Birds of a feather.
This week's meeting of two from three of last year's "newcomers" to the Premier League may see the last of Television and Radio punditry finally abandon that hoary old cliched approach that sees some still use, even at this stage of the season, the almost inevitable reminder that both Clubs are novices in the Wonderland that is the Barclays Premier League.
Just how old in terms of service do either of us have to be to stop being casually belittled by another small but constant reminder of "lazy journalism"?
This week's meeting of two from three of last year's "newcomers" to the Premier League may see the last of Television and Radio punditry finally abandon that hoary old cliched approach that sees some still use, even at this stage of the season, the almost inevitable reminder that both Clubs are novices in the Wonderland that is the Barclays Premier League.
Just how old in terms of service do either of us have to be to stop being casually belittled by another small but constant reminder of "lazy journalism"?
I know I really should stop being so precious, but it would be nice to see and hear a piece that started by praising the performances of both teams without alluding to the relative inexperience and "newness" of the teams, as if both were some sort of affront to the status quo and the stasis of member clubs, rather than what genuinely is the case - namely, that both have performed really well and deserve to be where they are.
As another old saw insists - the Table doesn't lie.
I guess it will only cease when next year's promoted trio either join or replace either of us, and I accept that that's the reality of things. We will by then, of course, have finally given concrete proof that we both belong - or not, as the case may be.
So when these exotic birds meet, The Swans will be seeking to cement their Home capability, whilst the Canaries will want to put a dent in that by adding to their 13pts on the road from 3 wins and 4 draws out of 12 games as visitors. East Anglia's Premier club will pose a testing threat to Wales's No 1 Team given the quality of their performances thus far, with added spice included by the fact that they sit one place and 2pts above us in 9th.
I guess it will only cease when next year's promoted trio either join or replace either of us, and I accept that that's the reality of things. We will by then, of course, have finally given concrete proof that we both belong - or not, as the case may be.
So when these exotic birds meet, The Swans will be seeking to cement their Home capability, whilst the Canaries will want to put a dent in that by adding to their 13pts on the road from 3 wins and 4 draws out of 12 games as visitors. East Anglia's Premier club will pose a testing threat to Wales's No 1 Team given the quality of their performances thus far, with added spice included by the fact that they sit one place and 2pts above us in 9th.
Can we get the win that would reverse the placings? Or will Paul Lambert's tactical acumen frustrate our own innovative BR 's ambitions? At another sold out Liberty Stadium, the game promises to be yet another cracker from two of the division's better footballing sides.
Lambert's appointment as their Manager came in turbulent circumstances.
Lambert's appointment as their Manager came in turbulent circumstances.
Just 2 years ago, on the opening day of the 2009/10 season, his then Colchester Utd side inflicted a 7-1 defeat on Norwich City, at that time in Division 1, having been relegated from the Championship the previous year, despite being guided by a favourite past player, the ex -Goalkeeper Bryan Gunn. He (Gunn) had only been appointed the previous January, but had been unable to keep the club up.
This 7-1 drubbing from a near neighbour lower league club (pace, CUFC fans) was a major humiliation, and the Board painfully decided to part company with Gunn, and the job was offered to Lambert, the architect of that embarrassing defeat.
He was appointed in August 2009, and in the remaining 9 months of the football calendar, he led Norwich City back to the Championship by winning that latest single season as Division 1 champions.
As we know, he followed up and bettered that by last year leading the side to the runners up spot in the Championship, and whilst we Swans took in that heart rending Play Off final win at Wembley to secure our spot, Norwich became the first team to get back to back promotions from Div 1 to the Premier League since Citeh did it in 2000.
His Managerial career had started at Livingstone, and went via Wycombe Wanderers to Colchester and thus Norwich City, and followed a stellar playing career, where the Scottish International had spells at Celtic and Borussia Dortmund. He was an integral member of the German Champions, who were the 1997 European Cup Final winners, successfully subduing the incomparable Zinedine Zidane and his Juventus side.
His subsequent Coaching qualifications were done in Germany, and the (again) multi lingual Scot is often nowadays bracketed with our own BR as another young, upcoming modern Gaffer in the evolving Managerial hierarchy.
