Norwich City Season Preview

The new players

Ryan Bertrand is a player we all know and promises to have another good season he joins initially on a six month loan, but is expected to stay for the season. As we know he can play at left back or on the left wing and does both jobs equally well. He likes to get forward and has enough pace to get back quickly as well. I predict a strong season for him.

Arturo Lupoli is a name we all know as he was part of Arsenal's squad not so long ago. Roeder has already told the fans he is here to entertain and who am I to argue with that. He is sure to be exciting and score some cracking goals. The good news is he is here on season long loan from Fiorentina.

David Bell is a right winger who can also play in centre midfield. He arrives from Luton for about 600,000. Out injured for the start of the season, but he is expected to challenge Lee Croft on the right side of midfield. Last season he was on loan at Leicester and impressed many people. He also impressed for Luton against Liverpool in the League Cup. Time will tell how good he is, but this could be one of the deals of the summer.

Wes Hoolahan is an Irish international who was hugely impressive for Blackpool last season. He is the player that has come in to fill Darren Huckerby's shoes. Wes is not blessed with great pace, but an ability to move the ball quickly and get out of very tight spaces. He is also a player who plays with his brain and is more likely to play a precise chipped pass into the box than an aimless cross. The sort of player that will suit Jamie Cureton. I have a really good feeling about this one and feel he will be the buy of the season.

OJ Koroma is on loan from Portsmouth for the season having just signed for the Premiership club. He is a bit of an unknown, but has raw talent and could be one to watch.

John Kennedy is on loan from Celtic and looking to rebuild his career after a nightmare with injuries. He is a strong right footed centre half who has played for Celtic and Scotland. If he stays fit he can play a key role in rebuilding City's leaky defence.

Dejan Stefanovic signed from Fulham and is a left footed centre half that has bags of top flight and international experience. He also brings great leadership qualities and looks a great bit of business.

Elliott Omozusi joins on loan from Fulham and mainly plays as a right back. Somewhat of an unknown, but is seen as a player to watch at Fulham and has been likened to Ashley Cole due to a similar style of play.

Sammy Clinghan is a Northern Ireland international centre midfield player and was seen as the driving force in the Nottingham Forest midfield last season. He is seen as a player who rarely gives possession away and looks to play simple passes to the flair players in the side.

Stuart Nelson is the no 2 goalkeeper who has signed a one year deal. Stuart signed for Norwich after being on trial.

Troy Archibald Henville comes to the club on a short term loan deal. It's a signing that has really come in to cover for Gary Doherty's injury. Troy is 6'2, 19 years of age and the captain of the Spurs reserve team.

Squad

David Marshall

Gary Doherty

Wes Hoolahan

OJ Komroma

Stuart Nelson

John Kennedy

Matty Pattison

Jamie Cureton

Declan Rudd

Dejan Stefanovic

Darell Russell

Arturo Lupoli

Jason Shackell

Mark Fotheringham

Ryan Bertrand

David Bell

Jon Ostsembor

Sammy Clinghan

Adam Drury

Lee Croft

Elliott Omuzusi

Luke Chadwick

Troy Archibald Henville

The squad is looking good with 11 new players in so far with two more to come before the transfer window slams shut on August 31^st. Before the summer the big talking points were over Darren Huckerby and Dion Dublin. Roeder made the decision to release Huckerby and he has already scored two goals since signing for MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes. Dion Dublin made the decision to retire to the Sky Sports studios and all Norwich City fans look forward to seeing him this season. Roeder faced a tough task replacing these two. The replacement for Huckerby is in the building in the shape of Wes Hoolahan. It would appear the replacement for Dion is not yet here, but a target man will be the next man to arrive.

My squad list doesn't include everyone as I have omitted Spillane, Martin, Lappin, Smith, Lathorpe, Renton, Steer and any other youngsters. The reason is clear Roeder doesn't fancy Lappin and he will leave before August is out and at the time of writing Martin and Spillane have joined Luton on loan for the season. The other youngsters I just don't expect them to be involved they will be sent on loan or playing in the reserves.

Team for Coventry (4-4-2)

Marshall

Bertrand Stefanovic Kennedy Omuzusi

Hoolahan Fotheringham Rusty Croft

Lupoli Cureton

Subs

Nelson (GK)

Shackell

Clinghan

Chadwick

Komroma

Glenn Roeder has a few injury problems with Doherty out for three months and David Bell also out for a few weeks. Drury is short of match fitness and unlikely to play. Above is the team I would play and time will tell how close it's to Roeder's selection?

Season prediction

I think that Roeder has done an excellent job in getting the players in. He has used his contacts to get us players that many championship clubs wanted and that could prove crucial come May. Provided Roeder can get the two more signings he wants I think we can get in the playoffs. My predication is 6^th.

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