Ricky van Wolfswinkel celebrates scoring for Sporting Lisbon

Norwich City agree €10m deal for Ricky van Wolfswinkel, say Portuguese press

Michael Bailey Thursday, March 21, 2013
12:27 AM

Norwich City have agreed a deal to take Sporting Lisbon striker and January target Ricky van Wolfswinkel to Carrow Road, according to Wednesday night reports in Portugal.

Several newspapers in the country carried the news that the Canaries had brokered a deal in London during Wednesday to land the highly-rated 24-year-old Dutch forward for a cut-price move in the summer.

Lisbon have been in dire financial straits and the deal is expected to ensure their squad will be paid the two months of wages they are currently owed, even if they are only expected to pocket about 35 per cent of the full fee from the Canaries.

Former Utrecht and Vitesse striker Van Wolfswinkel had joined Sporting in 2011 for €5.4m – about £4.6m – on a deal set to run until 2016, with a buy-out clause of €22m – just shy of £19m.

And while City boss Chris Hughton’s push to bring in the Dutch international during January ultimately failed, Portuguese sources now point to the 6ft 1in striker being a Norwich player come next season.

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111 comments

Woody Allen. Brilliant. Right in the Jewish tradition of self-deprecating humour, along with Groucho, Phil Silvers and Edwina Curry. ;-)

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Mad Brewer

Sunday, March 24, 2013
His famiy have a collection,handed down through the generatons. They're hairlooms. (Thanks to Woody Allen, original Casino Royale film!).

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DocOhNo

Friday, March 22, 2013
Top reply, toupee his wigs. Ho ho!

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Mad Brewer

Friday, March 22, 2013
Sticky keyboard. I actually meant to type WIGS.

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DocOhNo

Friday, March 22, 2013
Doc, surely the club is not obliged to pay his Wags? That`s up to him to fund from his modest income. He should beware of having too many wags - I think generally, in this country, you may have only one W but as many Gs as you like - as long as the W does not find out about the Gs. And he must ring fence some of his energy to play football! :-)

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Mad Brewer

Friday, March 22, 2013
Whether it's true or not this could be just what our forward line needs to spark them into life , splashing big money now and encourage Holt, Lucifer , Special K et al to bang in the goals . Apart from the weather life looks pretty good :-D

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mjc75

Friday, March 22, 2013
Is the club going to work out a tax eficient way to pay his wags? How about a bank account in Cyprus?

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DocOhNo

Friday, March 22, 2013
Anyone else out there... I'm feeling lonely and scared.

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
BBC Sports, " "Sporting only own 35% of him. The Portuguese media say the deal was done on Wednesday for 10m euros (£8.5m). They need the money to pay the wages. "The idea is Norwich pay now and get a bit of a bargain, because his buy-out clause is about 22m euros (£18.7m)." ......I'm led to believe that RVW gets the other 65%. Is that right? Good enough reason to join Norwich I'd say!

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
Article one. "Norwich City agree €10m deal for Ricky van Wolfswinkel "Article two. "Sporting Lisbon confirm they are in talks with Norwich City over striker Van Wolfswinkel". There's a big difference between the two.

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
Obviously not.

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
11.05 Are all boards down?

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
CovCanary, is your middle name Archant.

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
Anyone else got problems posting on the new RVW article?

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
.....All change! The relief bus has arrived. Plenty of room on top!.....

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Stew Pydsodd

Friday, March 22, 2013
As yet nothing from The Carra, but Beeb Gossip reports an item in The Times. Now that`s a trustworthy newspaper - or is that just another oxymoron?? Sloveniacanary, sadly I am retired now and never got the opportunity to visit the Hop area of Slovenia whilst working; that trip was reserved for non-brewers by my last employer! Good holiday, hospitality, freebies etc. Oh, and the hops..... Have used a lot of Slovenian hops; they tended to be lumped under the category of Styrian Goldings but now come in a variety of guises, including Celeia (may have got spelling wrong). Geographical maladjustment - Pula is on the tip of the Istrian peninsula, not the Alsatian coast, I was thinking of Zadar, possibly. Mind you, the Ar-chant journos think Estonia is in the Balkans!!

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Mad Brewer

Friday, March 22, 2013
Really hope this is true, far better use of our money than 8 million spent North of the border on Hooper. RVWW and Holt sound like a great combination.