As we know, he followed up and bettered that by last year leading the side to the runners up spot in the Championship, and whilst we Swans took in that heart rending Play Off final win at Wembley to secure our spot, Norwich became the first team to get back to back promotions from Div 1 to the Premier League since Citeh did it in 2000.
His Managerial career had started at Livingstone, and went via Wycombe Wanderers to Colchester and thus Norwich City, and followed a stellar playing career, where the Scottish International had spells at Celtic and Borussia Dortmund. He was an integral member of the German Champions, who were the 1997 European Cup Final winners, successfully subduing the incomparable Zinedine Zidane and his Juventus side.
His subsequent Coaching qualifications were done in Germany, and the (again) multi lingual Scot is often nowadays bracketed with our own BR as another young, upcoming modern Gaffer in the evolving Managerial hierarchy.
He is certainly tactically innovative, and as I've said before, is not afraid to change formations, personnel and systems- even in the course of a single game, and demonstrably to influential and winning effect.
The playing squad itself, which I'll append below, contains a predominance of first-time-in-the -Premier League players, much like our own, but the quality is surprising only to those fans who've never seen Football outside the PL recently.
The playing squad itself, which I'll append below, contains a predominance of first-time-in-the -Premier League players, much like our own, but the quality is surprising only to those fans who've never seen Football outside the PL recently.
Both we and Norwich City fans know from our recent experiences, that mind-set is cruelly mistaken. Good players are good players, and this group is enjoying proving the dinosaurs wrong.
This is the squad......
1 John Ruddy GK, 2 Russell Martin DEF, 3 Adam Drury DEF, 4 Bradley Johnson MF, 5 Steve Morison STR, 6 Zak Whitbread DEF, 7 Andrew Crofts MF, 8 James Vaughan STR, 9 Grant Holt STR, 10 Simeon Jackson STR, 11 Andrew Surman MF, 12 Anthony Pilkington MF, 13 Declan Rudd GK, 14 Wesley Hoolahan MF, 15 David Fox MF, 17 Elliott Bennett MF, 19 Simon Lappin MF, 20 Leon Barnett DEF, 21 Aaron Wilbraham STR, 22 Elliott Ward DEF, 23 Marc Tierney DEF, 24 Jonathan Howson MF, 25 Kyle Naughton(on loan from Spurs ) DEF, 26 Daniel Ayala DEF, 29 Josh Dawkin STR, 30Matthew Ball MF, 31 Jed Steer GK,
Not included above, but part of the squad are the players out on loan - they are Chris Martin STR, George Francomb MF, Tom Adeyemi MF, Korey Smith MF, and the recently purchased Ryan Bennett DEF, snaffled in the Transfer Window from under our nose, and loaned back to his previous club.
The first choice GK is John Ruddy, who, having spent some years as Everton's back up on the bench prior to his move to Norwich, is having an excellent season. Strong, capable, and a good shot stopper, he, like our own Michel Vorm, has opened people's eyes. His back ups are youngsters Declan Rudd and Jed Steer. Rudd is an England U19 cap and Steer an England Youth International.
The RB's engaged are Kyle Naughton, on loan from Tottenham, and Russell Martin, the talented utility defender who plays centrally to equal effect. Naughton is the England U-21 flier who has the capacity to rampage forward, with silky attacking skills. Behind the other Kyle (Walker) in the Tottenham queue, like Steven Caulker with us, he is developing his game perfectly at an equally forward looking club. Spurs must be pleased. Martin has also filled in at CB when need be, and has featured in some remarkable goal line clearances. Another epitome of the "honest pro", people forget how good these types are. Dogged, resilient, good marker, and a committed competitor.
On the left side of defence, they have several options. Marc Tierney is probably first in line at LB, and followed Lambert from Colchester having gained the Manager's trust there. The alternative is Adam Drury, the longest serving player at NCFC. A former captain of the club, both he and Tierney are left footed specialists in this hard to fill slot in any team, and thus, like our own Neil Taylor, bring natural balance to the side.
The CB's present a great deal of interest and a vague familiarity. Primary choices last week were Zak Whitbread, and Daniel Ayala, but when both defenders succumbed to leg muscle problems and had to be replaced, Martin and Naughton went to the middle, and Elliot Bennet, the winger, did an excellent job at RB.
