Grant Holt's goals proved invaluable in City's Premier League survival last season.
Norwich City boss Chris Hughton eager to hold on to Grant Holt
by Paddy Davitt
Monday, June 25, 2012
10:52 AM
Norwich boss Chris Hughton has reiterated he wants captain Grant Holt to remain at Carrow Road.
Hughton – quoted by Skysports over the weekend – insists Holt has a future with the Canaries, despite the 31-year-old’s well-publicised transfer request at the end of last season after failing to thrash out a new deal.
West Ham have been heavily linked with a move but Holt’s representative Lee Payne indicated recently that fresh talks were planned when Hughton returns to work this week following a break in Florida.
The City boss has now revealed initial discussions have already taken place with Holt to keep the triple player-of-the-year – who has two years to run on his existing Norwich contract. Hughton was adamant he wanted Holt on board when he was first unveiled as Paul Lambert’s successor earlier this month, and his position remains unaltered ahead of the first team’s imminent pre-season return.
“I have spoken to Grant but not met him yet,” Hughton is quoted as saying yesterday. “But when I get back I will meet with him and make it clear that I want him to stay.”
City chairman Alan Bowkett and chief executive David McNally have both publicly stated they want last season’s 15-goal Premier League marksman to stay at Carrow Road and lead the club’s top flight challenge again. Holt’s original transfer request was swiftly rejected, with the player’s representative subsequently stating the Hall of Famer was seeking an extra year as part of negotiations on a revised contract.
Premier League new boys West Ham have had two bids, believed to be in the region of £3m, rejected but reports last week claimed the Hammers were poised to launch a fresh £5.5m raid for the Cumbrian. West Ham’s vice-chairman Karren Brady declined to confirm whether Holt was top of Sam Allardyce’s wish list ahead of the Londoners’ return to the big time.
“It’s not appropriate to comment on other people’s players,” said Brady, speaking at Royal Ascot last week. “We prefer to do our business face to face with the chairmen of other clubs, and that’s what we’ll do. We hope to bring in a few more significant signings to improve our team and increase our chances of remaining in the Premier League and really ‘have a go’.
“Sam has made a very strategic plan. We have a comprehensive list of players we hope to bring in and we are working to do that.”
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17 comments
Local Lad. sensible and understanding are not the words to fit the orle of agent. They don't make money if their players sit comfortably alright on long contracts. They have to unsettle their playersand plant the idea that a better deal is always possible. Like estate agents and used car salesmen they are part of the modern business world
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Pondlife
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
How I wish Grant Holt had a more understanding and a more sensible agent. This problem may never have arisen and certainly should not have been made public. Seems there has been an awful lot of bad advice given.
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Locallad
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
He's pulling a 'Rooney' - getting his agent to spread rumours and discontent in the hope of a nice payrise before he's put out to grass in a few years time..... I reckon it's a low tactic regardless of what he brings to City. If only MY boss gave in to the same sort of blackmail and arm-twisting that easily!!!
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Fenscape
Monday, June 25, 2012
I am glad that Big Sam Allardyce has a "very strategic plan". A strategic plan is usually full of platitudes, jarggon and there is only half the money in the budget to do it, the rest will come from efficencies. Good luck with that Hammers.
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Swiss Canary
Monday, June 25, 2012
By the way Paddy Davitt, I would have thought that finishing 12th merits more than just survival in the caption to the photo! How high must a team finish to have done more than just survive? For a first year they did well!
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andy
Monday, June 25, 2012
I realise that many of us may be keen to see some new players in but other than DVDs, has CH seen any of our players yet? Enough to form an opinion about what we may need? Let's give him a break and trust him.
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andy
Monday, June 25, 2012
I hope your gut feeling is right Canarygirl, the sooner we get Holt sorted out the better. Then would be too much to ask for some new signings before next season??
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bogbog
Monday, June 25, 2012
Hope Lee Payne does the right thing for Grant Holt and Norwich City Football Club
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Mark B
Monday, June 25, 2012
Is there any news here ?
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Dubai Canary
Monday, June 25, 2012
As others sign contracts it sends a message and he knows what he'll miss out on...
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richard
Monday, June 25, 2012
My gut feeling says that Holty will stay. I think that once he meets with Hughton, the differences will be sorted out and it will back to business as usual. Now with Ruddy signing a new 4 year contract the future is looking more secure and exciting!!
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Canarygirl
Monday, June 25, 2012
I think that "Hughton's Holiday" has been a good colling-off period for everyone. There is obviously a lot of work for him to do but hopefully he has had time to make the break from Brum, and to watch the DVDs. Of course, putting 2+2 together, as he was holidaying in Florida, it must mean Florida-resident Kevin "The Cat" Keelan is back in the picture.......
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Swiss Canary
Monday, June 25, 2012
I think Holty will stay - I think everyone now has too much to lose from a move. One extra year on a contract - City can afford it, and even if he plays less that third year, his knowledge and artistry (yes you heard the word used here first) as a striker could be passed on through a semi-coaching role...
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richard
Monday, June 25, 2012
After the performance of the England strikers in Euro 2012, Norwich should do everything to keep Holt. He is far better than them & what would it cost to replace him.
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Paul Mark
Monday, June 25, 2012
I am liking your work already Mr. H. You can't put a price on what Holty gives Norwich City. Well you can, but you can't buy it anywhere. Let's hope there is a happy ending on this one.
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Erpingham Tractor
Monday, June 25, 2012
To replace him would cost 8m+, to keep him 1m+. Let me get my abacus out...
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JMH
Monday, June 25, 2012
So this week could be the week when we find out what is going to happen to Holty. Drum roll please...
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CovCanary
Monday, June 25, 2012