Why Norwich manager Chris Hughton should be praised for his transfer business

There was little recognition given to him, but Chris Hughton was quietly one of the stand out achievers of last summers transfer window.

The ex Newcastle boss brought in cenral defensive pair Seb Bassong and Michael Turner - two players who quickly established a formidable partnership that saw an end to the Canaries more than leaky defensive that was often a problem in their first season back in the Premier League.

What was impressive about the Bassong and Turner captures was that both after promising starts to their careers had at best hit the rocks - yet Hughton has been able to get them playing at the level that once saw a decent amount of cash spent on them. Bassong has been particularly outstanding and was voted the clubs player of the year - finally rediscovering the form that drew him such plaudits at
Newcastle.

Further to that Hughton used his championship knowledge to a tee as he brought in Robert Snodgrass from Leeds - a player who in regards to value for money should have appeared in every signing of the season list, yet was overlooked in favour of more trendy picks. The Scot proved pivotal to securing another season of Premier league survival, ending as the clubs second highest league scorer with six goals whilst also contributing 9 assists. These might not appear stand out numbers but for a Norwich side who were one of the legues lowest scorers his impact should not be underestimated.

Along with the three mentioned Alex Tettey is another signing who made a sound start to Premier League life, adding much needed steal to the middle of the park. There was of course the odd dud but then shopping on such a slim budget there will always be that danger. What was particularly impressive was Hughton's ability to identify players who would clearly improve the Norwich squad in the right areas - whilst his gift for taking unfulfilled talent and utilising it should also be commended.

Whilst there was a new found stability built last term by Hughton it can't be argued that City did lack cutting edge. The signing of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel though could go along to eradicating that issue, if the Dutchman can transfer his prolific scoring record to England. Van Wolfswinkel has not come cheap but then Hugton's successful dealings last season means he has earned the boards' trust to make this big money signing - which if it comes off could prove a masterstroke and be just the tonic Norwich need to move into the top ten. A move for highly rated youngster Nathan Redmond is also looking on the cards, which again has the potential to be quality bit of business if Hughton can continue to develop the under 21 international in the way that he was doing during his spell at St Andrews. Redmond didn't quite have the season expected of him last term but at just 19 he has bucket loads of raw talent - which if utilised could see him become one of the best young English players around.

Chris Hughton might not be the first name you think of when it comes to those who at excel in the transfer window, however he is quietly developing a reputation as one the shrewdest operator around - after all who else could boast three signings who would stake a more than significant claim for a place in a transfers of the season side. In his hands Norwich fans should be confident that the future will be bright, Canary yellow bright in fact.