Norwich bound?Today’s Independent newspaper is reporting that Chris Hughton is in talks with Norwich about their managerial vacancy, following the defection of Paul Lambert to Aston Villa.
At one stage it was thought that Chris was in the running for the West Bromwich Albion job, but that all cooled down and it looks like Norwich could now be his destination.
This could be a really good move for Chris, who has once again proven himself to be a good manager by taking Birmingham to last season’s playoffs on a shoestring budget due to limited resources. Birmingham’s financial problems are well known, and Norwich must be a better opportunity for him. And of course, the catering is better at Norwich given that Delia Smith makes all the pies personally, erm allegedly! ;-) He would also be taking over a good, competent squad left behind by one of the English Premier League’s up and coming managers. And to be fair, he currently fits into that category comfortably himself.
Birmingham City released a club statement this morning which read:(more…)
Tim Krul - The future Shay Given?It was revealed yesterday that Steven Taylor is set to be offered a new contract at Newcastle sometime in the near future, which is good, great in fact.
However, Taylor isn’t the only player who we risk losing at the end of the upcoming season as Dutch ‘keeper Tim Krul also enters the final twelve months of his contract.
Krul has been tipped to reach the top for some time now, and the Dutchman is still only 22 years old. As a goalkeeper, his potential is undoubted and you would have to say that he would be knocking on the door of the first team a lot harder at some other clubs than he is a Newcastle. The problem is that Krul has been a victim of playing in one of our most well stocked positions. We had Shay Given for years, then he left and Steve Harper came into the frame, which leaves Krul next in line for the number one, but will he be around for long enough to claim it for himself? (more…)
Not far to reach for the stars!There’s no arguing that Fraser Forster is a ‘huge’ talent, as he towers a good several inches over the tallest of his Newcastle defenders. But is he good enough to attract the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham scouts?There have been several rumours this weekend after a dearth of speculation over player departures, (well it is that time of year), and one relates to the big fella from Hexham.
He’s had a number of impressive displays in the junior and reserve sides and was pushing Tim Krul as back-up to Steve Harper. However, after Krul’s return from loan to Falkirk, it was Forster’s turn to go out on loan to gain some match experience.
And he’s been out at Stockport County, Bristol Rovers and Norwich City, where he remains on loan until the end of the season.
A commanding and able goalkeeper, though still relatively inexperienced, Forster is highly regarded in these parts by the experts.
But with first team opportunities at a premium, could Forster’s head be turned by the bright lights of the big city? (more…)