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DaveG

Friday, March 22, 2013
Unless of course you see him stood there covered in flour, apparently " the Portuguese take advantage of April Fools Day by throwing flour at each other".

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
Tried to copy and paste the actual web address, obviously Archant deems that unfit.

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
First effort didn't get through. DocOhNo, reports seem to have risen due to Sporting Lisbon's requirement to notify it's shareholders.BBC sports links into this, click on the RVW article and then ( the website of the Portuguese stock market regulator) although it's in Portuguese it goes someway to let us know from whence the story came.

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
DocOhNo, reports seem to have risen due to Sporting Lisbon's requirement to notify it's shareholders.BBC sports links into this http:\\web3.cmvm.pt\SDI2004\emitentes\docs\FR44008.pdf Replace back slashes with forward ones and although it's in Portuguese it goes someway to let us know from whence the story came.

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Lobbo

Friday, March 22, 2013
To Mr Ed and Konrad54, let's hope you are both right and I like the positive thinking. It always looks to me at if the players are happier under the "Let's go and get the bas*****" then the "Hold firm and don't let them score" approach. CH has managed both these styles at times this season and given the range of ability of PL teams, this gives confidence for the future.

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waclor

Friday, March 22, 2013
If this IS confirmed not only is it good news, looks like a very good bit of business BUT it almost confirms that the 'powers that be' at Carra' Rd believe we are staying up. Really looking forwards to see how Hoot's 2013-14 team shapes up. OTBC

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Dubai Canary

Friday, March 22, 2013
I haven't been this excited since the last time I was shot at. Let's be positive and believe we'll stay up, then we can look forward to possibly buying a couple more quality players. As already mentioned, I too would dearly love to see some home grown talent shine through. We, as a nation, desperately need to encourage English players to develop. I do find it frustrating that there are so few options on the home grown front. Hey ho, chin up and look to the future with more positive vibes.

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Bootneck R.M.

Friday, March 22, 2013
Just pondering how some of our most popular players have been signed by our least successful (and in one case least popular) managers. The King of Spain was signed by Peter Grant, Holtie was signed by Bryan Gunn and Wes was signed by Glenn Roeder. OK, my theory falls down a little when it comes to Cafu!

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DocOhNo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Just a thought, there have been over 80 comments on this story, have the club confirmed anything? This has arisen because of Portugese press reports. Are the Portugese press as honest and reliable as our own fine upstanding examples?

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DocOhNo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ok so for those of you who have been screaming for a plan B by Hughton it goes like this: First get your defence right and even tho you play boring football you don't lose 2 many games and stay up Second you sign some exciting forwards for the next season and go for top 6. RVW hopefully deal done, Hooper in exchange for Holt, thats gunna happen, Kamara, Bechio ... You following this? Third you sign one maybe two creative midfielders. OK you got it now? Don't doubt the management they know what they are doing. It's not a quick fix!

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Konrad54

Thursday, March 21, 2013
I don't see any connection between GH moving his family back to Carlisle and him leaving CR. Having 2 young grandchildren myself, I know how much my daughter relies on her Mum to help look after them. GH's wife would not have had either her parents or in-laws anywhere near to pop round and help etc. I firmly believe that GH will see his contract out, unless CH decides he's no longer part of his plans.

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Mr Ed

Thursday, March 21, 2013
In Slovenia the bears drink Slivovits. and then they eat

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wivenhoebudgie

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Lol beer not bear would never drink bear although we do have wild bears too

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Canaryinslovenia

Thursday, March 21, 2013
No problem Mad Brewer, your posts as always were taken the right way. And yes Celje is the centre of the countries Hop growing area, sure you would enjoy a visit here and bear is only 1.80 euro a pint

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Canaryinslovenia

Thursday, March 21, 2013
RVW is a exiting prospect, but is a sad correlation between NCFC Premiership success and a reducing number of 1st team English players. We do have a English Scot and a English Irish! But as oversea's players are coming in English\British ones are leaving.

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MBA Marine

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Stay or go- Holty has been the best £450,000 our club has ever spent ! ( Or thereabouts, before some anorak from Sea Palling says "Actually it was £475,000"...) !!!

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Timbo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Let's not forget what a great player Holty has been and can still be for us. It might be that his time is coming to an end at Carrow Rd with fresh meat coming in but he is and will always be a cult hero and I'd be surprised if we see his like again for a long time.

