Slightly Worried About The Defence

[Loyal canary]

Strengthened up front. Midfield looks good but we don't half look light in defence especially as Sen has played his last game for the canaries. I would like to see a couple more in before the transfer window funded by the sale of Seb

 

[mustard gas]

I think we all agree, even NA. Problem is finding the right ones and persuading them to join our crusade.

 

[Andy]

Has Bassong definitely gone or is he still in the mix? I know we haven't seen him recently, except in Leroy's wedding video, but if he was brought back into the team surely he would be a massive asset in the Champs.

 

[BarclayBoy88]

As far as I'm aware, Seb isn't even training with the first team, so it seems unlikely but not impossible he'll play for us again.

I think we have a serious lack of pace at the back, and that will be exposed at times this year. I don't think any Norwich fan is sold on the Turner/Martin combination at the back. 

 

[Andy]

I agree that our defence is a problem. Whilst we haven't got Suarez & Aguerro to worry about this season, last year we were poor at the back against rubbish teams, Cardiff & West Ham (a) come to mind. I'm not sure that a 1st choice of Olsson, Turner, Martin & Whittaker will be good enough to cope with the likes of Rhodes, Maccormack or, dare I say it, McGoldrick.

 

[Agent Dale Cooper]

Turner, Martin, Bennett, Gafaiti, Olsson, Garrido, Whittaker and possibly Elliott Bennett as a backup RB if necessary. Just one more to replace Bassong (who will invariably leave, even if on loan) and we should be good to go.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Its quite an amazing fall from grace for Bassong. I mean lets remember, this isnt just any old player. This guy was our CAPTAIN. His treatment suggests an attitude problem on his part, which for someone selected to lead by example is quite extraordinary. This was also our POTS 2 seasons ago too. Pretty remarkable turn of events

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Strengthened up front. Midfield looks good but we don't half look light in defence especially as Sen has played his last game for the canaries. I would like to see a couple more in before the transfer window funded by the sale of Seb

Might St Etienne be interested? Return to France might do him the world of good

 

[skijumptoes]

Seb's exclusion is purely based on his annoyance of 'Father' Hughton not being given the full season isn't it?

In my eyes, if he's carried that anger and aimed it at Adams coming in then it's highly unprofessional. 

However, being sensible, i think the beef is between him and the board and that ultimately over-rules Adams decision to have him available as playing staff.  It's a very strange one, as he's still a great player, at a perfect age and yet there's been no interest in him reported!?  I just hope he isn't going to take the option of rotting in the reserves to prove a point... surely not?

 

[David Maidstone]

Seb has always been moody, trawl the news reports from his previous clubs for other instances, and moody players are unreliable and can't be carried particularly in defence.

There are clearly defence targets out there but I suspect that it is the usual story of waiting for the top teams to sort their squads out and then wait to see who falls from the tree when managers like NA give the tree a shake!

 

[Yellow Fever]

If Bassong doesn't move on, then a loan deal sounds likely.

 

[skijumptoes]

'If' he doesn't though, what happens then?  He's within his rights to turn down any loan move isn't he?

 

[Agent Dale Cooper]

Might St Etienne be interested? Return to France might do him the world of good

Could practise his dance moves with the Wolf...

 

[Warren Hill]

Bassong is a difficult one to fathom.

Any number of the possible reasons listed for his apparent omission could be true, it could be a combination of them or it could feasibly be none of them and something between NA and him. Perhaps he's made it clear he has no interest in playing for Neil, perhaps he feels he is above Championship level. If, on the other hand, it is a falling out based on a clash of personalities or a perceived interpretation of attitude or application, then I hope it can still be resolved.

Wes and Pilky have seemingly worked themselves back into contention after NA froze them (Hoolahan in particular, Pilky hadn't featured much at all) out at the end of last season and lest we forget that Lambert banished Wes and the Doc to training with the kids when he first arrived and they both subsequently played a huge part in our getting promoted. 

So, if the door is slightly ajar, I hope Seb sticks his size 9 in the crack and tries to force it open. He's still the best CB on the books and could be huge in this division if motivated. If his mind, motivation and commitment lie elsewhere, then I hope we can find a way to ship him out. This season will be tough enough without bad apples in the cart. 

 

[Yellow Fever]

I still believe that he said no to playing in the Championship early on. Unlike Wes, this one doesn't seem to be retrievable.

 

[bloodwagon]

I cant see Bassong coming back, hes a gonner in my eyes.

I can see us letting in a few goals, unless we sort out our defence, just hope we score more than we let in.