Having cast an eye over Championship winners Bournemouth, we continue our assessment of the promoted sides with a look at play-off winners, Norwich City. With second-placed Watford still without a manager, we turn to the Canaries after Alex Neil successfully navigated a return to the top-flight at the first attempt.
The Statistics
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | P | CS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 46 | 25 | 11 | 10 | 88 | 48 | +40 | 86 | 14 |
| Home | 23 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 50 | 24 | +26 | 42 | 6 |
| Away | 23 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 38 | 24 | +14 | 44 | 8 |
CS = Clean sheets
The Canaries finished the season with 86 points from 46 matches, three points behind second-placed Watford and four adrift of champions Bournemouth. They were the third highest scorers with 88, behind the aforementioned Cherries and Hornets, while they were the third best defensive unit, conceding 48 times.
Norwich were the highest scoring home team in the division, netting 50 times at Carrow Road. They only failed to find the net in three of their 23 home encounters, while they scored three or more goals in nine of those matches in front of their own fans. Defensively, they were pretty solid, conceding just 24 goals, although they did only keep six clean sheets.
Away from home, Norwich had the joint best record with Bournemouth, picking up 44 points from their 23 away matches. They did score considerably less goals (38) on than travels than Bournemouth (50) and Watford (43), although they did average two goals per away match under Alex Neil, compared to 1.4 goals per away match under Neil Adams and Mike Phelan. They conceded 24 goals in their 23 matches away from Carrow Road, only bettered by Bournemouth (20) and earned a total of eight shut-outs on their travels.
The Canaries just missed out on automatic promotion, leaving them with a play-off semi-final against East Anglia rivals Ipswich Town. Jonny Howson netted in a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Portman Road, with Alex Neil’s men progressing after winning the second leg 3-1 at Carrow Road, with Wes Hoolahan, Nathan Redmond and Cameron Jerome on the scoresheet.
Norwich faced Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley, and first-half goals from Jerome and Redmond helped secure a 2-0 victory.
THE MANAGER
Alex Neil started his managerial career at Scottish side Hamilton as a player-manager, and guided the club to promotion to the Scottish Premiership in his first full season in charge. When Neil Adams resigned in January with Norwich sitting seventh in the Championship, the Canaries moved swiftly for the 33-year-old Scot, handing him a one-year rolling contract. He made an immediate impact, winning seven of his first nine matches in charge.
The former Hamilton boss is very flexible in his tactical approach, but broadly favours a 4-4-1-1 system. It could be interpreted as a 4-1-4-1 formation at times, with Alex Tettey sitting just in front of the back four, Jonny Howson and Wes Hoolahan playing in more advanced central roles, with Nathan Redmond and Bradley Johnson out wide. He has also utilised the 4-2-3-1 formation, particularly following the addition of Graham Dorrans, with the Scotland international lining up as a deep-lying playmaker alongside the natural ball-winner Tettey. Most of the midfielders at Neil’s disposal can play in a variety of different roles, allowing him to change his approach depending on the opposition.
Although Norwich aren’t renowned for being a possession-based team like Bournemouth, they did average 56% possession last season, only 2% less than the champions. Whatever formation Neil utilises, he likes to have numbers in the middle of the park, while the full-backs are encouraged to get forward at every opportunity. He will have to be slightly more pragmatic against the bigger teams in the Premier League, although it is likely he will try and stick as close to these philosophies as possible.
Neil was quick to make his presence felt at Carrow Road, and captain Russell Martin has certainly been impressed by the Canaries boss:
“His preparations are brilliant: there is some real clarity, he leaves no stone unturned so there are no excuses when you get out there. His analysis of teams before the game and statistics and details mean we go into games knowing exactly what we have to do. And if you don’t do it, you soon know on a Monday morning watching the video.”
Norway international Tettey has been equally impressed with Neil during his short reign at the club:
“I’ve been learning a lot from him this season both in games and at training. His tactics are completely different. There is no doubt when you go on to the pitch. He has given belief to every player and he’s been telling us that we can beat every team when at our best. When you look at the middle part of the season where we were better than teams but losing points at the end – if he had been here, with his tactics that would never happen.”
THE PROMOTED SQUAD
Following relegation from the Premier League, there were a few changes in personnel at Carrow Road ahead of 2014/15. Key players Robert Snodgrass and Leroy Fer left for Hull and QPR respectively, while midfielder Anthony Pilkington joined Cardiff. Ricky van Wolfswinkel was sent on a season-long loan to St Etienne, while Andrew Surman, David Fox and Carlo Nash left the club.
