During the closing stages of Saturday's draw against West Ham United, sections of the home crowd began chanting Wes Hoolahan's name as a hint to manager Chris Hughton.

Wes Hoolahan still in Norwich City manager Chris Hughton’s thinking

David Cuffley Monday, September 17, 2012
12:43 PM

Wes Hoolahan still has a role to play in Norwich City’s Premier League campaign, according to manager Chris Hughton.

"I was tempted to bring Wes on because I know he can produce that little bit of magic, that little bit of gold."

Norwich City manager Chris Hughton

The Irishman has played just 13 minutes of the Canaries’ league programme so far this season, coming off the bench against Fulham at Craven Cottage on the opening day when they were already 4-0 down.

Since then, he has been an unused substitute for three matches in a row, all of which have ended in draws, though he did captain City and score the decisive penalty in the 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Scunthorpe. During the closing stages of Saturday’s televised goalless draw against West Ham United, sections of the home crowd began chanting Hoolahan’s name as a hint to the manager.

It appears the 4-4-2 system employed in those three matches may have worked against the 30-year-old’s inclusion, for he spent much of the last three seasons playing at the front of a midfield diamond or supporting a lone striker.

Hughton admitted: “It has been a little bit difficult. Even towards the end I did want to bring Wes on, but because of the way West Ham play and they’re a strong, physical side, you’re mindful that you don’t want to get done from the set-plays.

“I was tempted to bring Wes on because I know he can produce that little bit of magic, that little bit of gold, but there is two sides to it. West Ham are so strong, they are direct in their play and I just felt we needed to keep some height on the pitch.

“It’s been a tough one for Wes because he’s a very good player but I’m quite sure that if he continues to do what he’s doing there is certainly scope for him to be involved, definitely.”

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52 comments

You are indeed correct, PS. In the south stand, same seat 11 or 12 seasons now. Ohh interesting thought, you believe they grow into the game? May not be far wrong, not noticed it myself though.

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Billy

Thursday, September 20, 2012
Billy, your observatioin is spot on-----I 'll bet you have a good elevated seat in the middle of either the City or South Stand----- But in my not so humble opinion, Hoolahan and Holt are even more effective if playing together for 90mins.

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Pa Snipps

Thursday, September 20, 2012
In agreement with Timbo, that one player can come on fresh minded, get himself in a good area and create opportunities, as well as having the legs to run at the defence. Just think back to QPR home last season, Hoolahan and Holt come on, Hoolahan gets the ball from a wide area, crosses it in and Holt's there to score the late winner, someone like Hoolahan can be a real impact sub from what we've seen before.

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Billy

Thursday, September 20, 2012
Good posting Kev. I disagree that one player can't change a team ( would we have won promotion last time around without a certain Mr. Hucks ?) but apart from that, what you say makes sense. People will express opinions both negative + positive, cos that's what footy forums are for ! We all need to hear both sides of the argument to develop a balanced view. PS: Holty- he's NOT the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy ..

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Timbo

Thursday, September 20, 2012
One player does not change the team. Yes he is a good player, but what about the other good players that are on the pitch, the "Messiah" Grant Holt, yes he is a good player, but i havnt seen ANYONE say a negative thing about him and the fact he has hardly had a shot on goal, let alone a goal. And before anyone says he doesnt have any service, Snodgrass has managed to score and create chances without a said Irish man?? Its all so easy to jump on the carthorse, thats why we are all managers of a Premiership team. Mr Houghton, knows what he is doing, its a new team and getting the balance right, in which he did against Tottenham. I have every faith in our manager and before long, it will all fall into place. But, haters are going to hate, so bring on the abuse. OTBC IHWT

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KevBarnbrook

Thursday, September 20, 2012
@Pa Snipps. Oh so sorry to disappoint you. I speak as I find. @Billy moderated his comments, even elaborated his previous post. Showing greater humility. I don't address these boards to start, or sustain a war.

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Dissaster

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Stop knocking the team,we have lost one match this season.Yes it should not have happened but at least we are improving,sort the defence out first and get Holty match fit and all off it will click into place

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canarykid

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
You “Creep” Dissaster! ...Just when I was changing my opinion of you, and beginning to take a liking to you. Never mind we all have the same objective.... As Brucie would say “Keep Dancing”.