This is the squad......
1 John Ruddy GK, 2 Russell Martin DEF, 3 Adam Drury DEF, 4 Bradley Johnson MF, 5 Steve Morison STR, 6 Zak Whitbread DEF, 7 Andrew Crofts MF, 8 James Vaughan STR, 9 Grant Holt STR, 10 Simeon Jackson STR, 11 Andrew Surman MF, 12 Anthony Pilkington MF, 13 Declan Rudd GK, 14 Wesley Hoolahan MF, 15 David Fox MF, 17 Elliott Bennett MF, 19 Simon Lappin MF, 20 Leon Barnett DEF, 21 Aaron Wilbraham STR, 22 Elliott Ward DEF, 23 Marc Tierney DEF, 24 Jonathan Howson MF, 25 Kyle Naughton(on loan from Spurs ) DEF, 26 Daniel Ayala DEF, 29 Josh Dawkin STR, 30Matthew Ball MF, 31 Jed Steer GK,
Not included above, but part of the squad are the players out on loan - they are Chris Martin STR, George Francomb MF, Tom Adeyemi MF, Korey Smith MF, and the recently purchased Ryan Bennett DEF, snaffled in the Transfer Window from under our nose, and loaned back to his previous club.
The first choice GK is John Ruddy, who, having spent some years as Everton's back up on the bench prior to his move to Norwich, is having an excellent season. Strong, capable, and a good shot stopper, he, like our own Michel Vorm, has opened people's eyes. His back ups are youngsters Declan Rudd and Jed Steer. Rudd is an England U19 cap and Steer an England Youth International.
The RB's engaged are Kyle Naughton, on loan from Tottenham, and Russell Martin, the talented utility defender who plays centrally to equal effect. Naughton is the England U-21 flier who has the capacity to rampage forward, with silky attacking skills. Behind the other Kyle (Walker) in the Tottenham queue, like Steven Caulker with us, he is developing his game perfectly at an equally forward looking club. Spurs must be pleased. Martin has also filled in at CB when need be, and has featured in some remarkable goal line clearances. Another epitome of the "honest pro", people forget how good these types are. Dogged, resilient, good marker, and a committed competitor.
On the left side of defence, they have several options. Marc Tierney is probably first in line at LB, and followed Lambert from Colchester having gained the Manager's trust there. The alternative is Adam Drury, the longest serving player at NCFC. A former captain of the club, both he and Tierney are left footed specialists in this hard to fill slot in any team, and thus, like our own Neil Taylor, bring natural balance to the side.
The CB's present a great deal of interest and a vague familiarity. Primary choices last week were Zak Whitbread, and Daniel Ayala, but when both defenders succumbed to leg muscle problems and had to be replaced, Martin and Naughton went to the middle, and Elliot Bennet, the winger, did an excellent job at RB.
This is a prime example of what I mean by the flexibility of personnel, and the Manager's willingness to use that. Whitbread, the ex-Millwall man, and Ayala, the ex-Liverpool youngster, were both reputedly on our radar before plumping for life in the East, and both are talented, competent footballers - strong in the air and good markers.
The other two prominent CB's used are Elliot Ward and Leon Barnett . Both signed in 2010, Ward from Coventry and Barnett from WBA, they together show the Boss's skill in selecting decent supposedly lower rung players who can step upward. They have further strengthened, as we saw recently, with that foresighted signing of Ryan Bennett.
They have a wealth of options in MF.
Wes Hoolahan and Bradley Johnson, ex Blackpool and Leeds respectively , although left footed can play anywhere in the middle that suits the game. Hoolahan is a technically advanced player and schemer, and Johnson fills several roles. Both finish well,too, Johnson moreover from dead balls. Andrew Crofts we've seen enough of in the Welsh International team to know that he is a more than useful grafter and tackler, and will engage our combative MF press.
They have a wealth of options in MF.
