Last year, Norwich City consolidated their position in the Premier League with a solid and positive position of 11th - no mean feat considering that four years ago they were plying their trade in League 1. Four years and consecutive promotions later they are now in a position where they must solidify their position as a Premier League outfit and look climb the table further. The Canaries have the correct man in charge in Chris Hughton, an excellent man manager and a intelligent tactician capable of setting up a team to out wit any team, as he showed last year when his side defeated Arsenal and Manchester United whilst also pushing the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham close. It is vital this season that Norwich add consistency to their season and play at the peak of their powers at all times - not just when the big boys come to town. It has so far been an excellent transfer market for Norwich with Chris Hughton making intelligent purchases for a total
outlay of around £25 million. These acquisitions will help to bulk up what was a fairly thin squad - thus adding to their consistency in that Hughton will be able to utilise a rigid squad rotation plan without the quality of the team he puts out being compromised by the players going out and coming into the starting 11 for each match. Perhaps the area that City last season were most weak in was the attack, with their top goalscorer being former captain and recently departed Grant Holt - with just eight league goals. Following the sale of Holt, Hughton has acquired two clinical forwards in Ricky Van Wolfwinkel from Sporting Club de Portugal and Gary Hooper- the prodigious goal scorer from the Scottish Premier Division outfit Celtic who scored 63 times in 95 appearances for Celtic. There are doubts as to whether Hooper can adapt to the more tight locked defences of the English top flight, but he seems to be an instinctive striker who could score goals in any league. It will be interesting to see how Chris Hughton formulates the partnership between this two new signings - or even if he plays both together, one thing however is for sure - a higher goal return than last season. The signing of Nathan Redmond from debt stricken Birmingham promises to be a a fruitful signing, the former Blues wide man possesses genuine pace and the ability to beat his opposite number with ease at times. The England under 21 international's final ball can at times be called in to question, registering just five assists in twenty-two league starts last campaign, this however is normal for a young wide player and is sure to improve as he matures and learns under the stewardship of Chris Hughton. One aspect of Norwich's play last season that will most certainly be seen as a positive by the management was their defensive solidity that they boasted throughout the season, Hughton was clearly keen to provide continuity in this department, signing Javier Garrido on a permanent deal after an impressive showing last season on the left side of defence. Martin Olsson, a left sided full back from Blackburn has also been signed. Olsson is a forward thinking fullback who is also solid in the defensive phase of play, and will provide reliable cover for Garrido. The signing of the combative Dutch Under 21 international midfielder Leroy Fer will also provide further defensive solidity for the team. Fer is a powerful midfielder capable of winning the ball in deep positions and bursting forward to instigate attacks. After making a series of impressive signings the onus is now on Hughton to get the best out of his refreshed and talented squad of players. If Hughton gets his team selection and tactics right then expect Norwich to upset the apple cart this season.