Today Norwich City FC released the squad numbers ahead of the upcoming 2015-16 Barclays Premier League season. They are as follows…
- 1) John Ruddy
- 2) Steven Whittaker
- 3) Andre Wisdom
- 4) Bradley Johnson
- 5) Russell Martin
- 6) Sebastien Bassong
- 7) Lewis Grabban
- 8) Jonny Howson
- 10) Cameron Jerome
- 11) Gary Hooper
- 12) Robbie Brady
- 13) Declan Rudd
- 14) Wes Hoolahan
- 15) Harry Toffolo
- 17) Elliott Bennett
- 18) Graham Dorrans
- 19) Kyle Lafferty
- 20) Tony Andreu
- 21) Youssouf Mulumbu
- 22) Nathan Redmond
- 23) Martin Olsson
- 24) Ryan Bennett
- 26) Michael Turner
- 27) Alex Tettey
- 28) Gary O’Neil
- 29) Ricky van Wolfswinkel
- 31) Jake Kean
- 32) Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe
There are a few notable points to be made regarding the kit numbers, for example the fact Norwich City have freed up the number 9 shirt. This implies that another striker could walk through the door before the window slams shut on the 1st September.
Another thing that stands out is Bassong claiming the number 6 shirt. This shows that he is clearly a big part of Alex Neil’s plans.
There are a few squad players who are missing from this list; the likes of the Murphy twins, Louis Thompson and Jamar Loza. This could mean that they frequently appear in the under 21s, or that they are set to be sent out on season-long loans. Meanwhile, Harry Toffolo has been given the number 15 shirt, revealing that he has been deemed capable after his loan spell at Swindon Town last season. Most fans would agree that his performances in pre-season warrant such a move – few thought he looked out-of-place.
Number changes for van Wolfswinkel (20>29) and Lafferty (9>19) suggest that they will both be departing. They were loaned out last season to St Etienne and Caykur Rizespor respectively, thus suggesting that their time at Norwich has come to and end. Despite the Dutchman having been involved in preseason, he still remains far down the pecking order and his number change reflects just that. While a move back to Sporting Lisbon now looks unlikely, it is probable that he will depart Norwich City before the end of the window.
