Premiership Preview: Norwich City



Will Holt be able to replicate his form this season?



This time two years ago Norwich found themselves facing life in the third tier of English football for the first time since the 1959-60 season. Following a 7-1 loss to East Anglian rivals Colchester United on the opening day of the season, the Canaries board made the inspired managerial appointment of Paul Lambert. Under his tutelage City have won back-to-back promotions catapulting the club into the upcoming Premiership season. Norwich, who finished 3^rd in the inaugural Premier League, will be looking to improve upon their last top tier jaunt - despite taking 4 points from Manchester United, a last day 6-0 defeat at Fulham condemned them to relegation when a draw would have ensured survival. 

Paul Lambert’s approach has been to look for players who could be considered big fish in small ponds to build a capable and determined side. Indeed, no league club scored as many goals after the 85^th minute mark. Despite having already been busy this transfer window, Lambert looks like won’t be changing this transfer policy. 

Goalkeeper

First choice between the sticks for the Canaries last season was the former-Evertonian John Ruddy who grew into his gloves as the season progressed. Behind him in the pecking line (no pun intended), is the 20 year old Declan Rudd. The Norfolk-born keeper is a young talent having been a regular for every England youth team from U16s to U20s. Despite Ruddy finishing strongly last season, City have been linked with Fraser Forster, the Goliath-sized goalkeeper impressed many at Carrow Road during a loan spell with the club two seasons ago and coped expertly when handed the Celtic shirt throughout the Scottish clubs last campaign. 

Defence

Whilst Zak Whitbread, Leon Barnett and Elliott Ward are all capable centre-backs, none have faced a stern Premiership test; the acquisition of Manchester United’s Richie De Laet on loan is a useful signing but hardly adds experience. The fullback position perhaps looks a little brighter, Adam Drury was the first choice left-back when the club were last in the Premiership, whilst Russell Martin was a revelation last season in the Championship. The Brighton-born right-back’s willingness to run up and down the flank lead to him being nicknamed ‘the Norfolk Cafu’ last campaign; a campaign that culminated in him receiving his first Scotland cap. 

Midfield

A midfield diamond built upon the solid base of Andrew Crofts and featuring Wes Hoolahan at its tip has worked well for Norwich under Lambert. Whilst the club can’t rely on Henri Lansbury’s contribution anymore after his return to Arsenal, the signature of Eliot Bennett and reported interest in Huddersfield’s Anthony Pilkington mean that a level of width and pace has been added to this midfield. 

Strikers

In captain Grant Holt the Canaries have a forward who will be capable of making himself a handful for all but the very best of defenders. Willing to work hard for the team, his size hides a surprisingly fit and busy motor. Canadian striker came into his own towards the end of last season, scoring a late hat trick at Scunthorpe followed by the promotion-clinching winner against Portsmouth. The step up a division possibly proved a little much for the young Chris Martin which is presumably why Lambert has signed Welsh forward Steve Morrison from Millwall and Everton’s James Vaughn; the latter is the Premier League’s youngest ever scorer and if he can stay fit he could prove a valuable asset.

Whilst this is an inexperienced squad, the criticisms levelled at them are largely the same as those aimed at Blackpool. Whilst Norwich have a side comparable with the Blackpool side that emerged into the Premiership, however it seems that they're pragmatic contractual approach to sqaudbuilding means that if were they to get relegated at the end of this campaign, the squad could remain unchanged. Blackpool, let's not forget, were only relegated once teams had figured out how to stifle their attack leading to a disappearance in form as the season progressed. A pragmatic approach later in the season could see Norwich survive. Like any promoted side, anything better than survival will be seen as a bonus.

Jim