Premier League season, 2021 / 2022

The average age of that defence was just under 22 compared with over 26 now. The other major differences were Trybull in midfield and Stieperman behind Pukki, whereas it's likely to be Skipp or Sørensen and Dowell now, pending any players leaving or new players coming in. Lewis being replaced by Giannoulis is the other big change, but there's also the fact that those who remain now have experience of the PL.

 

Interesting analysis of Melvin Sitti, who we paid £3m for but hasn't yet found a first team role:

https://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/2021/05/15/the-curious-tale-of-melvin-sitti/

 

Did we really pay that much? I’m not sure I believe that

 

According to my records, Rob: £3m for Sitti, £3.75m for McCallum, and £2m for Sørensen, Placheta and Dowell. Mumba cost a mere £350k.

 

Reading between the lines, it may be that Sitti's defensive skills could be what's holding him back. A big part of our defensive improvement this season has come from McLean and Skipp sharing defensive responsibilities and providing cover for the FBs when they go up the pitch. Sitti's strengths seem to be dribbling and passing rather than defensive skills, as the article suggests. It's surprising that we paid so much for him if that's the case, but it may be that the signing was made before DF's shift in tactical emphasis. Much may depend on whether he can adapt his play to our current tactics, although Transfermarkt describes him as a CM who can also play as a DM or AM.

 

Three quite lengthy, in depth looks at areas we may need to improve for next season - together with suggested leftfield options for those roles. Lots of xG nonsense quoted, too but interesting reading.

https://byag.medium.com/transfer-targets-pt-1-the-defense-1019612df0b4

https://byag.medium.com/transfer-targets-pt-2-midfield-e0b2493af9ce

https://byag.medium.com/transfer-targets-pt-3-the-attack-5e9accd629a1

 

Excellent detailed analysis of many players unknown to me. I was especially drawn to the two players from Kawasaki Frontale, who to my mind would appear to be ideal DF players. The writer has extensive encyclopedic knowledge of all the world's leagues it would seem.

 

Re: Skipp, I wonder if Kane wanting away will change the dynamic of him giving us a second season. We might look a much more interesting proposition next season than a Spurs minus their most Spursy player. Skipp might look at Norwich and think there is a better challenge with them (and in a team that he will get game time in) than one that is likely to undergo a huge upheaval if Kane does indeed leave.

 

I heard Kane wants to go to Norwich because he will win a trophy in 2023 ;-)

 

He was rubbish when he was here before.

 

Yeah, the last thing we need is another injury prone player!

 

He'd be good competition for Pukki.

 

This rumour has the look of SW recruitment about it:

https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwich-city/bosnia-midfielder-claimed-to-be-city-summer-target-7983986

Yet another CM who can also play as a DM or AM, but more tenacious than flair it seems.

 

Yeah he looks quite tall as well?

 

Just under 6'2".

 

Looks like some branding changes planned at NCFC. Kneejerk panic is we're getting a new badge. Cue comparisons with Leeds Badgegate.





It's natural to resist change and I don't think our badge necessarily needs a refresh but i'd be very interested to see some ideas. The 3rd kit this year with the amended badge could be part of the strategy to start introducing some change.

 

I like the badge as it is, but it could be replaced with a yellow and green Delia cartoon

 

I have been meaning to put this information on here for some time. forgive me if you already know about it but I have never seen it mentioned on here. Type :- wikepedia, list of Norwich city seasons ( also players, managers, hall of fame inductees etc } and there is a mass of information about our club to be had. Happy browsing for those who have never accessed this treasure trove of data.

 

Some good news about Rupp:

https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/canaries-lukas-rupp-premier-league-fitness-boost-7990654

Just as well with our depleted midfield and the worries about McLean's injury.

Edit: Good news about Gibson as well:

https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwi...njury-recovery-from-canaries-defender-7992994