Jonny’s a Good’un

So we’ve finally had it made official, Howson’s finally confirmed. The rumoured £750k plus add ons is a bit of a bargain, but then Leeds weren’t exactly in a position to barter for a higher price. Out of contract at the end of the season, and the little problem going by the name of Ken Bates. Their loss is very much our gain.

Our midfield appears to have most corners covered now, we have the bruiser, the maestro, the snapping runner and the string-puller. And one, soon to be two, young’uns out learning their trade. But of course if Howson’s now ex, much rumoured team-mate was interested I’m sure we could make room for him.

This blog was started with the main aim of sarcastically rambling about the goings-on at Carra but it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to fulfill that. Especially when we’re signing excellent young players to add to our good young squad. We’ll plough on nevertheless.

Presumably the only player who won’t be thrilled with the signing of Howson is the unrecognisable Andrew Crofts. He’s found himself on the periphery, enough time to grow some hair no less. An all-action midfielder coming through the doors is only going to knock him down a notch again.

Johnson appears to be Lambert’s go to guy, despite Crofts and Fox seeming to be a better fit. Fox and Howson sounds even better, mind. Johnson battling and presence seemingly makes up for his deficiencies elsewhere. And no doubt one of hits will go in sooner or later. The law of averages rule this universe, you know.

Talking of players being due one, Coventry away seems a long time ago now. There’s a bouncing ball with Fox’s name on it, surely. Then again, that’s exactly what Howson’s here for.

Priorities Right

So it seems Lambert is at a bit of a loose end in this transfer window. Aside from the stock “the lads need a hand” and “they’ve done brilliant for me” (“How far we’ve come” was the only real notable absentee), the most important thing he said was regarding squad players and not signing them.

Unfortunately this will fall on many-a deaf ear. Come window-closing time people will be in bits bemoaning the lack of activity. I, and I hope many others would agree, would rather we did just as Lambert is planning. More specifically, not straining the wage budget with players that are no better than what we already have.

Dosed up on humble pie

Last week I wrote that I would happily fall at the usual first (third) hurdle in the cup but when we went two goals to the good I have to admit I weakly fell for the drama of a cup run. Fickle, I know. But if we’re going to go for a cup run we may as well do it in that kind of style. (Although it took every bit of my strength not to scream “SEE!! WE DON’T NEED THIS!” when Zak hit the deck in agony.)

Sure, we were afforded acres of space but we certainly made the most of it. Heck, even Wilbraham looked a threat. I’m sure he must have felt the 22,000 fans willing him to score. Don’t lie, you wanted it to happen too.

Time after time we carved our way into promising positions with Patches O’Hoolahan and Foxy orchestrating things along with the majestic Ayala. *Add your own like a new signing line here.*

We’ve been handed a bit of a dull tie with Baggies away, though. And out of the two impending visits I know which I’d rather we came back victorious from, and that’s the first. But, a trip to the fifth round sounds almost appealing, although anything but a replay will be all right with me.

As for the first game at the Hawthorns, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a very similar side that made the most of a sleepy Burnley XI. Obviously Rudd will drop to the bench, Tierney may make it- however harsh on steady-as-ever Adam Drury Hall of Fame that may be- and Jackson-Holt and Fox-Crofts are wining partnerships for me. The latter’s place is never, ever in doubt in my book. Obviously.

Kyle No-ton?

So Naughton’s not been allowed to stay out to play at Carra past May. It’s safe to say that’s a blow. But, nevertheless, he’s here until the end of the season so it’s not all bad.

It presumably means the money we had intended to put aside for the impressive full-back is now available to be spent elsewhere. On another full-back maybe? With Tierney struggling, Drury being Drury and De Laet being De Laet, we’re a tad thin on the ground.

Do us a Favour, Burnley?

Unless we’ve all forgotten, Norwich have a game to go and lose at the weekend.

Yes, I know it’s nice to matter. It’s nice to be the talk of the town, table and darts but we’ve got a cup to gracefully bow out of.

Let’s be honest, the last thing we need is a cup run getting in the way taking up valuable energy and throwing up