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andys

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hear hear! waclor.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
slovenia, I tried to reply in a genial way! Ethered. Précis. I just remember Yugoslavia when it was that. Stayed in a Croatian resort - Pula - which you obviously know is nearly in Slovenia - great hop-growing area. I think I`m going Istriacal... !!

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hi, canaryinslovenia. I remember having a holiday in Croatia when Yugoslavia was still Yugoslavia. 1982. (Falklands year). A resort on the Alsatian coast, Pula? - but we got up to Slovenia. Great hop growing territory now, Styrian Goldings & all the derivatives. Slovenia was the first bit to break away from that federation, wasn`t it? Anyway, must Split! Apologise for being paranoid about the `Ged-ism`. :-)

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Grant Holt has been a great servant for this club since he joined. The tactical system this season has undoubtedly not been his favourite way to play. Strikers live to score goals and the chances were always going to be fewer under CH's system. Having said that Grant's contribution to the team this season cannot be measured in the number of goals. He has run himself ragged at times and appears to have leadership qualities as well. Even if he cannot achieve the necessary fitness levels to compete for 90 minutes and 38 matches next season, what a fantastic option to have available on the bench. Is it true however that he has moved his family back to Carlisle? If so perhaps his future is already mapped out. Either way, stay or go, he deserves the respect and gratitude of every Norwich supporter. Thanks Grant.

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waclor

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Brewer, further down you ask what it means, to clarify it means they've got some problems where they're deluded that they're in a position where people need to have their back! Let's draw a line in the sand!

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DocOhNo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
would be a good signing.we all know what holts done in the past and without him would probably not be in the prem,but hes not the player he was for whatever reason.if hughton is after players of class like winkel then that shows he has ambition.Times change,players come and go, whether we like it or not.

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tonyb

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thanks Mad Brewer for correcting me, maybe Lambert wasn't so bad. I am impressed you know the capital of Slovenia. But I prefer to support my local team here called Celje, who coincidentally play in The famous Yellow and Green, I really must find out if they are called Canaries too

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Canaryinslovenia

Thursday, March 21, 2013
"Holt lived up North when we were playing in league one? Did anyone actually know that? He's made it clear he wants to stay as well." I'm pretty sure he only moved his family down here when we got promoted to the PL - I think everyone would agree that he did pretty well last season. One of the main reasons he hasn't scored as many goals this season is down to the whole team being more defensive.

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Mr Ed

Thursday, March 21, 2013
George Orwell said "If there is any hope, it lies with the Proles". So very Wrong. In hindsight. Other than that, 1984 was a good year.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ageed It was in responce the futile childishness of others who are not here to talk football ... sorry.

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sharky

Thursday, March 21, 2013
HO hum. IT was all going well until steady on started insulting people, and sharky calling people 'merchant bankers ' doesnt help.

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wivenhoebudgie

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hi, andy. I suppose Holty is closer to Terry Bly and to Iwan Roberts for that matter. Plus we had the original "Horse" for a while - John Manning. Ron Davies was maybe a tad more elegant in his approach, great player. I loved Gordon Bolland; that squeaky voice, the coathanger in his shorts... Remember the song "Ai ai ai ai - Keelan is better than Yashin - Bolland is better than Eusebio- and Derby are in for a thrashin`"?.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hi, andy. I suppose Holty is closer to Terry Bly and to Iwan Roberts for that matter. Plus we had the original "Horse" for a while - John Manning. Ron Davies was maybe a tad more elegant in his approach, great player. I loved Gordon Bolland; that squeaky voice, the coathanger in his shorts... Remember the song "Ai ai ai ai - Keelan is better than Yashin - Bolland is better than Eusebio- and Derby are in for a thrashin`"?.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
With added spelling.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Not sure that I agree with you Brewer. Holt is closer to Terry Bly - and that does date me!!! For me Davies was the best but he had a certain Mr Bolland to support him for much of the time. With the right support there is still time to see what more Holt can achieve but time is against him, perhaps another year as there are few like Giggs around. There have been a few problems this year but CH has made some really good signings and, when we have secured our premier leauge status, it will be interesting to see what next year brings. Building up a team as he has done must be very difficult when you have not had the chance to see the squad in competitive games. Not sure that there is a good time to join a club but close season must be difficult.