Wes Hoolahan and Bradley Johnson, ex Blackpool and Leeds respectively , although left footed can play anywhere in the middle that suits the game. Hoolahan is a technically advanced player and schemer, and Johnson fills several roles. Both finish well,too, Johnson moreover from dead balls. Andrew Crofts we've seen enough of in the Welsh International team to know that he is a more than useful grafter and tackler, and will engage our combative MF press.
Andrew Surman, a graduate of the Southampton Academy that's produced so many recently, has, since joining from Wolves, shown that again he's a very useful PL player.Very skilled, a scorer of key goals to, he complements another "graduate from below", Anthony Pilkington, in giving the finger to that blindsided mindset. Acquired from Huddersfield, Pilkington continues to shine in an advanced MF berth/support STR persona , that shows his primarily wide positioning to be but one string to his bow. He has already, this season, scored some worthy and outstanding goals.
David Fox is another creator who followed Lambert from Colchester. Elliot Bennett is predominantly a right winger, but filled in at RB last week, successfully.
They have reinforced further by signing Johnathan Howson, the ex DirtyLeeds skipper, a box to box MF'er, who has always been deservedly admired. Ken Bates loss is NCFC's gain. Simon Lappin is another left sided MF'r, signed in 2007 from St Mirren. Mathew Ball is a young, internal Club development player, yet to make his debut.
The striking options are varied and various.They include Steve Morrison,James Vaughan,Grant Holt,Simeon Jackson, Aaron Wilbraham, and Josh Dawkin.
Wales' own Steve Morrison came from Milwall, and it is pleasing to see this late developer continue to advance his career with Premiership goals and performances. Moreover, Grant Holt, having played in all four divisions, has equally confounded the naysayers by adapting and thriving at the elite level. Both of these strikers could be said to be of the "British" type Centre Forward mould, however, what both have shown is the limitation of that viewpoint, as both have demonstrated that there's a lot more to their game than just that. They are key linkers, and contribute more than just goals, but remain able to be sufficiently strong as to challenge any opposing line up.
David Fox is another creator who followed Lambert from Colchester. Elliot Bennett is predominantly a right winger, but filled in at RB last week, successfully.
They have reinforced further by signing Johnathan Howson, the ex DirtyLeeds skipper, a box to box MF'er, who has always been deservedly admired. Ken Bates loss is NCFC's gain. Simon Lappin is another left sided MF'r, signed in 2007 from St Mirren. Mathew Ball is a young, internal Club development player, yet to make his debut.
The striking options are varied and various.They include Steve Morrison,James Vaughan,Grant Holt,Simeon Jackson, Aaron Wilbraham, and Josh Dawkin.
Wales' own Steve Morrison came from Milwall, and it is pleasing to see this late developer continue to advance his career with Premiership goals and performances. Moreover, Grant Holt, having played in all four divisions, has equally confounded the naysayers by adapting and thriving at the elite level. Both of these strikers could be said to be of the "British" type Centre Forward mould, however, what both have shown is the limitation of that viewpoint, as both have demonstrated that there's a lot more to their game than just that. They are key linkers, and contribute more than just goals, but remain able to be sufficiently strong as to challenge any opposing line up.
Simeon Jackson is a neat and tricky forward, given to buzz-flying around defenders and linking admirably with the bigger Morrison or Hoult. James Vaughan was a young Evertonian prodigy of the Rooney generation on Merseyside, and although the scorer of the youngest ever PL goal (v Palace,April 2005), has never quite fulfilled his early promise, maybe as the result of a series of appalling unfortunate injuries.
Aaron Wilbraham came from the MK Dons in 2011, but he has not featured as much this season as last. Finally the Wales U 19 striker Josh Dawkin is continuing to progress, being used on 9 occasions in the League, and twice in the Cup this year.
All in all, a decent and rounded squad that contains as little as 5 players with previous PL experience - but - as both we and Norwich have seen, the case remains that this means little.
All in all, a decent and rounded squad that contains as little as 5 players with previous PL experience - but - as both we and Norwich have seen, the case remains that this means little.
What both clubs have is an abundance of players who are proving that they are good enough (and more) to play at this level. After all, even Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes etc once made their debut. How do you get PL experience? Why, goodness me, you get to play in it. That's what we're both proving.
A couple of further facts about our worthy opponents.
