Norwich City Season Preview: Something special is brewing at Carrow Road

Gary Hooper of Norwich City warms up during the pre-season friendly against Brighton & Hove Albion at The Amex Stadium on July 30, 2013 in Brighton, England, (Getty Images)

Bringing in strikers is alright, but Norwich’s midfield struggled last year to create chances for their forwards. They seem to have recognised this short coming and have made some astute signings to overcome it.

Imposing Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer joined the club on a four-year deal from Twente FC, while youngster Nathan Redmond was signed from Birmingham City for £2m (plus up to £1.2m in additional payments); they will provide stability and creativity respectively.

Although primarily a box-to-box midfielder who loves to defend, Fer managed to score 12 goals for FC Twente in 47 games, which shows he has an eye for goals too. With all the big name, big money signings that Hughton has made, it is Redmond that can actually turn out to be the best deal.

Redmond has loads of potential and is one of the few players who can hold his head high after England’s disappointing campaign in Euro Under-21 Championships. The winger is a massive coup for Norwich, with a potential eight-figure resale value.

Then there is also the inspired piece of business in form of Martin Olsson. Still at an age where he could go on to improve, Olsson can provide a very important ingredient that was missing in the Norwich set-up: pace.

Javier Garrido is good at left-back and crossed the lofted balls into Holt many times last season. But now with the change in strikers, there could be a change in the system too. And this is where having Olsson as an option will come in handy.

As a left-back he could possibly replace Garrido and also can double up as a left-sided midfielder when needed. Olsson and Redmond on the left wing have the potential to challenge Everton and Chelsea for the best left back-wing pairing in the League.

The likes of Simeon Jackson, Korey Smith, Mark Tierney, Elliot Ward, Chris Martin, Tom Adeyemi, George Francomb, Lee Camp, Jed Steer, James Vaughan, Leon Barnett and Holt, however, all departed the club.

Holt aside, no other transfer is significant to the fortunes of the club. And even Holt, with his mighty presence and almost legendary status among the Canaries, has been more than adequately replaced.

Another slight issue is the goalkeeping department. John Ruddy is more than capable but, his back-ups are not up to the mark. A long-term injury to Ruddy (like last season) could be detrimental to the Norwich cause.

There is always a risk associated in terms of cohesion when significant amount of changes are made to the squad very quickly. That could prove to be their Achilles heel. If the manager and the squad can negotiate that and gel quickly as a team, the fans at Carrow Road are in for a treat.

With the acquisition of players, who have European competition experience, and cutting of the ‘dead-wood’, who had been with the club during its time in the second/third division, Norwich have made a clear statement of intent.

After a 12^th and 11^th position finishes, they are aiming for the next level of progression. The dream of playing in Europe next season might be improbable but not impossible. But they will have to overcome some steep hurdles along the way.

Everton will take some time to adapt to the Roberto Martinez’s style while Merseyside rivals Liverpool are a side in transition. And Swansea City’s beautiful football has been caught out, and teams will know what to expect of them.

Norwich have an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa league. But if they come unstuck in the league, they are bound to cause a few upsets in the domestic cup games. And if they make it all the way, they could well make it into Europe.

Norwich’s opening fixtures are Everton (home), Hull City (away) and Southampton (home); all three games are winnable. If Norwich can get off to a perfect three out of three start, they can certainly throw the cat among the pigeons and give evidence to the tag of being dark horses for Europa qualification.