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andy

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Btw, why is it good that "right minded people have got your back", S\O? What does it even MEAN?? That`s just a rhetorical question.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
You've got to smile Stew but 'sharky' hasn't got it, has he!

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Lobbo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Whynot Action Natural Kindness Everyone Remember.

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sharky

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hi, Pa. Llike you, I believe Holt could be a great coach\manager - if that`s what he wants. Over the 3 and a bit seasons he has been at Norwich, he has never wimped out on anything. He deserves his rewards. I remember folk doubting his ability to compete in L1. 15 Prem goals last season shows what he can do in an attacking formation. Thrice Player of the Season. Thrice top goalscorer (so far). Good ol` boi!!

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
...Well Im Not Keen myself Lobbo, but if that's the way the cookie crumbles !....

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Stew Pydsodd

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Just like to add as a thought. Wonder where Paul Lambert would be today if Grant Holt wasnt our center forward.

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sharky

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ljubliana Finch, "Shambert`s" signings, in fairness, will (hopefully) include Ruddy, R.Martin, Johnson, Pilkington and, sometimes, Howson. Not ALL bad. "Shambert" is a malapropism once favoured by Red Stooge. Please tell me you are not..... please!! :-)

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Brew I agree with that 100%.... In my opinion he will make a wonderful manager if and when he hangs his boots up. Wouldn't mind him here as Player Manager at this point in time, and he could pick his own support staff. (wishful thinking).

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Pa Snipps

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hi Stew, as per normal 99% of posters write in a fair and reasonable manner. Some Blue, some Red. It's called debate. One poster is a dictator and to be fair i'm Wilting In Norwich Knitwear. Roll on 1st of next month when you say posters have to give their names \ 'e' mail address's and Ricky van Wolfswinkel's contract will probably get signed!

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Lobbo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ok, here is the story, got some dutch people fishing on me lake, from anderlict, they say the deal is going its going to happen! But wait, rick van wolfs bits cant play the lone striker bit, so dont write off Grant yet, and please get off his back, without him we would not be where we are today.

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acornlake

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Holt is the best No.9 I`ve seen at Norwich since, and including, Ron Davies. Whatever happens, he has done a great job. Just an opinion, not a challenge.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Anyone who thinks or assumes that I suggested Holt would be sold to fund the purchase of R.V.W. misread my previous posting. What I said was "If reports suggesting that R.V.W is to join us for £8.5m. I feel sure Mr McNally would want to fund that from sales". NOWHERE was Holt or any other Norwich City player mentioned by name. Please don't mis-quote me in future in the hope that it will strengthen a fixed idea in an inattentive brain!!!!

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Pa Snipps

Thursday, March 21, 2013
The only comment I will make about Holt is that he has been fantastic for us and I hope he stays and scores more goals, but if he moves on then I will wish him all the best. I do think it is too early to write his obituary though. As for Van Wolfswinkle, I hope it is true and I am looking forward to hearing the chants from the Barclay. I am not sure he will be the new Van Persie though, as I suspect bigger clubs than ours would have snapped him up. However, Hughton's signings so far have all been decent value for money.

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Preston Canary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
.....Roll on the 1st April When Infernal Nefarious Keck may be controlled with the new transparent system..... Repostas suggested Lobbo! Bottoms Up!.....I await you intervention With Increased Natural Kindness!......

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Stew Pydsodd

Thursday, March 21, 2013
It was a retorical question. I am aware of how much money we are getting. The point is Suggesting Holt needs to be sold to support the signing of RVW is completely wrong. All the other suggestions, "Holt isn't happy" etc are all hearsay and conjecture. He lived up North when we were playing in league one? Did anyone actually know that? He's made it clear he wants to stay as well.

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Minimum £60m for the team finishing bottom of the league,up about 40% I think on this year

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canaryjon

Thursday, March 21, 2013
I agree Holt is a club legend we would not be where we are without his goals. But this season he's not in top form and although he signed his 3 year contract he has moved his family back up north. I cannot see the logic in that. I understand he needs his family to be happy but it must be hard to play then in Norwich! I think he is probably on the move this summer, but we will be fine. RVW welcome to Carra Rd! OTBC

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canarythruandthru

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Do you have any idea what TV money we are getting next year?

