Stability the Key as Ruddy Signs Up

When Chris Hughton was revealed as the new Norwich City manager to the press some 20 days ago, he was widely credited as being a safe pair of hands.

After all, he had previously returned Newcastle United to the Premier League at the first attempt, when the club looked to be slipping dangerously down the footballing pyramid, and then led them to 11th in the top flight, laying the foundations for their current resurgence.

He had also taken on a similar role at Birmingham, successfully managing the club on four fronts, whilst players were leaving and assets were being frozen.

So when he was appointed, the hope was that there would not need to be too much change from the clubs` current trajectory. More of the same would do just fine, rather than any whole sale change. Not that the club has looked like it might fall apart like a house of cards at all, but the fans` remit for Hughton was 'maintain and build`.

Putting the Holt situation to one side (it is a very individual case), specifically, Hughton has had to deal with the contract situations of Adam Drury, Russell Martin, Andrew Surman and John Ruddy.

The Drury one was probably the most divisive. Clearly in the twilight of his career, Drury has proved himself to be a rare breed of modern day footballer, loyal and dependable. Oft called upon at short notice, he has never once let the club down. Whether Drury was offered a coaching role or not, we don`t know for sure, but he was offered something, it`s just that Leeds United offered 2 years to a 33 year old, and at 33 those length of deals have to be accepted, even if they do require a move a way to less desirable locations in the UK.

In the case of Martin, Surman and Ruddy, so much could have gone wrong. Certainly not short of potential suitors, when Lambert walked out and The Sun muted claims of a player mutiny, a mis-handled call from an agent to our new manager could have been fatal to any hopes of consistency in personnel. However, no such mishap was forthcoming and Hughton`s reputation for being a safe pair of hands grows again.

As recent as last week, various unreliable tabloids were suggesting Ruddy would link up with his former boss at Aston Villa. Hughton has clearly dealt with any issues that may have arisen swiftly and effectively, and the delight from fans was palpable as perhaps our most valuable player put pen to a new four year deal.

Hughton has shown his man management skills even before a ball has been kicked in anger, and just two further short-term challenges remain - resolve the Holt issue one way or another and get that first signing in. Remove both of those from the 'To Do` list and it will have been a very successful summer indeed.

OTBC