Now that the glitter and confetti from Wembley have been swept away, it’s time to think realistically about the players fit for Premier League football, whether currently on payroll or not. Here are a few bullet points by position on the road to life in the first tier…
Goalkeeping
1) There’s no point questioning John Ruddy’s spot with the club, as long as manager Alex Neil doesn’t receive a transfer fee hefty enough to unload the former England call-up.
2) The real concern is the second-string keeper, assuming it’s Declan Rudd. While Rudd has been Norwich’s backup throughout the 2014/15 season, the club has parted ways with former Premier League goalkeeper, Mark Bunn.
3) Clearly it’s Neil’s decision about Rudd’s potential in the event that Ruddy gets injury for an extended spell, again
4) Perhaps an older, veteran would mold into the role. And no, Carlo Nash, the man as nimble as a wooden plank, would not fit the billing.
Defence
1) The back line is City’s main target for incoming transfers. With Javier Garrido and Carlos Cuellar leaving the club, plus Michael Turner’s uncertainty, expect CEO David McNally to write some checks for new talent.
2) The right-back situation is murky too. Stephen Whittaker was fabulous under Neil’s appointment, but will he stack up to Premier League caliber? Perhaps Russell Martin slides over. If not, someone else will slide in.
3) Sebastien Bassong’s spot is secure. The Cameroon-international has been the solid rock in Norwich’s trembling foundation. Even if Martin or Turner accompany him, another signing should be introduced.
4) Ignasi Miquel and Ryan Bennett have been unproven, but fixtures with Manchester United and Chelsea are hardly the times to find out their worth.
Midfield
1) City’s bright spot—not to say it can’t be polished. Keeping Nathan Redmond will be crucial. Just as crucial will be another winger’s introduction. Elliot Bennett would be a solid backup, but his medical records aren’t worth gambling on his a full campaign with him.
2) The permanent signature of Graham Dorrans from West Bromwich Albion was the perfect start to the summer. While it wasn’t a flashy signing, it was a reliable one, with Dorrans already showing his potential during his loan spell. Dorrans, Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson all have CVs worthy of Premier League appearances.
3) Alex Tettey was kept out of that group solely because of his positioning on the pitch: lining up as the lone holding mid in Neil’s 4-1-4-1. The Norwegian has been one of the most reliable players in the squad consistently, but it wouldn’t be harmful if management brought in competition.
4) Perhaps Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe can offer as much, but it hasn’t been seen. It’s fitting to say the Belgian’s rookie season with the club was borderline horrific, with him out injured most of the year. There just isn’t enough evidence to estimate his value.
5) Wes Hoolahan has shown how lethal he can be on attacks. The little Irishmen, despite his constant transfer rumours every window, has been one of City’s best creators on an attack. It’s as if he can find the metaphorical pot of gold, even if there’s no rainbow. But he’s ageing. It’s time for a spare attacking man. Sadly, Tony Andreu doesn’t seem to be that person.
Forwards
1) Here’s the tricky section. It’s too early to predict Norwich’s plans for the Premier League when plans for returning loans haven’t been cemented. Some supporters want record-signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel back in the line up; some disagree. Others want to see Kyle Lafferty again; he also has his doubters. The one thing for sure is Neil’s patience to see what both offer to the squad before he signs another striker.
2) But Gary Hooper’s place in yellow and green may also be in jeopardy. If the recent reports of Manchester City’s John Guidetti are true, that means a player similar to Hooper would be introduced. It’s hard to imagine both seeing the pitch.
3) Lewis Grabban and Cameron Jerome are favourites with Neil. Yet both are questionable entering first-tier football. Cameron, a former EPL journeyman, is coming off his best season ever, but he’s returning to a league he struggled in. Grabban hasn’t played with the lion patches on his sleeves yet. At least van Wolfswinkel and Hooper have offered that. But it’s not like they penned themselves in Norwich folklore, either.