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
In My Opinion, Holt has had a problem from before the season started. It began with the change of management, and the current coaching tactics. It is obvious to many that he disagrees with much that he is now forced to do. He seems dejected, and we all know how that can effect performance . He may be a top class tyre fitter, but is not so good with changing exhausts, and that seems to sum up the situation with what he is being told to do at present. I do not look forward to the outcome, but cannot see it being resolved without more changes. He has earned his corn with this club, but may not have the final say in his or our future If the reports that R.V.W. is to join us for £8.5m, I feel sure Mr McNally will want to fund that from sales.

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Pa Snipps

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Agreed Holt was one of our best signings ever, something Gunn did right! Remind me how many of that Shamberts signings are still playing for Norwich reguarly

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Canaryinslovenia

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Exciting! I think Holt willl stay, can't have too many strikers with potential injuries etc. I think QPR have about 25 strikers on their books

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Canaryinslovenia

Thursday, March 21, 2013
"Not allowed to express an opinion", have you only just realised Doc? Really hope the RVW story is true though. Do not see Holt going yet, I do feel that he has one last throw of the dice to establish (even) further his legendary status of one of the all-time Carrow Road Greats. AND, we need more than two strikers next season - RVW, Holt, KK and Lucifer. It will be interesting to see how the latter does in the final games of the season, I have often thougt that he would be a good acquisition but thus far competent and no more. Weimann would be a great buy even though I do not really see that one happening. Five strikers of that quality would be great especially as some can play other wider roles also. Sadly it seems to be the end for Chris Martin, Simeon Jackson and, possibly, James Vaughan although I do wonder if he could be a fifth striker.

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ScotCan

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Don't think Rip Van Winkle would fancy a trip to Barnsley. We could could still go down you know.

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paddycanary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Holt is a legend and always will be,he hasnt been as effective this season for all the reasons stated on other posts.GH and PL are the 2 main reasons we are where we are today. I dont really see him leaving yet,he signed a 3 year deal to give him and his family security and it still has 2 years to run.Apart from anything else he wont want to take a lower income which is what would happen if he moved to a lesser club.I see him being here for perhaps one more season then moving.RVW would be great,we seem to have defensive stability now and if we can add to that then things are looking good.

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canaryjon

Thursday, March 21, 2013
And Holt and RVW are not remotely comparable anyway. If you want to compare RVW to one of ours the nearest match is Hoolahan. Didn't notice anyone calling him old and past it, even though he is a comparable age to Holt. Fact is, some Norwich fans now have a vendetta against Holt. Complete weirdos in my view. Clubs up and down the country pray every night to have a player with half the legendary status Holt has. These people are to be disregarded.

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
"The line needs to be drawn in the sand", why? Are we not allowed to express an opinion as to how the team will progress without unnecessary aggression or being forced to take sides? Is it a case of "if you're not with me you're against me"?

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DocOhNo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Holty has been one of the best City signings for years and has given very good value for money. He has had a very difficult roll to play this season and he will stay a legend whoever is signed from wherever. No player is forever and he has certainly done his bit for Citys history books. If he can be replaced by someone who is hungry and younger so much the better but I still think he has games in him.

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goldie

Thursday, March 21, 2013
The line needs to be drawn in the sand. Those that want holt to stay and those that want him to go. The ones "in the middle" are just nagging at him and are not remotely useful. A lot of it goes back to the contract discussions in the summer and mainly down to the simple fact they have "predicted" year on year that he isn't good enough and he's proven them wrong each time. these people are only interested in being proven right so they can shout from the rooftops "I told you back in league one he was no good". Grant Holt is a once in a generation striker and we should treasure him for as long as we can. So don't moan at him, help him! Get him some midfielders and attackers (RVW) that can help him score, don't write him off micro-pundits!

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
I have seen ONE post on here that could be construed as a "hate Holt" comment. Colby Army's description of him as "Grunt" was petty and pathetic in my opinion. Almost all the others have said he looks unhappy, is getting on a bit, doesn't get on with Hughton etc etc. I think you'd have to be pretty paranoid to translate this into an anti-Holt campaign. WFLGH.