In terms of acquisitions, forward Lewis Grabban was the headline signing, joining from Bournemouth for a fee of around £3 million. Cameron Jerome and Kyle Lafferty were also brought in to boost the Canaries striking options, and Jerome would ultimately play a big part in the club’s promotion to the Premier League. Carlos Cuéllar and Gary O’Neil were also signed to boost the depth of the squad.
There was plenty of continuity among the playing squad, though, with a couple of players still around from the last time Norwich played in the Championship back in the 2010/11 season, such as John Ruddy, Russell Martin and Wes Hoolahan.
Listed below are the player who featured at least ten times across the campaign, play-off matches included.
John Ruddy (49 starts) – the England international has enjoyed a successful time at Carrow Road since joining Norwich in 2010, and despite speculation regarding interest from Chelsea, he is expected to remain at the club ahead of the return to the top flight. Should be of interest next season if priced at 4.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).
Steven Whittaker (40 starts, 2 goals, 5 assists) – a right-back who likes to get forward, he produced 38 key passes during the campaign, more than any other Norwich defender. Scored in each of the Canaries three seasons in the top-flight.
Russell Martin (48 starts, 2 goals, 5 assists) – club captain and the only Norwich player to be named in the PFA Championship Team of the Season. Now playing as a centre-half after featuring at right-back for the majority of the Canaries three-year spell in the Premier League but could find himself under pressure for a starting berth if Neil looks to bolster the heart of defence. Does lack a bit of pace at the highest level.
Sebastien Bassong (21 starts) – it was a curious season for the Cameroon international, who was out of favour under Neil Adams, and shipped out on loan to Watford during the first half of the season. Was back to his best under Neil and looks a sure starter for the return to the Premier League. Did fail to score last season, but is a decent threat from set pieces, registering three goals during the 2012/13 season in the top-flight.
Martin Olsson (45 starts, 1 goal, 5 assists) – like Whittaker, Olsson likes to push forward from full-back, although the Sweden international looks more likely to keep his starting position heading into next season. Subject of interest from Swansea in the January transfer window, Olsson looks the pick of the Norwich defenders along with Bassong, with a likely price of 4.5 in FPL.
Michael Turner (22 starts, 1 sub app. 1 goal, 1 assist) – was a regular starter under Adams, but was sent on loan to Fulham in March and is unlikely to feature in Neil’s plans.
Alex Tettey (37 starts, 2 sub apps. 2 goals, 1 assist) – a tenacious ball-winning midfielder, the Norway international offers a physical presence in the centre of the park. He isn’t the greatest passer, and playing as the deepest midfielder, won’t be of much interest to Fantasy managers. Picked up 13 yellow cards last season.
Bradley Johnson (43 starts, 1 sub app. 15 goals, 2 assists) – enjoyed his most prolific season, playing in a more advanced role on the left of midfield. Had more shots (126) than any of his team-mates, including some free-kicks, although like Tettey, his discipline is a concern, with 13 yellow and one red card accrued over the campaign. Could be one to keep an eye on next season.
Jonny Howson (35 starts, 2 sub apps. 9 goals, 6 assists) – the former Leeds man enjoyed a strong season, and always has the ability to pop up with a goal from midfield. Like Johnson, is one to watch, although he could be more prone to rotation if Neil looks to strengthen in midfield.
Wes Hoolahan (29 starts, 10 sub apps. 5 goals, 10 assists) – the Republic of Ireland international is Norwich’s most accomplished playmaker, and is also their primary penalty taker, although he has been on the field when Gary Hooper, Lewis Grabban and Graham Dorrans have stepped up this season. Hoolahan also shares corner taking duties with Nathan Redmond and takes some free-kicks. Can struggle against more physical opponents, and his Fantasy potential is lessened with the threat of rotation.
Nathan Redmond (36 starts, 10 sub apps. 6 goals, 13 assists) – still only 21, the former Birmingham winger ended the season in sparkling form, scoring three goals and providing five assists in the final seven matches. Shares corner dead-ball duties with Hoolahan, and is also one of the primary free-kick takers. Can still be inconsistent with his final pass, but is improving all the time and looks more “nailed on” than any of the other Norwich midfielders. The skilful wide man looks set to be a Fantasy asset next season, with a possible price of 5.0 or 5.5 in FPL.
Graham Dorrans (13 starts, 5 sub apps. 3 goals, 1 assist) – joined on loan from West Brom in February and played an important role during the run-in. The Scotland international has now made the move to Carrow Road permanent, signing a two-year deal. Took some of the free-kick duties, and can play in a variety of different roles in midfield, but his Fantasy potential could be limited, given Neil’s multitude of midfield options.
Gary O’Neil (10 starts, 12 sub apps. 2 assists) – has been part of three play-off winning sides in the last four seasons, but was often used as a substitute to help see out matches this term. Unlikely to play much of a part back in the top-flight.
