a season long failure. We were left with the youngest team put out this century. Stronger, experienced and fitter now, there are reasons for reasonable optimism but it will be a tough league. I’ll go for 5th-6th.
Morning Rick I really agree with all you have said and am looking forward to a positive season.
Good comment, Rick. Hard to disagree with that!
I’ll re-appraise my 12th to 9th 😀
Yes I agree, I do feel we are light weight in the CB position and would also like a strong CDM who puts himself about. I do like the look of young J Rowe and hope he does get his chance, Someone who looks like he can make things happen. On paper we have a strong 14/15 players but do need a couple more. Also if Duffy down the line gets injured, sorry but back to square one if we have to rely on Gibson & Hanley! Just not reliable enough. Any way here we go again , seat belts on and am going glass half full prediction of around a 8th position finish.
The point about Rowe is a good one. As Wagner says, he’s like a new player coming in after his injury, young and hungry. Springett has also developed since his loan and combines well with Stacey and Fisher. Then there’s Gibbs who is looking mature in midfield but is only 20. All the better, as we took him off Ipswich.
Morning Gary, if Aaron’s and Omibamideli do not leave in this window would you regard that as positive or negative. If they where both sold which position’s would you strengthen with funds raised. I am predicting a top six place this season.
Morning Delfie. Good question that.
If Omobamidele leaves, that leaves a big old hole unless they’re able to replace him with a centre-back of similar quality. With the arrival of Stacey and the emergence of Fisher, we look well covered at right-back.
So, the answer is both positive and negative 🙂
In terms of how I’d use the funds… a rock solid, dependable partner to Sara in the centre of the pitch (one who can also pass) would be my preference.
You?
I’m with you on the midfield enforcer allowing Sara the freedom to create.
Haven’t we just signed a CB from Ireland a 19yr old that West Ham saw as a potential replacement for Declan Rice – one comment said he’s ready for a big future and could be a surprise first team choice.
Like Omobamidele and Idah, he’s played Gaelic football, so the rough stuff shouldn’t worry him.
Maybe Andy O leaving creates another slot for an old school CB as we ain’t going to be playing out from the back in quite the same way as before!
We still lack an enforcer who bites ankles in midfield.
Did Alex Tettey leave any love children around the city?
I’m with Rick, I really don’t get the pessimism and feel it comes from preconceived notions. (e.g. “operate on a shoestring,” when the reality is our wages bill last year will have been one of the highest in the division.)
The reality is that we will have one of the better squads in the division this season and seem to have added some much-needed steel. As ever, confidence will be important, so let’s hope that they get off to a good start and the fans stay behind the team if we don’t.
Good comment, Dave. Fair points.
Two areas I feel we are short
Change of style striker, we have 3 big fit lads, where is our poacher/speedster?
A number 10 flair dribbling take people on type. Maybe it’s Rowe, maybe it’s Sainz.
Also I’m a little sad things haven’t worked out for Tzolis, the reports came back saying he looked in top shape so I was hopeful he was turning the corner thanks to a new mindset and more effort, alas no.
The new Swiss lad is a poacher by all accounts
Fassnacht is a poacher
Oh to turn the clock back and take £25 million for Omabamidele in January if such a bid existed- suppose Webber gambled he would have got us into the playoffs and maintained / appreciated in value
Oh to go back to transfer Windows past with the benefit of hindsight and not blown £50 million on Giannoulis, Gibson, Rashica, Tzolis and the loan fees
I‘m going to be optimistic and put us about 6/8th, a brief and glorious cup run, and a draw plus a win against the Binners.
I think we will surprise a few people this season. I was really impressed by the Olympiacos performance. I know you read too much into pre-seasons games, but at times I thought it was the best we have played for a long time. I had a pre-season bet with Sky Bet for Norwich each way to win the Championship. They were 14-1 at the time. They are now 4-1. The bookies are no mugs. Honestly though, I have no idea why Ipswich are so fancied, Rivalries aside, it is a big step up to the Championship.
Some nice positivity there, Steve.
Cheers for the comment.
I’m genuinely hopeful that we can challenge for the top spots this year, and that’s for four main reasons:
(1) we’ve had a proper (and reasonably successful) pre-season setting up the squad with clear instructions, set up and fitness (arguably that’s why Mumba has gone as he didn’t fit with the tactics),
(2) the youngsters have had another year’s experience – they are more developed than they were in August ’22 (and are more settled into Norfolk life – Sara, Nunez) and in some cases (Rowe and Placheta) are almost new signings (stress on “almost”) – there are a lot who can really kick on
(3) we are more of a team with some big voices (lots of shouting from the new signings on the pitch), players who seem to have bonded, and some steel throughout (not just relying on Grant and Kenny to run through walls…).
(4) The legend that is Teemu is no longer here, but he cast a fair shadow on Sargent for one – now Sarge can play the way that suits him rather than playing Team’s foil, is not distracted (and/or jaded) by the World Cup, and has taken the responsibility on himself.
There are lots of caveats, but the biggest one is just who we get in on loan, are they the right temperament, do they plug gaps or just keep our youngsters out of the team, what are the terms of the deal (do they have to play). We have got loans so badly wrong for so long (since Skipp), I’d prefer that we just didn’t get any loan players.