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DocOhNo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
At the minute this is just paper talk so I for one won't be getting my hopes up any higher until I hear it from someone connected to NCFC. Saying that, from the clips I have seen of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel if this was to go ahead then it would be a great signing, he looks sharp and obviously knows how to score, in my opinion just the kind of player we need to slip in alongside the one and only Grant Holt! All you people who think Holt is finished need to give the guy a break, he's being doing it all on his own most of the season, give him a strike partner and you will see there is plenty left in the City legend yet!

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mickncfc

Thursday, March 21, 2013
If your reaction to us potentially signing RVW is “Good, we can get rid of Holt” then you’ve lost touch with Norwich City Football club and you have my condolences.

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Anyone got a Sporting fan as a mate? How about you Algarve? If this is true it would be fantastic. It's a big if I know, but here's hoping. OTBC

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el dingo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
No-one under-estimates the role that Holty has played these past few years. He has been immense. But age, pace and form (as well as being played as the lone front man and not scoring many goals) tells us that realistically, Holty's days at this level are maybe numbered. He has been immense, but, he is not immortal, unfortunately. Pity he wasn't 23 or 24 years old still !

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Dubai Canary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Would be a great signing and demonstrates some real ambition. Must say the adverse comments about Grant Holt have really annoyed me. He is still a major force and I would love to see him around for another season at least. Too many people have memories that are too short.

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Kent Anglian

Thursday, March 21, 2013
I've always believed that over-aggressive angry posts come from people who aren't too sure of their own argument.

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DocOhNo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
and with a name like that,think of all the yellow shirts city would sell.i love it.otbc.

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bluelight

Thursday, March 21, 2013
EUR 10m. Pretty sure that would be, by some way, our most expensive signing in the history of our club- right? I think this would be an awesome signing. Another holding midfielder, an attacking midfielder and a winger (and assume we keep KK and Holt) and I think we then have a good solid mid-table team\squad...

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PutneyCanary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
oh, please, please, please let this be true. Next season, RVW, Holt, Bechio and KK as our strike options. what a mouthwatering prospect. and RVWs signing, if true, shows major intent from the board.

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goldeneadie

Thursday, March 21, 2013
I really hope this is true and if so I also hope we hld on to KK as well. Those two upfront together would be interesting, at the gam on Sunday I think KK won every single long ball played to him. Also think he could play wide and give RVW the supply ball as well.

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simmo2002

Thursday, March 21, 2013
HOLT has been and still is A LEG!!! Ignoring the comment from tne obvious troll with the army...(first suspicions arousedlast summer with anti CH comment before even a ball was kicked!) The other comments are not really justified due to the system this year..and within that system,he has more than helped by ball minding,while alone up front,and on deadball occassions,creating holes for others,ie basssong etc.....He will more than have a bit part next season,when the squad is larger,and we have more options.....PLEASE COMFIRM WE HAVE WINKLE WOLF THOUGH!! :):):)

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alan clark

Thursday, March 21, 2013
It's good to see that some right minded people have got my back. The fans still believe in you Holty. Some fans have forgotten who they are though and become diet Chelsea fans, demanding sackings and instant success. The premier league has warped some fans. Shame.

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Unbelievable rubbish talked about holt on here today. If we get rid of holt what are we left with? Just VWW if he signs. Ehk as Steady On has pointed out is not a big physical player. Holt needs a foil, and good support, like he had last season. Left on his own upfront he's never had the pace to do it all himself and beat players. Which is why turning 31 or 32 won't mean he's over! Holt is one of the best at holding up the ball in the premiership and a decent finisher.. but he needs chances, as do all strikers. I cant believe people on here can criticise him at the same time as criticise houghtons tactics - its the defensive approach thats limiting holt. But im not criticising houghton while we're safe.

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MancCanary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Get of Holt's back we owe him a lot IF he is leaving then let it be with dignity and our appreciation Stop sniping at the manager as I said when he was appointed 'a man of integrity to a club of integrity'. One of the reasons for Lamberts departure - he did not think he could keep us up - Chris had the guts to try.'Boldness be my friend' If reports are correct we are even recruiting a Wolf to the pack! Mardler

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mardler

Thursday, March 21, 2013
If this comes off then it will show the club's ambition and determination to establish themselves in the Prem. Going back in for a summer move is very clever, good player at a cheaper price! Hopefully RVW will see an appeal in us, and why wouldn't he. As for this business with Holt, although there's a chance he may leave I'd say there is just as much chance that he won't. If anything, a big namemoney signing would take some pressure off him to perform and that could be the 'lift' he needs if any? If we keep special K, then RVW, Holt, Kamara and Becchio isn't a bad front line to have, each offering something a bit different. Let's not get carried away but EEEEKK I'M SO EXCITED! ;-) OTBC

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Mr. Livers

Thursday, March 21, 2013
well, keep on trying to read body labguage ex-pats. You are clearly out of touch. Holt is good enough and will prove it very soon. Yet again.