Elliott Bennett (3 starts, 7 sub apps) – spent part of the season on loan at Brighton, but was used by Neil towards the end of the campaign. Remains to be seen if the winger will be part of the manager’s plans for the return to the Premier League.
Josh Murphy (1 start, 12 sub apps. 1 goal) – a talented winger who spent two months on loan at Wigan towards the end of the season. May find it hard to break into the first-team following promotion back to the top flight.
Cameron Jerome (35 starts, 9 sub apps. 20 goals, 7 assists) – the striker enjoyed a superb season for the Canaries, but has never scored more than 11 goals in a Premier League season during his time at Birmingham, Stoke and Crystal Palace. Did occasionally play on the left of a front three last season, but is primarily a target man.
Lewis Grabban (23 starts, 13 sub apps. 12 goals, 3 assists) – started the season in outstanding form, scoring five goals in his first five appearances, but ended the season behind Jerome in the pecking order. Has good pace and can lead the line well, but may find the step up to the Premier League a tough one.
Gary Hooper (15 starts, 16 sub apps. 12 goals, 6 assists) – there is no doubting his finishing ability, but the former Celtic forward does struggle to find a place in the starting XI because of his lack of physicality, as Neil tends to only start with one striker. Did score six goals last time around in the top-flight, but is likely to be confined to the role of “super sub†once again.
Kyle Lafferty (11 starts, 7 sub apps. 1 goal, 1 assist) – was a regular in the matchday squad under Adams, but the Northern Ireland international was sent out on loan to Turkish side Caykur Rizespor soon after Neil took charge, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future at Carrow Road.
POTENTIAL TARGETS
With promotion to the Premier League secured just a week ago, there is understandably little speculation regarding possible transfer targets. Moments after the final whistle at Wembley, Alex Neil was quick to shift his thoughts onto how preparations for the return to the top-flight would now begin in earnest:
“The next couple of days will be busy, we have two plans set in place in terms of recruitment, so we need to look at that. It has been two long, hard seasons for me personally and the play-offs have been good to me, but they extend your season by another three weeks. I am looking forward to a holiday with my family.”
The Scot also heaped praise on his current squad, stating the majority of them will be given the chance to prove themselves once more in the Premier League, although there will definitely be a few new additions:
“We’ll need to add quality to the squad, yes, but I’ll stick with the hard-core group of the squad who have got us up. They are capable of staying there, as they’ve proved before. Nobody will leave who we think can help us remain in the Premier League.”
Six players have been released following the play-off final, including Carlos Cuéllar, Javier Garrido and goalkeeper Mark Bunn, while Luciano Becchio has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
As mentioned, Norwich have already completed their first signing of the summer, making Graham Dorrans’ switch from West Brom permanent, with the midfielder signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Neil was clearly delighted with his first piece of business in the transfer window:
“Graham has been a very important part of the team over the last few months and he has Premier League experience and is a top player. His experience and quality will help us and we’re delighted he has joined us on a permanent basis.”
Another midfielder who has been linked with a move to Carrow Road is Crystal Palace’s James McArthur. The 27-year-old was a team-mate of Neil’s at Hamilton and has revealed he was a big influence during the early stages of his career. It would seem unlikely that Palace would want to sell the former Wigan man though, given he played a prominent role in the club’s successful finish to the season under Alan Pardew.
Norwich struggled for creativity last time they were in the top flight, with the Canaries the lowest scorers during the 2013/14 season with just 28 goals. So the rumoured interest in NEC Nijmegen winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh could have some substance. The winger scored 13 goals and bagged 18 assists last season, and although he normally plays on the right, where Norwich already have the promising Nathan Redmond, he can also operate on the left and as a No. 10.
While Ricky van Wolfswinkel should report back to Norwich in pre-season after spending the season on loan at St Etienne, where he scored five league goals in 28 appearances, it is unclear where his future lies. The Dutch international only scored once in 25 outings in the Premier League, and while Cameron Jerome, Lewis Grabban and Gary Hooper all have their qualities, it would be a surprise if Neil didn’t look to add some firepower to his squad in the coming months.
The Canaries also look fairly thin at the back following the departures of Cuéllar and Garrido, on top of the need for added quality in that area, so you’d also expect to see some incomings in defence. It certainly looks like it’ll be a pretty busy summer for Neil, who should be handed a decent sized war chest this summer, given the new Premier League television deal kicks in ahead of the 2016/17 season, making survival in the top-flight imperative. While there is plenty of Premier League experience in the current squad, there is no doubt further quality will be needed if Norwich are to stay up next season.
*Many thanks goes to Norwich fan Richard McTiernan for his input during the research of this article.
