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Transfer Window Update - 28th August (Yahoo Application)

Premier League football returned once more to Carrow Road as play off semi-final victory over East Anglian neigbours Ipswich Town, followed by the 2-0 defeat of Middlesborough at Wembley in late May, secured promotion for Alex Neil’s men at the first time of asking.

Having an all but unblemished record since his move south of the border from Hamilton in January, the Canaries winning 17 out of 25 of his games in his charge, boss Neil faces his biggest challenge yet – developing and nurturing a side capable of surviving in the toughest and most unforgiving league of them all. Following the lead of his compatriot Paul Lambert, who led his newly promoted Norwich side to 12th position in 2012, Neil has opted to keep a large amount of faith in the players that led his side to the promised land, with only three new faces currently added to last years squad (excluding Graham Dorrans who’s loan was made permanent). Resisting the temptation to spend big and build a whole new team of lucrative names – the victory at Wembley potted the club an estimated £120million, let’s not forget - the Scot has remained loyal to his players and he will be hoping to be repaid with a level of hunger that only such players, those so desperate to further last years hard work, can deliver.

Neil has not been completely averse to spending, however, as the 29th of July saw the conclusion of Norwich’s pursuit of Hull winger Robbie Brady, who arrived on a three-year deal for an estimated £7million. The Irishman offers a much-needed wide left presence, with a level of versatility not to be underestimated –Brady capable of playing anywhere down the left as well as a central striker, if required. He joined Congolese midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, City’s first summer signing, who arrived on a free transfer following his release from West Bromwich Albion. Having accumulated just shy of 200 Premier League appearances during his stay in the West Midlands, Mulumbu brings a wealth of experience, and provides some cover for Alex Tettey and his frail knees. City’s final new face was in the form of Andre Wisdom, who joins on a season-long loan from Liverpool, having plied his trade alongside Mulumbu at The Hawthorns last year. The versatile defender provides much needed competition for the right back position, as Russell Martin’s transition to the centre of defence appears to be permanent, leaving Steven Whittaker as the only senior right sided full back at the club. Whilst Wisdom comes with undoubted potential, if one was to listen to the general consensus of Baggies’ supporters, any excitement had over his signature may best be reserved.

Following promotion, if Norwich fans were asked to give one position they most want strengthened in the summer window, it is likely that central defence and the strike force would have both featured overwhelmingly. As a result, it is curious, that at the time of writing, Neil has yet to strengthen in either area. This is not through want of trying, however, as the likes of Rudy Gestede, Rickie Lambert and other reported targets have since joined Premier League rivals. One name that continues to be linked with filling the unoccupied number 9 shirt is that of Dynamo Kyiv’s Dieumerci Mbokani. As a Congolese international with vast goal scoring experience throughout Europe’s top leagues, the capture of Mbokani would surely offer the Canaries some much-needed firepower. The strike force Neil currently has at his disposal includes Premier League newbie Lewis Grabban, along with Cameron Jerome and Gary Hooper, both whom have previously struggled to establish themselves in the top flight. It was Norwich’s lack of goals that proved so crippling to their fortunes in 2013/14’s relegation season, Chris Hughton’s men hit the net just 29 times, and this is a key area that Neil needs to address if the Canaries are to see a different result this time around.

Irrespective of any further additions, it is unlikely that Norwich will escape being amongst the media’s early season favourites for the drop – but Neil, his players and Norwich fans wouldn’t have it any other way, as they strive to prove the doubters wrong once more.