IF CHRIS HUGHTON converts his current start to his Norwich City career to results come August, he’ll certainly be well on the way to becoming a favourite amongst fans.

The afternoon of Tuesday 3rd July saw Canary fans get to their feet and do a little boogie as it was announced Grant Holt would be staying at the club. Furthermore the signings of Steven Whittaker and Jacob Butterfield were also confirmed. So Holt, why is it such a bonus that he’s staying on? Of course you’ve got his goalscoring which he’s proven the last 3 seasons. I said that I think he may have peaked, I still stand by that though still see this as a major, major bonus. Holt is a goalscorer so he’ll still find the net next season, no doubt. But he’s got such a presence, he’s a popular lad amongst his teammates and has something about him that can just lift you. You see it with the supporters, if he comes on as a sub, there’s a new belief. He charges around with exaggerated purpose and it transfers to the supporters too. He’s up for the fight! Let’s get up for it too eh?!

The transfer request still leaves a sour taste, but he’s admitted he wanted to stay now. It’s been a PR fiasco of the highest order from all sides, though come August, if we’ve got our Grant that we’ve grown accustomed to, it will surely be forgotten rather promptly. So welcome back again Grant, you’re finally singing Kiki Dee’s lines for us… (Eventually!)

Aside from the Holt news, we’ve added Jacob Butterfield. Butterfield comes from Barnsley, played at England U21 level and comes highly rated as well. Listening to an interview with him he seems really level headed, he’s truly weighed this decision up and is coming because he wants to. He’s had a long spell out injured, but is fresh for pre-season and is a signing I’m really encouraged about. It looks as if we’re set to continue the trend of signing young, hungry lads from the Football League. Butterfield will add to midfield options that are already in no shortage of quality. Butterfield has real ability, was compared to Gazza by a former team-mate and at a young age, has real room to develop. From what I’ve read and seen, I’m excited and delighted that Hughton has managed to pull this one off. Well done sir!

On his new signing, Hughton said: “He’s a player that has shown great form at Barnsley in the first half of last season playing off the front of the striker and he also spent some time in the wider areas there. He caught my eye not only last season, but in previous seasons. His form last year was a very good period for him and for anybody who didn’t know about him before, he certainly would’ve caught their eye last season. That is of course before he picked up an injury which is over now, which we are delighted about, but he’s a talent. He’s got that good balance between being a good age, but at 22-years old he’s also got that league experience as well. He’s a player very much on the up.”

Steven Whittaker was already confirmed at the weekend, joining from the circus that is Glasgow Rangers. The full-back is usually Scotland’s first choice which shows he’s recognised at international level. This certainly suggests he’s got considerable calibre. He has contested with top European players therefore is a decent addition. He’s versatile which is always a plus, meaning he can dip in and out of other positions if we need him too. The man himself has said he’s already had a coffee with Russell Martin, his international team-mate so he’s settling in reasonably quickly. It’s another decent addition, furthermore on a free transfer therefore an excellent piece of business for messrs Hughton and McNally.

In early June, we were without a manager, our captain wanted out and the tabloids were quick to speak of an impending crisis at Carrow Road. As the players return for pre-season training on Monday, Chris Hughton has tied down rising star stopper John Ruddy on a 4 year deal, with an option of a fifth year. He’s made sure Russell Martin will be sticking around for another few years, as well as stamping down Andrew Surman on another deal. Furthermore there is obviously Grant Holt signing on until the end of his career, plus promising additions of Jacob Butterfield and Steven Whittaker. From a rocky ship with no sign of revival, Mr Hughton has come in and well and truly steadied that ship. The future is looking bright, bring on the new season, in Hughton we trust.

(Quotes taken from www.canaries.co.uk)

In: Cory Varney Thread By: Supermarket Prodigy [408 ] Posted: 326 days ago