Holt in front of the Holte?
I remember the crazy link to David Villa last season, and while that’s got to be the ideal signing for us from an merchandise and PR angle, Grant Holt might just be the next best thing, and probably a tad more realistic.
With Lambert on the verge of becoming our new manager, links with his old Norwich players are bound to start popping up, especially considering that he has a history of taking certain players with him to his new club. Holt rather surprisingly put in a transfer request a couple of weeks ago at Norwich (perhaps he knew what was to come?) and after a few links surfaced last night, he has taken to Twitter to confirm that he does in fact still intend to move on. Thankfully he plays football better than he tweets:
‘Just to stop the rumour mill again. I have expressed to the board and the CEO that I want to leave the football club. Due to disagreements’
‘I have loved my 3 years at the club and it sadness me to right this but want use to here it from me first. #lovedmytime’
What do you all think of Holt? I’ve seen plenty of mixed feelings on the subject but I think he’d be a good enough signing. We need another big man up front, especially now Heskey has gone and you could see him and Bent working really well together. He is 31, and it be interesting to see how much he costs if we do go for him. Our line about merchandise was slightly tongue in cheek, but you have to imagine the club would sell plenty of Holt shirts, and hopefully he wouldn’t want mega bucks to move here.
I have a few concerns, but if the £20 million ‘war-chest’ that has been quoted is correct, then hopefully we’ll be able to strengthen a number of places, as up front isn’t a real priority for me. Lambert does seem to buy well though, and as someone who watches a lot of lower league football I can vouch there is some real quality there. I also hope he isn’t a one season wonder in the top flight. I remember a man of similar physical presence taking the Premiership by storm, scoring plenty of goals and actually winning an England cap. His name? Michael Ricketts.
I actually rate Holt a lot more though, and even though he’s worked hard to progress throughout his career, he’s done well at every level he’s played at. If he does come to us hopefully that continues.
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I don’t really see him and Bent working together to be honest. I don’t think that’s the type of player Bent needs as a partner, Holt performs a very similar role.
He’s 31, not cheap and we desperately need investment in other areas too, had 1 good premier league season…and for that reason I’m out.
Good player, I rate him and if he does come and is successful then fantastic, but I don’t think he’s what we need. Certainly not if we’re building a long term strategy.
I was just looking at it from a traditional one big physical striker, one poacher type approach. Could work well, but didn’t Norwich often play one up front? Not too sure as I can’t admit to watching them a great deal.
I voiced my concerns, but equally would be happy if he came. As mentioned though there are certainly other areas I would look to strengthen ahead of up front, and wouldn’t be too keen if he took a significant chunk of any budget.
Yup. I agree. Other areas need strengthening… But… although Holt is 31, if the figure of 3m is correct… A pretty cheap goalscorer that’s done it for Lambert before. Jury’s still out on him but he seems to give his all. I’m not sure whether he and Benty would work also. Decisions decisions…