Second season syndrome for Canaries

Although relatively safe of relegation this season, Norwich City are a team who should fear for survival next term without significant investment.

Chris Hughton’s men have gone about their business very quietly this season, not pulling up any tress nor can they at any stage describe any part of their season a ‘relegation dog fight’.  However, Hughton must be allowed the funds to invest in his squad of Championship over-achievers are to survive a third season at English football’s top table.

Paul Lambert was the man that assembled much of Norwich’s current squad following their promotion to the Premier League two seasons ago.  Lambert carried on his own philosophy of signing young hungry player, in many cases without any Premier League experience that were eager to prove that they could cut it with the country’s elite teams.  This worked well and resulted in a superb first season.

However, with this philosophy Norwich need to be careful of complacency setting in.  Following Lambert’s summer switch to Aston Villa and Chris Hughton taking the reins, results on the pitch have declined slightly.  They have not been disastrous by any stretch and the club are still well set for a third consecutive season of Premier League football at Carrow Road, but this has not been as comfortable a season as the canaries endured last season.

After the initial season where a group of proven championship players were eager to prove themselves as top level footballers, Norwich have suffered from second season syndrome this season, although admittedly a very mild case.  It will be an important summer for Chris Hughton and he will need to refresh his squad if he is to halt the slow decline Norwich are showing signs of going through.

Aaron SharpFollow @ajs26061988