The transfer deadline is still a month away so we could see some outgoings and money spent on replacements. The coaching staff has changed and, if you take the friendly seriously, to good effect. Who would have thought, after selling Madison and bringing in some cheap buys,that we would have done as well? Young players came in during the season that we didn’t think would be anywhere near the first team. The fact that Sara is still here is a great bonus, Rowe has improved so much and Duffy looks a great addition.
I’m more enthusiastic than I was last season when we kept Smith. The thing that’s going to go against us like it does every season is injuries.In that season under Farke we could bring a young player to cover, now we want to loan them out.
I’m with Rick, Dave and Steve.
The playoff final date is already in my diary.
You surprise me, Stew 😀
Yes Stew, you surprise me too 🙂
But I’m with the Boss here. I was 13th until Fassnacht arrived, Max’s situation became resolved and Christopher Riches suggested 9th would mean a cheeky tilt at a. late play-off push.
So it’s a cheerful 9th for me!
I’ll make a prediction after ten games , by then the team might have settled and the loanees will have arrived.
It’s a deal, Bernie!
A big change in style/direction this year for NCFC. Way more Championship staple than buccaneering mavericks. No need for a creative player, just get it in the mixer!!!
Hi Gary.
Saturday is a free hit for Wagner in as much as it’s an away game and the hardy away supporters will give them a rousing support unless we get battered and sent home like a rollmop herring.
The first home game will be the acid test and Wagner really needs a home win to get the supporters behind this new look squad.
Newcastle released Hayden (now injury free) after we sent him back. They also released the much-maligned Hendricks who had a good Loan at Reading last season. Maybe either could add to our midfield and experience.
Like others, I will hope for a top six finish with the Bluenoses scrapping a bottom six finish – too much expected of them after a prolonged time in League 1.
Duffy has said previously that he looks to get his old partnership with Hanley going from their Blackburn days, so lots of possible positives. October should give us all a clearer picture.
Unless I’m badly mistaken, we’re at home on Saturday, mate.
Yeah you’re right it was all the stuff that the Hull Manager Liam R was saying about being ready for cities visit.
Will not blame it on old age.
But the thought process for this home game still applies in most ways Wagner needs a good start 🤣🤣🤣
Haha… you’re absolved, Alex. 😀
Bu you’re right… he does indeed need a good start. Badly.
The way things went last season, most games were like away games can be … I think, and hope, we will do much better this season and it only takes a run of good results to start a really good new habit for us.
Happy with who we’ve got, but I still believe we need one more striker to add to the constant threat for our opponents.
COYYs !!
We seem reliant on transfer activity from the Premier League, which (as always) seems to lag behind our desires for certainty.
I do wonder (with little basis in facts), whether Max has an interest in moving abroad – he can sign a pre-contract in January and leave for nothing next Summer. The Big Turkish teams seem the only suitors for Milot, while Big Andy may still be a bit raw for the Prem (now we are no longer in the January Mad Window)
I’m also in the camp of wondering if we are better off without these young loanees. We have more than enough youth in our squad, without helping the big boys blood some untried talent – perhaps Duffy, Stracey, or Barnes could ring round some of their mates who lack game time and persuade an experienced DM to give us a season on loan?
I’ll take your revised 9th place Gary, with a side order of a late push for the play-offs being on the cards 😉
I was hoping that maybe some unnamed Saudi club might take a gamble they seem to be sweeping up anyone that’s possible available and Webber might receive double the money he paid for him.
😂
That, my friend, is wishful thinking, but I like your style!
The Saudis seem to like a more proven player though.
Newcastle finally secured the Southampton RB for £32m and £8m of add ons.
Southampton might now send an offer for Aarons not sure what that offer will be maybe £15m plus add ons ??
No idea where we will finish. Just seen on the Pinkun that Tzolis is off on loan to Fortuna Düsseldorf. 2. Bundesliga. And Düsseldorf have an option to buy……..
CT’s City career may well be over before it really began…….
So much for Wagner pushing hard to bring him back from his Dutch loan last season to give him game time at city.
Will this be another big revenue stream lost.
We released Byram who’s starting to prove he just might have got over his injuries and looks who will benefit the Loiners of Leeds
If we finish twelfth then that has been a disastrous window.
I’m back on the wagon again as a result of the new kids on the block, feeling positive and hopeful for the play offs.
Really looking forward to taking my seat tomorrow on what looks like a very wet afternoon.
Trusting all else is well Gary.
I’d love to be more positive but I’ve seen nothing in preseason that has made me think we will find it any easier to score goals than we did last season. Defensively we appear more resilient but I don’t think any opponents put us under anything approaching championship pressure. Perhaps the sprinkling of fairy dust is still to arrive or be seen. Would be more than happy to be wrong.
I think we’ve done OK bringing more experience and resilience into the squad.
I think we will be hovering beneath the playoffs.
Picking up on a comment above about Premier League loans, players from that source in recent times haven’t exactly set the world alight. Skipp was the stand out. I’d be inclined to ensure our young players get some chances, like we used to back in the day.
One absolute must is the double over the binners…