Daniel Farke was asked at the fans forum a few weeks ago when the squad numbers would be released. Both Farke and Webber played it with a pretend naivety that suggested a blaséness towards the process – but let’s be clear here…every footballer cherishes and dreams of certain numbers.
They mean a lot. Yes, it’s probably stupid – but every little boy in the land who dreams of being a footballer knows which number they want to be.
For the majority of us older gentlemen that number was firmly between 1 and 11. Nowadays that range has increased but there is still a pecking order and politics at play.
I would only have played for the Capital Canaries as no.10 for example (I have the tattoo to prove it!)
The new squad list below, to me, demonstrates some shrewd judgments. Yes, there are some obvious ones in there – Angus Gunn would only have come back to NCFC as our #1 – but other key decisions show a consideration of the bigger picture.
Stand out decision for me was making Josh Murphy our established attacking winger (11). Josh must be reeling from seeing his brother join their favourite team. He’s ‘twinless’ (as he even stated on the recent ‘corner’ challenge on YouTube shows) and must be feeling a little devalued.
By making him our no.11 we are showing him faith and trust. Good call gents.
Making way for Murphy is Matt Jarvis (16). He can’t really argue after an injury ravaged year.
Pinto too has seen a promotion. From 25 to 2. He’s now a first pick on the team sheet. We’re showing him that respect and admiration.
Maddison has already indicated his delight at being given the #23 shirt.
Very happy to be back in a number 23 shirt this season🙌🏼 #JM23 😏🔰 @NorwichCityFC pic.twitter.com/rzE4dpKCnz
— James Maddison (@Madders10) July 31, 2017
While Ben Godfrey gets a ‘higher’ number reflecting his emergence as a first choice bench warmer. While new first 11 berths go to Husband (3), Reed (4), Zimmerman (6) and Vrancic (8).
Marley Watkins will wear 12 while Marcel Franke will wear 28.
Three academy players get team numbers which is a huge boost for them; Harry Toffolo (24), Jamal Lewis (26) and Remi Matthews (29) will be thrilled with the news.
Here is the full list:
1 Angus Gunn
2 Ivo Pinto
3 James Husband
4 Harrison Reed
5 Russell Martin
6 Christoph Zimmermann
7 Steven Naismith
8 Mario Vrancic
9 Nelson Oliveira
10 Cameron Jerome
11 Josh Murphy
12 Marley Watkins
13 Paul Jones
14 Wes Hoolahan
15 Timm Klose
16 Matt Jarvis
17 Yanic Wildschut
21 Alex Pritchard
22 Ben Godfrey
23 James Maddison
24 Harry Toffolo
26 Jamal Lewis
27 Alex Tettey
28 Marcel Franke
29 Remi Matthews
33 Michael McGovern
34 Louis Thompson
What do you think?
OTBC!