Just when you need a bit of good news, along comes a new contract story.

Depending on how much liquid is in your glass, the decision by Martin Olsson to extend his stay with a new one and a half year deal is either good news for Norwich City supporters – or good news for the future financial planning of the club.

It is extremely easy to be cynical of these things, but football is a business and footballers are also businessmen. Olsson is one of a small clutch of players at Carrow Road who is capable of playing Premier League football. Most of us would like to see him do that with Norwich City, but if things don't improve, he is going to start to get itchy feet. And there is nothing worse than a footballer with itchy feet.

However, if that is the case, rather than him walking out of the door for nothing next summer, or for a paltry fee in January, City now do, at least, have some sort of financial hold on him, which will enable them to command a decent fee.

There would be opportunities in January and next summer for the Swedish international to have a wee chat with Alex Neil when they may agree he could go for the right price – then they are both 'winners'.

That's the cynical bit sorted.

The other part of it is that City have one of the best full-backs in the league on their hands. While one or two others may be accused of letting their standards drop, Olsson's only crime is bit of a disciplinary rap sheet. But for determination and effort, he can't be faulted. Olsson isn't a slacker, a hanger of his head. Olsson is a baller, as they say.

For that we should be thankful.

Now, about the timing. City fans are on a bit of a downer at the moment and the news that Olsson had signed a new deal will have helped lift morale, among fans and in the dressing room.

It is certainly better timing than the news that Jacob Murphy had signed a new deal – that came at the club's AGM last week. Perfect for someone to stand up and announce to an audience that might have been a little edgy but it did rather get buried and only bad news should be subject to that.

Ask your nearest politician...