Bryan Gunn Sees Both Sides of Norwich City

Bryan Gunn has made a solid start to life as the man in the hot seat at Carrow Road. Bryan started his managerial career with a 4-0 win over Barnsley and followed that up with a 2-2 draw against Southampton. Gunn has also set up a strong management team, which includes former Norwich players Ian Crook and John Deehan. Gunn is also expected to add Ian Butterworth, as his new Assistant Manager before the end of the week.

The next few days will focus Bryan Gunn's attention on two essential issues. The first of which will be Norwich's next game against Doncaster Rovers. On that issue, look out for my next article, which will be a Norwich City V Doncaster Rovers match preview. The second issue will be the transfer window, which is set to slam shut at 5 PM on Monday, 2 January 2009. That is the deadline Gunn has to secure any permanent signings. After the window closes there is still the possibility of bringing free transfers in and loan signings. Although Norwich must wait seven days after the closure of the window until further loan signings can be completed.

As of today, at around 5 PM Bryan Gunn announced his first signing. The player in question is Sheffield United's David Carney. It is believed that Ian Crook had a significant role in persuading Carney to choose Norwich over a host of other clubs. The full Australian international has joined Norwich on loan for the rest of the season. He has also worked with Ian Crook before, when he had a brief spell with FC Sydney. Carney is predominantly a left winger, but it remains to be seen how he will be used at Norwich, bearing in mind Hoolahan is currently playing on the left. It remains a possibility that Carney might be used in central midfield.

Another player, who is expected to sign for Norwich City within the next few days, is Cardiff defender Darren Purse. Purse has been told he is surplus to requirements at Cardiff but he may not be allowed to leave before Cardiff can find a replacement. However, he was spotted at the game against Southampton, which may suggest a fee has already been agreed. The other position that must be filled is at least one more striker. It is expected at least one forward, will arrive at the club before Monday's deadline.

Managing Norwich City has to be one of the toughest jobs in football at the moment. The secret to keeping Norwich in the Championship may be being tough to beat. Therefore, a win and a draw is a decent result from Gunn's first two games in charge. If Gunn can follow that up with a win against Doncaster then he will have made a very good start. One thing I will say is the football has been played quickly and incisively with a delightful blend of passing and more direct football. I feel this is the way forward for Norwich. Unfortunately, what is also clear is Norwich still has defensive frailties and at times the inability to close games out.

I conclude that if Bryan Gunn can continue to get the best out his current players and also bring in some quality signings then the future should be bright. There is no reason why Norwich shouldn't stay up this season. Signings like Purse and Carney should help that no end and with more good signings in the summer then Norwich will hopefully have a brighter campaign next season.