As the start of the new Premier League season draws ever closer, Sports Mole previews the months ahead for Norwich City.
With the Premier League season beginning this weekend, Sports Mole takes a look over Norwich City's work so far this summer and their prospects for the 2013-14 campaign.
In:
Leroy Fer (FC Twente, Undisclosed), Javier Garrido (Lazio, £1.28m,), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon, £8.5m), Nathan Redmond (Birmingham City, Undisclosed), Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers, Undisclosed), Gary Hooper (Celtic, Undisclosed), Carlo Nash (Free)
Out:
Andrew Surman (Bournemouth, Loan), Grant Holt (Wigan Athletic, £2m), Tom Adeyemi (Released), Lee Camp (Released), George Francomb (Released), Simeon Jackson (Released), Ramil Sheriff (Released), Korey Smith (Released), Elliott Ward (Released), James Vaughan (Huddersfield Town, Undisclosed), Jed Steer (Aston Villa, Undisclosed), Leon Barnett (Wigan Athletic, Undisclosed)
Last Season: 11th
Manager: Chris Hughton
Three key players:
© PA Photos
John Ruddy - The 26-year-old goalkeeper was absent for a large part of last season with a thigh injury and although both
Mark Bunn and Lee Camp are experienced between the posts, Ruddy's presence was greatly missed. He showed just how important he is to Norwich in the 1-0 victories over Arsenal and Manchester United at Carrow Road prior to his complaint. Hughton has been active in the transfer market this summer, but keeping the England international out of Chelsea's clutches may very well prove to be one of his best pieces of business.
© PA Photos
Leroy Fer - For all the positive qualities that the likes of
Robert Snodgrass,
Bradley Johnson and
Jonny Howson add to the Norwich midfield, it would be fair to say that they have lacked an imposing figure.
Alexander Tettey is perhaps the closest the Canaries have to such a player, but from his performances during pre-season, Fer has shown that he could well be an upgraded model. The recent addition from FC Twente possesses a long stride which allows him to get about the pitch in a not too dissimilar way to
Patrick Vieira during his days at Arsenal. His energy and confidence on the ball are likely to be a valuable asset for Norwich, particularly away from home.
© Getty Images
Gary Hooper - In fairness, a coin could have been flipped between Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel to determine who was to be included on this list. The fact of the matter is, both have been signed to score goals. Last season, only Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers were unable to beat Norwich's Premier League total of 41, while Sunderland matched it. Hooper scored 82 goals in three seasons in Scotland, but now is his chance to prove that he can replicate that form in a much stronger league. No-one will expect him to reach the heights that he did north of the border, but the 15-goal mark should not be beyond his reach.
First game: Everton (H), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: While the newspapers and forums have been jam-packed with stories of Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale, Norwich boss Hughton has gone about his work quietly - he probably doesn't mind that either. What's more, he looks to have been very shrewd in the market. Scoring goals was a problem last time out, but he has addressed that, both with clinical frontmen and the creative Nathan Redmond. If he does go on to bolster his defensive options, it would look an almost complete squad. Avoiding injuries will be key and providing that they do that, the Norfolk-based outfit should not be involved in the relegation fight come May.
Predicted finish: 11th
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