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Pa Snipps

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
@Billy. A good post. Still not sure I would agree with you totally, but you do make some valid points, and, more importantly you provide with your opinion, another viewpoint. I rather believe that was all PAG was striving to do - I would say the same to him. I have said many, many times, we all see games differently. We each are entitled to our opinion, and should never in replying to others, with an opposing view, become overbearing and haughty. Your last, and Pag's first were the most interesting on this board. OTBC.

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Dissaster

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Well said Billy. Spot on.

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canarydownunder

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
We only post on these boards because we want what's best for Norwich City, some may be positive, some may be negative, some like me may drift between the 2. The only reason I have taken this result negatively is because the approach we have grown to love over the past 3 seasons has taken a big change, rightfully so with the new manager bringing his style in. But the frustration kicks in when I and I'm sure others could see that West Ham looked there for the taking, in a game which was to use the cliché a real 6 pointer. But I guess that's how the approach has changed, making those extra attacking substutions (i.e usually Hoolahan) will be rarer in those situations, in order to keep our points ticking over. Just hope we see more drive and influence in the midfield and get runners off of Holt from wide areas, I hope to see that sort of positivity from the wings, I believe that's where goals come from. As a footnote I'd like to add I'm happy with the inclusion of Jackson, he looks like a real outlet for us, defenders now they've been in a game when he's on the pitch, would love to see him on another streak of goals.

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Billy

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Dissaster, well we scored more goals than everyone outside the top 6? What were you expecting, less goals conceded outside the top 6 too? Your expectations are very ambitious indeed. You say our defensive record "let us down." Let us down where? Let us down from our Champions League hopeful spot?! The penalties were a let down because in hindsight they could be avoided, whereas goals conceded was all part of attacking football to win games as opposed to going out there not to lose.

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Billy

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
@PAG. Hope it's not the last we see of you, you are worth reading. I totally agree with comments about things getting personal - they shouldn't. Those responsible, take note??? I like reading others views & opinions, we all see a game differently. Should my comments invite rudeness, I'm happy, and more than capable of meeting fire with fire."He who sows the wind, shall reap the whirlwind."

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Dissaster

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Finally, Just because I haven't posted before does not mean I don't go to matches or read these forums. I'm a long time season ticket holder and I have held back from posting as I know how forums can get out of hand. Point proven - my 1st post today and then all hell lets loose because I have an opinion that differs from the rest. Forums are the same everywhere. A few regular posters who most of the others feel they have to agree with. If the world were full of sheep nothing would get done. Debate is healthy as long as it's not personal. 1st and last post in one day lol. I will let you get on with it. Good luck everyone and I truly hope you will all enjoy a great season! PS 'Dissaster' & 'Timbo' thanks for your lone support. Enjoy! OTBC

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PAG

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
After I recover from the disappointment I try to move on. I truly believe we are a good side but it will not be easy this season. But honestly, after 4 games last year we had scored 1 more goal. Were we really that much more deadly in front of goal? I just don't get all of the doom and gloom. I don't agree with all of CH decisions but right now - the early on I am going to keep the faith. Sorry if that bothers you, and sorry for trying to be positive.

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PAG

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I too really want success, but we have a new manager and it takes time for all parties to get used to each other. I agree it was a mistake to let Vaughan go. I stayed up to the early hrs on transfer night and waited like most of us to see who was coming in and I was gutted when we didn't replace him with experience. I too moan on the way home after results like Sat.

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PAG

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Billy - I quote 'facts' because they speak the truth. 'Despise' me if it makes you feel better, but, again know the facts before making assumptions. I was there on Sat - as I am for every match. I am entitled to my opinion - as are you. That is called a debate but it doesn't have to get personal here does it? we are after all on the same side are we not?

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PAG

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Not been on for some time - part in protest at the ethering - hope all is better now. Very disappointed at the negativity displayed by CH on Saturday. Surman was clearly 'all in ' with 20 minutes to go after an excellent first half. The game was crying out for Wes to inject a bit of something different and I cannot see how Surman remaining on helped us defensively. I sit behind the City bench and the indeciveness was there to be seen with 20 minutes to go. West Ham were there for the taking and that is two lost points to me. As for Holty - he is a centre forward - why have him operating in a wide position and hitting high balls to Jackson? Overall I think that we are a stronger squad than last year and pleased with the signings. Let's see this coming through in the results and a bit more positivity, please Chris!!