A couple of further facts about our worthy opponents.
The Ownership and Management of a Club is something that is always interesting. With a Board Chaired by the delectable Delia, (Delia Smith, a National Treasure) and a Board that has the equally revered fellow National Treasure too, the ubiquitous Stephen Fry, it is hard not to like the set-up.
The fans deserve a big up, too. This is a club that regularly attracted over 20,000 whilst resident in the third tier of English football, with a huge proportion of that being ST Holders. Respect.
Another thing to mention is the geographical isolation of both clubs. Whilst we thrive on the rivalry with Kerdiff Shittee, Norwich are ahead of Ipswich Ground Down, and the struggles of the two Championship Clubs are the source of equal and compelling mirth. We can laugh at Manky's Bluebirds, whilst Norwich take great comfort from Jewell's Jessies. Long may it be so.
So there's no doubt that this week's game will be another stern and serious test, although after last week's win at WBA, it will not be one that we should approach with any degree of trepidation.
Brendan Rodgers has shown in his last couple of team selections a hint maybe that a pecking order has been established, and with a weekend off after this fixture, it's maybe not unrealistic to nominate a same-again steady-as -she-goes selection.
The fans deserve a big up, too. This is a club that regularly attracted over 20,000 whilst resident in the third tier of English football, with a huge proportion of that being ST Holders. Respect.
Another thing to mention is the geographical isolation of both clubs. Whilst we thrive on the rivalry with Kerdiff Shittee, Norwich are ahead of Ipswich Ground Down, and the struggles of the two Championship Clubs are the source of equal and compelling mirth. We can laugh at Manky's Bluebirds, whilst Norwich take great comfort from Jewell's Jessies. Long may it be so.
So there's no doubt that this week's game will be another stern and serious test, although after last week's win at WBA, it will not be one that we should approach with any degree of trepidation.
Brendan Rodgers has shown in his last couple of team selections a hint maybe that a pecking order has been established, and with a weekend off after this fixture, it's maybe not unrealistic to nominate a same-again steady-as -she-goes selection.
And, I hear, the plan is to take the Swans away for a refreshing, sunshiney break to a Spanish location. The rest will do them good, as training notwithstanding, it certainly beats the ice and snow! See below for details.
But as you know I'm fond of saying - what do I know?
What we can confidently state is this - we can look forward to another cracking fixture at the bouncing Liberty Stadium, where we bellow and sing.........
Onward, Swansea City.
##
After the Canaries, the Canaries.
Details of the Swans plans for that refreshing break can be found here.
What we can confidently state is this - we can look forward to another cracking fixture at the bouncing Liberty Stadium, where we bellow and sing.........
Onward, Swansea City.
##
After the Canaries, the Canaries.
Details of the Swans plans for that refreshing break can be found here.
6 comments:
ive had enough. no offence mate but really, why bother? both teams are a sideshow.
stop the prem i wanna get off
ncfc and bored shitless
Excellent blog, well-researched and written(though not so sure about your Dawkins' stats)- hats off!
Superb read, excellently informed and thoroughly enjoyed to have a read through.
Norwich fan here mate! Think we've both been a credit to the Championship and it promises to be a great game!
Best of luck for the rest of the season, apart from Saturday of course!!!
Hi Pierre. I enjoyed reading the WBA pre and post match reports as well as your Canaries pre match report.Unlike your good self, I had the dreaded butterflies right up to and after the final whistle for the Baggies match. Respect for all the fans who took to the roads for that match and thankfuly returned home safely.Great 3 points as well. Looking forward to Saturdays game.I'm still amazed at the depth of your football knowledge, not only your home team but their opponents as well. Keep up your fantastic work, it's great for me to be able to learn about our opponents before the matches.Much appreciated mate!
In reply to Anonymous1's comment of "why bother", it's because a lot of readers realy do appreciate your time and effort, and you could say if he didn't enjoy it, why didn't he just read something else instead of "bothering" to post negative responce? Never underestimate the power of stupidity.Come on the Swans!
Good analysis and well presented.
Don't under-estimate Malky though!
Canary in peace. Very well written, enjoyed the read. Good luck for rest of season except tomorrow!
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