The Lewis Grabban Thread

[Indy_Bones]

I'd agree with that TGMD.

Jerome was fantastic for a large part of the season, was excellent during the all important run-in and should very much be the first choice to start unless AN signs someone even better, and even then I think Jerome would probably get the nod for the first game or two.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Even if Norwich signed Suarez Id still start the season with Jerome and make him force him out by performing from off the bench. Not because I think Jerome is better, but because I think the club should be a meritocracy. Perform on the pitch - keep your place. Outperformed - lose it.

If Jerome is jilted because of the reputation of another, having done nothing to warrant losing his place I fear the knock-on effects - not only the sense of resentment that would build within Jerome himself and the negativity which may poison team spirit from it - but also the message that would send to the other players, particularly youth players.

The shirt should be Jerome's to lose. Anyone who thinks they should be wearing it needs to prove it on the pitch. When it doesnt work like this and is based on reputation is when the Charlie big-potatoes start throwing their toys out of the pram saying they should be in the team and that is not something we want

 

[KeiranShikari]

If we sign a player and he impresses in training/friendlies then I have no doubts that AN would bench a top player from last season. It wouldn't be reputation though.

 

[GJP]

I'd be interested to see Grabban playing in behind Jerome.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/norwich-city/canaries-reject-bournemouth-approach-1966496.html

Chased by Bournemouth again. Two bids rejected according to this

 

[Indy_Bones]

Let's hope they've been refused because the offers were too low, and not because we're intending to go with Grabban for a large part of the season...

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Let's hope they've been refused because the offers were too low, and not because we're intending to go with Grabban for a large part of the season...

I doubt it, Neil seems to rate him, also says he doesnt want to sell to a direct competitor. Considering the Bassong loan I can understand that. Plus if he really hasnt got any other irons in any other fires striker wise he wont want to be caught short

 

[Indy_Bones]

Sorry, but I don't get this direct competitor lark.

Top clubs sell to each other all the time, look at RvP going to Man Utd, Sterling to Man City or Adebayor to Spurs, I didn't see their managers turning down good offers just because it might help an opposing team, because instead they had faith in the players available to them and also the players they could potentially sign to replace the departing player, and this should be no different at the other end of the table.

If selling Grabban netted us 5mil and we then spent say 10-15mil on someone better (be this Afobe, Austin or whoever),then Bournemouth may well have signed a player who'll get a few goals for them, but we'll have signed the better overall player and have a better chance of performing as needed.

To put another spin on it, if we knew that we COULD sign someone like Austin but had to sell Grabban to make it happen - how many would take that deal rather than just a direct sale of Grabban (because in reality that's exactly what we'd be looking to do if we allowed the sale)?

 

[Indy_Bones]

One other thing to point out, Grabban is lauded for his ability to move defenders around and bring others into the play, yet we simply don't seem to see this reflected in the stats (which I appreciate never tell the full story).

Last season he managed just 3 assists and made less 'key passes' per game than the likes of Whittaker, Johnson and O'Neil (as well as 6 others),he barely crosses, and when we aren't in possession he doesn't really tackle or make many interceptions.

I'm not saying this to slate the guy, as there are parts of his game that are genuinely useful, but we're not in the Champs now, and we need better, more consistent play than this to succeed, and I've seen no indication so far that Grabban has the ability to up his game to those required levels, which is why I'd be happy if we sold him for a profit.

 

[dj161]

Grabban has issued an apology

http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/norwich-city-lewis-grabban-statement-2680478.aspx

I say lets let the matter die and move on, let him get on with his job and hopefully bag a few goals

 

[morty]

NORWICH City striker Lewis Grabban has issued the following statement: "I've apologised to the manager, the staff and my fellow professionals for the situation that arose two weeks ago and for not being available for the game at Rotherham. "I'd like to apologise to the club and most importantly the Norwich fans for my actions. Their support for me has been great since I joined and I really appreciate their passion for the club. The fans who travelled to Rotherham I especially apologise to. "I've served a suspension and been fined, which I fully accept. Now I'm just determined to train hard and to let my football do the talking - and to do everything I can to help Norwich City do well. 

Yes, I think that should be a line drawn under it.

 

[Indy_Bones]

That's exactly what I was looking for and expecting, so purely from the incident perspective, I can accept he's apologised and we should move on.

That still doesn't stop me from thinking that he's not good enough anyway and that we either loan him out or get him sold in Jan because I still don't want him here long term, but he deserves to be given another chance to prove himself, having had the decency to apologise (even if the club may or may not have pressured him into doing it).

 

[ZLF]

Good and it should draw the potential sting out of what could have me an incorrectly focused press conference this morning.

I expect the three match day strikers to be him with jerome and mbokani now. 

And yes Indy;  I agree that we may still try to agree a deal for a gayle a like alternative based on moving one, two or all of grabban,  hooper and lafferty out if we can secure buyers.