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Kent Anglian

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Bit Strong Billy! Especially when you too started to quote facts about last season. I go along with most, maybe all of your observations. Tell me, Where abouts is your seat? You obviously have a clearer view than some of the ostriches that we have commenting on here. Mr Hughton and co have the best view of the grass and 22 pairs of brightly coloured boots Diss aster..you seem pretty new to me . What was your previous cover up?

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Pa Snipps

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
@Billy. Now who's being, in your words. "boisterous". I quote, 'the ONLY thing that let us down last season, was the giving away of penalties." Gee, there was me thinking that our defensive record, the worst in the division, save the relegated clubs, might have been a factor, blah, blah, blah . . .

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Dissaster

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Absolutely despise people that feel need to orchestrate their posts like "FACT: bla bla bla, FACT: bla bla bla." It's just boisterous. Were you at the game, PAG? If so you'll see it was also a very sloppy and negative display, in which we were poor in possession and lacked creativity throughout, the only thing that let us down last season was the giving away of penalties, something which we improved, lack of goals is a much more serious concern because you have to ask yourself, where will they come from and when? How rose tinted can you be? Our midfield looked strong? Defensively yes, going forward it was a shambles, what kept us up last season? 12 points against the promoted sides and attacking football, the reason for apprehension is simply because we seem toothless and uninspiring, you'd see that if you went to games.

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Billy

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Yeah some good points there PAG. If by "we'll be ok" you mean we'll survive in the Prem then I think you're right. Tell you what tho mate, if we finish higher than 12th in May I'll donate 5 whole English pounds to the ITFC retirement home for elderly + confused players ( otherwise known as the Binners transfer fund)..

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Timbo

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
@PAG. An excellent post, seemed well balanced to me, fact based, coverered all the angles - not at all over-optimistic. Some folk need to be more objective, less subjective.

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Dissaster

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Hi goldie, sorry for the long comment - I just thought the facts need to be shown. I want us to get sharper up front as well and I am the first to moan if we don't play well. However, the simple fact is we have started better than we did last year and we have a stronger, more balanced squad. CH may not be so gun-ho but I don't think he is as defensive as he's made out to be. We have created easily as many chances as we did in the first games of last season - it's just that our forwards haven't taken them. That does need sorting, and I wish CH hadn't let Vaughan go - he looked sharp pre-season, but we will be ok!

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PAG

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Hi PAG you have even taken Mad Brewers breath away.

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goldie

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
PAG you must be a wonderful person to have such a positive outlook, certainly not the average football fan, if we all had only positive things to say how boring would that be and would not give you the opportunity to write half a page of script on how stupid we all are!

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goldie

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I don't understand the panic and negativity here. Fact; After 4 games last season we had conceded 6 goals and scored 3 goals. We had 2 draws and 2 defeats. 2 points from 4 games. Fact: First four games this season - 7 conceded, 2 scored. 1 defeat & 3 draws - 3 points from 4 games. A very comparable record. Holt takes time to get going - although he had scored 1 in the first 4 last year. He may not be so deadly this season, I agree. Teams are more aware of him and he may miss the service from Wes. I also agree that we need to be sharper up front... but for gods sake, look at our defence this season compared to last. It is looking so much better. CH may be more defensive than PL but, boy did we need to tighten up. Our midfield looks so strong also. I think we will get better and better with each game. We have a run of difficult games ahead but we have the ability to cause an upset and I for one think we are much stronger that last term and have more strength in depth. We have 1 more point so far that we had same time last year and have already kept 1 clean sheet. But for a wonder goal (Spurs) and a pen (QPR) we could quite easily have had 3 clean sheets. I trust CH to keep us up and I think it is crazy to start scare mongering so early - especially when we have actually had a better start than last year!!!

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PAG

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Negativity by the Fans - no problem. Negativity by the Manager- BIG problem.

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irongloves

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
@Stew P. It occured to me - water? Pisces & Faeces, they rhyme. I now have a triple word association.

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012
@Stew P. It occured to me - water? Pisces & Faeces, they rhyme. I now have a triple word association.

