Canaries ready to fly

Whilst the Premier League giants have made something of an art form this summer of not signing any players while looking desperately like they are trying to sign players, little Norwich City have led the way in showing them how it should be done.

They have mastered the mantra “quick and efficient” (a mantra for transfers not for all life situations) and got their business done early.

The announcement of Dutch international striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel signing signalled their speedy intent.

His capture in March demonstrated that the club were already looking forward to the following season whilst others were still planning their end of campaign jollies.

They have continued in the same vein with the exciting purchases of Birmingham teenager Nathan Redmond and FC Twente midfielder Leroy Fer.

All three of these players have been linked with clubs that are perceived as bigger than Norwich and the fact the deals have been secured represents not only something of a coup for the Norfolk side but also great pieces of business. 

These buys have been supplemented by the sensible acquisitions of experienced keeper Carlo Nash and Blackburn leftie Martin Olsson, as well as the securing of last season’ loanee Javier Garrido on a permanent basis.

What must be even more exciting for the clubs fans is that the spending spree may not be over, Gary Hooper continues to be strongly linked and news also emerged in the last few days that the club had agreed a fee with Ajax for Belgian international and supposed Liverpool and Tottenham target Toby Alderweireld.

The defender has apparently turned down the move but the intention shows an ambition not previously associated with the East Anglian club.

Having finished last term in eleventh place it’s reasonable to presume that with the recent additions and the evident uplift in aspirations, the club will be looking to progress further up the table.

It’s difficult to see them being quite the surprise package that Newcastle were a couple of years ago and pushing for the Champions League place but a campaign similar to that of West Brom, finishing at the top of the second tier teams in the Premier League in eighth spot should not now be out of the question.

Allen Whyte

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