The 2015 Championship Play-Off Final will live long in the memories of every Norwich City fan, a proud time to support the Yellow Army. However, as soon as the final whistle blew at the national stadium to secure Norwich’s Premier League status once again, fans knew that City needed to strengthen to maximise their chances of Premier League survival.
GOALKEEPER VERDICT: SOUND
The goalkeeping department at Norwich is already very strong, with one time England international John Ruddy and promising up and coming goalkeeper Declan Rudd already showing promising potential. Ruddy experienced a mixed season between the sticks last season, letting in arguably makeable saves. However, he pulled of some terrific saves in Norwich’s promotion winning season and gained us some valuable points throughout the campaign. Declan Rudd has also got top flight experience for Norwich, which could come in handy for 2015-16, which is impressive as he regularly plays second fiddle to Ruddy. In the worst-case scenario, we may need one more goalkeeper, someone who would be happy not being the starter. Maybe someone like Leicester’s Ben Hamer? Overall, though, we are fine in this position
DEFENCE VERDICT: NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
The main defensive position I think we need to focus on is at right-back. With Steven Whittaker as the club’s only out-and-out right-back, Norwich need to be stable here to prevent goals from world class attackers. Whittaker, who made some fans angry by his inconsistent performances last season, may be outnumbered in the Premier League and will need support in order to play at his best next season. We definitely need improvement, with someone like Spurs’ DeAndre Yedlin fitting the bill perfectly. In regards to centre-halfs, we could do with another experienced face, with all of our main central defenders already having bags of Premier League experience. Looking further afield may be beneficial here, with the likes of Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk bringing experience in Europe and getting a feel for Britain already with the Scottish Premier League champions. We could be okay in the left-back department, with Martin Olsson, Harry Toffolo and Ignasi Miguel all able to play in this position. They are all young and promising, with ability to grow into quality players. Overall in defence though, I think improvements are needed to help us retain our Premier League status.
MIDFIELD VERDICT: NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
I personally think that the two flanks need the most improvement. The Murphys are young and will grow into stars, but for now we need ruthless wingers who are willing to attack and have a vast amount of Premier League experience to help maximise our chances of survival. Players like Nathan Redmond and Elliott Bennett already bring quality and experience to the side, and adding players like Hull’s Robbie Brady would be a bonus. Brady would fit the bill perfectly too, as his versatility allows him to play either side and behind the striker. As we are lacking another attacking midfielder, he would be ideal. Norwich’s central midfield is already strong, with players such as Graham Dorrans, Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson and others providing that crucial experience. The summer signing of Youssouf Mulumbu will contribute massively to helping secure top flight status, with the DR Congo international spending five years in the Premier League with West Brom. As I said earlier, we are lacking with a playmaker to play behind the striker, and that’s why I think Robbie Brady would be the perfect fit, with only Wes Hoolahan and Tony Andreu capable to play in that position. It is because of this that I have said that the midfield needs improvement.
ATTACK VERDICT: NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
I only think we should invest in new strikers if we can sell some of our current ones. At the minute, our strike force consists of Gary Hooper, Cameron Jerome, Lewis Grabban, Kyle Lafferty, Jamar Loza and Ricky van Wolfswinkel, which could be considered as too many by some people. It would be beneficial if we sent Jamar Loza out on loan to gain crucial experience at Football League level. From there on in, if we sign strikers we should also sell because too many strikers would make it almost impossible to give everyone a fair chance of appearances. A striker with top flight experience who can score goals at this level would be handy, with maybe someone like Rickie Lambert joining City, as it was our inability to score goals last time in the Premier League. SEASON VERDICT: SAFE. I am positive about this season. Looking at our opening fixtures, it’s a real chance for us to start well and to put valuable points on the table. If we get off to a good start then there is no reason why we can’t stay in the Premier League in 2016-17. Of course new signings will greatly contribute, but I think we have a team with ability and determination to succeed, with experienced players and a top class manager.
The future can be bright for the Canaries