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
I don't think anyone's actually hates Holt. There's no denying his goals got us to the Premiership and kept us up last year. Nor have we played a system which suits him this year. He is by far our best option up front but the club needs to move on to a higher level. Fact of the matter is if we stay up we have a larger budget to play with and we need to attract better quality players. I'm sure most fans would like us to be challenging for a place in the top 10 or Europe rather than just trying to stay up. It's purely the fact that Holt is coming to the end of his career and he lacks the pace needed to take on and scare Premiership defenders.

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Oz Canary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
We have to remember that Holt, magnificent though he has been is going to be well over 30 next season. I'm not sure how his body will stand up to his physical style of play, perhaps he's thinking of a final payday by moving to Celtic where the vast majority of games would be much easier for him?

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DocOhNo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
He isn't going to hold the ball up like Holt is he? He isn't going to be a physical enforcer like Holt is he? He's that little spark of finishing and creativity up front that we need, would be an excellent asset.

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
If I were Grant Holt I'd get out there and show the world what I could do. Opportunity knocks Mr Holt. One thing for sure, no one will be interested in him if he doesn't pull his socks up and just sulks.

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Lobbo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
"The agent of Aston Villa forward Andreas Weimann has played down speculation that the 21-year-old could be set for a summer switch to Inter Milan." BBC news gossip. Inter Milan or Norwich, let me think.

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Lobbo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
When, why, how, what.....didn't see that one coming. Must be a done deal to have it out in the open. Is it dependent on us staying up. One thing about NC, we do tend to do things behind closed doors. Just the way it should be. Out next phase has started with a bang.

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Lobbo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Completely agree steady . We need to remember who got us here , holt played a huge part in that . U can never knock his Desire .

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bonesy

Thursday, March 21, 2013
@Steady On - Good to read some sanity this early in the morning. Let's hope it does breathe new fire into the forwards, but what we really need is a better service from the midfield and the wingers for our forwards to thrive on.

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Mr Ed

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Why would it be goodbye Holt? And why do some fans hate him so much? Obviously haven't been around that long. Go back to supporting Chelsea or something, yeah? I think RVW could be an excellent partner for Holt.

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Steady On

Thursday, March 21, 2013
great to read that this early on another cold morn, quite a spirit uplifter.Van Wolfswinkel wow. and rumours that City are 'keeping tabs' on Andreas Wiemann who is apparantly having 'contract negotiation problems' at the Villa.

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wivenhoebudgie

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Great news if true, sounds like Holty may been on the way out too. Pity that he has not really clicked this season, but, it is what it is and time waits for no-one. OTBC

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Dubai Canary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
It it is true I will be a happy bunny. There are several times in the last few games when we needed a wolf in front of goal.

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Swiss Canary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
@Colby. If this is true then it's definitely goodbye to Holt. Probably the reason he moved his family back to Cumbria already. I wouldn't be surprised if his contract extension was only to keep the fans happy after PL left. Judging by the body language when Holt came on against Sunderland he doesn't get along with CH. CH tapped him on the back to say "Good Luck" to which Holt blanked him. CH looked embarrassed and had to look away and stare at the floor.

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Oz Canary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
I hope this is true and somebody from the club can confirm this before I get too carried away. It could be Winkels agent or Lisbon trying to drum up interest in their player. It's the sort of player we should be attracting and signing, he could be the next Van Persie. The way the Euro's sliding it might turn out to be a great bargain! The BBC were reporting we're after Weimann from Villa due to stalled contract talks and him only having a year left. Weimann and Winkel up front might be a class act. Lets get 6 points in the next two games to secure safety then we can start getting people in early for pre-season.

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Oz Canary

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Bye Bye Grant or in recent match's GRUNT !

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Colby Army!

Thursday, March 21, 2013
LIKEY LOT!

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alan clark

Thursday, March 21, 2013
LIKE

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Denzil

Thursday, March 21, 2013