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012
So many Generals(?) I take my leave. Gentlemen, good day.

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012
Wes should be used as a super sub, get into the penalty box and irritate those big defenders that Hughton keeps banging on about, we may get some penalties then.

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goldie

Monday, September 17, 2012
I Don't see Mancini not playing David Silva coz he does'nt want to get done at set plays by those big bullys at West Ham. Maybe we should let the opposition worry about what Wes can do and not worry about what they can do? Or have we got an inferiority complex. PL would have attacked.

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tunsteadtiger

Monday, September 17, 2012
Suffolk, that strange place just north of budgies nest and south of nelsons county, famous for [ten minutes and still thinking]

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wivenhoebudgie

Monday, September 17, 2012
Diss arster! What's it with you and water? Diss!..Would that be South of the Waveney or the Ouse? Just think ! a vindaloo and a bucket of water, chased down by a bloke from Suffolk

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Stew Pydsodd

Monday, September 17, 2012
Stew, could you not improve the run rate by having a vindaloo

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wivenhoebudgie

Monday, September 17, 2012
shine on you crazy diamond. Wes at its point,Tettey at its base and 2 from Surm Johnson, etc. Why not?

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wivenhoebudgie

Monday, September 17, 2012
Ive been adoing a bit of maths, anither of my attributes, and it just dawned on me that at the current run rate (cricketing term), that we are arunning at 0.75pts per game. Now let's see 0.75x38= 28.5.... I winder if that will be enuff at the end of the season. Simhow I dorn't think it will. So simthing will hive ta change....Any Suggestions?

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Stew Pydsodd

Monday, September 17, 2012
@Billy. Perhaps a little water with it? Mmmm?

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012
The inclusion of Hoolahan - instant success? Were cancer cured by emptying a sachet into water? So, so simple? The 'Silver Bullet' idea lives obviously. I smile.

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012
Haha brilliant Timbo exactly right, wouldn't be surprised if he signs Helveg and Svensson in the January window, it's very much like going back to those times, and we all know how that panned out.

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Billy

Monday, September 17, 2012
The inclusion of Hoolahan - instant success? Were cancer cured by emptying a sachet into water? So, so simple? The 'Silver Bullet' idea lives obviously. I smile.

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012
I think this game needed more than Hoolihan. It needed both Holt and Jackson to have been on top form - Jackson terrier like around the ankles of the WH defence, and Holt at his lethal bullying best in the box.

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Mellow_Yellow

Monday, September 17, 2012
It's a good job that we didn't have Lionel Messi on the bench as he would probably have been excluded on the basis of height as well; though at 5'7" he is 1" taller than Wes.

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Swiss Canary

Monday, September 17, 2012
I have been sayin for years Wes should play, we all voice our feelings, hopefully we are all pulling in the same direction, after all we are all Norwich City supporters. Wes adds that spark. Just Sayin

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RoadWarrior

Monday, September 17, 2012
So much for a little 'Dunkirk spirit' - not that it's in any way necessary. The Headless Chicken Walz is playing. Listen . . . . .

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012
So much for a little 'Dunkirk spirit' - not that it's in any way necessary. The Headless Chicken Walz is playing. Listen . . . . .

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012
Yes indeed Billy. I bumped into CH the other week. He was wearing a T-shirt saying " I'M NOT WORTHY". I said to him "No, but you do a very good impression of his tactics"....

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Timbo

Monday, September 17, 2012
I think the word you may be looking for Mr Manager is “indecision”. Wes may only be a little bloke, but he has much going in his favour. He has two feet the same as the other 21 players, and he plays his football at grass level not 7ft in the air. The other plus should be that he is Irish, or is that a minus?

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Pa Snipps

Monday, September 17, 2012
I disagree with this, he didn't want to be done by set plays? Surman was standing on the edge of the box for set plays, Hoolahan could easily take up that position, it's an excuse because what he actually didn't want to do was attack, he wanted the draw, this man's starting to annoy me already.

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Billy

Monday, September 17, 2012
Careful Diss, comments on here tend to be reserved for negativity only!

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CanaryCitizen

Monday, September 17, 2012
Spot on CH. Your logic, for me, is correct.

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Dissaster

Monday, September 17, 2012

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