Crofts, how chuffed are you that he has re signed for us?

[We're the Stripes]

edit: while we are on the subject spare a thought for poor old Gillingham who let him go for nothing through abysmal man management. Sad days for them to see him doing so well but I guess they have more to worry about after their equally disgraceful tretament of Trolley McCammon - the club found guilty of racial discrimination and presumably going to face FA charges as a result

It is amazing to think the last place he had played before signing for us (originally) was Dean Saunders' Wrexham in the Conference, having fallen out with Mark Stimson at Gillingham. It's fair to say Crofts has done alright for himself since then. I guess it's evidence for any player that one good move/season can be the making of you as a footballer.

As for the question, yes I'm very pleased he's back at the club. Crofts has certain all-round midfield qualities that you can't put a price on, and fitness wise he is an absolute machine - a diesel heart if you will. Goals, aggression, the ability to do the basic stuff well. Can't wait to see how he works alongside Bridcutt. The two of them should form a pretty rock solid base in that midfield, which in turn should help our creative players to see more of the ball in more advanced areas of the pitch.

 

[severnside gull]

Crofts has certain all-round midfield qualities that you can't put a price on, and fitness wise he is an absolute machine - a diesel heart if you will. Goals, aggression, the ability to do the basic stuff well. Can't wait to see how he works alongside Bridcutt. The two of them should form a pretty rock solid base in that midfield, which in turn should help our creative players to see more of the ball in more advanced areas of the pitch.

great summary!

I agree it will change the whole way we set up and if Barnes gets his chance to play in the hole as a result I think it could be the making of him in particular after he sacrificed so much of his attacking threat last season to give defensive cover. That said I think a new striker will probably be the one to benefit, giving direct support for CMS. Either way it should enhance our goal threat.

 

[Mellotron]

Goals, aggression....

I think he will slot in well, but can we bust this myth that goals are a big part of his game?

5 goals in 44 games for us

He's not really a goalscorer, is he? His goalscoring record for us is only slightly better than Gary Dicker's, and worse than Matt Sparrow or Inigo Calderon.

 

[We're the Stripes]

8 league goals for Norwich in their promotion season (in this division) - when was the last time we had a midfielder score that many? He makes the sort of late runs that our central midfielders aren't renowned for. I'd say they are a part of his game worthy of mentioning.

 

[Mellotron]

8 league goals for Norwich in their promotion season (in this division) - when was the last time we had a midfielder score that many? He makes the sort of late runs that our central midfielders aren't renowned for. I'd say they are a part of his game worthy of mentioning.

Crofts scored eight over TWO seasons for them.

Buckley, Bennett, Sparrow, Calderon from defence, all score at a higher games/goals ratio.

Also LuaLua, with Noone just behind Crofts.

 

[We're the Stripes]

Crofts scored eight over TWO seasons for them.

Buckley, Bennett, Sparrow, Calderon from defence, all score at a higher games/goals ratio.

Also LuaLua, with Noone just behind Crofts.

He still scored 8 in ONE league campaign for them, ie. the division we are currently playing in - regardless of what happened the year after. None of our other central midfielders in recent years have come close to that. Sparrow's strike rate isn't bad, admittedly, but he has not and will probably never complete a full season for us. Calderon is an exception and goals ARE a big part of his game. Ultimately, Crofts scores a respectable amount of goals, which is one of many things he'll bring to our midfield.

 

[Father Jack]

Chuffed to bits, the man is a machine, gets his fare share of goals too.

 

[Icy Gull]

I think he will slot in well, but can we bust this myth that goals are a big part of his game?

5 goals in 44 games for us

He's not really a goalscorer, is he? His goalscoring record for us is only slightly better than Gary Dicker's, and worse than Matt Sparrow or Inigo Calderon.

I may be making this up but I think nearly all his goals tended to be really crucial ones both for us and Norwich. Often late in the game too . But as I said I could just be making this up

 

[CHAPPERS]

People that aren't over the moon about this signing don't know anything about football.

 

[Icy Gull]

People that aren't over the moon about this signing don't know anything about football.

The fact that he was Gus' no 1 midfield target this close season would back that up I reckon

 

[Mellotron]

I may be making this up but I think nearly all his goals tended to be really crucial ones both for us and Norwich. Often late in the game too . But as I said I could just be making this up

Yup, he scored some crucial goals for us, and I think that's exactly why people tend to remember him as someone who scores more goals than he actually does, if you get me?

 

[kalinski]

Think he is a great resigning...adds depth and a great player have along side Bridcutt. This allows us to play 2 or 3 attacking midfielders (or perhaps 4 with no striker like Spain?)

 

[SWINDON SEAGULL]

Last season we suffered with not being able to get forward enough as our midfield and defence were not strong enough to cope. The signings this summer have been spot on and an gus and the club have done and incredible job in plugging the gaps

Crofts is a fantastic signing and just the type of physical presence we have missed. Another strong leader on the pitch will certainly not do any harm either

Add another striker and this season is looking like it could be something special

Agree with every word - well pleased. "Crofty" was sadly missed when Norwich nicked him

 

[BensGrandad]

I am a little disappointed as I do not see him as the big muscle in the midfield that we need. As an attacking option he will be ok and a vast improvement on Navarro or most that we have now .

 

[Meade's Ball]

Well, i feel like i've been with him before. I've obviously wanted another go over him, his experiences away from me making me both jealous and obsessive at times, but fundamentally i'm not getting anything new. Just a revised and improved version of the man i once had warm feelings for. I am satisfied and pleased, but not astonished, and that's not his fault. It's time and circumstance that's to blame. When i see him on the field and bossing, then i'll become thrilled, i think. When his motor's turned on, might ought be chugging excitedly.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Many of our best performances last season came when Sparrow played well. Crofts is a better and more consistent version of Sparrow. What's not to like?

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Will really bolster midfield and release wingers and strikers from some of the need to track back. Should also mean more cover for the defence. Can see more clean sheets and more goals for us next season as a direct result of this signing. Can't wait.

 

[Notters]

I am a little disappointed as I do not see him as the big muscle in the midfield that we need. As an attacking option he will be ok and a vast improvement on Navarro or most that we have now .

The man has arms like TREETRUNKS I tells ye.

 

[catfish]

He's a superb signing - just the sort of player we've been crying out for.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

I am a little disappointed as I do not see him as the big muscle in the midfield that we need. .

You could not be more wrong. The guy is an absolute BEAST, in terms of both strength and stamina. He will stop our central midfield from being bossed by others. El Abd will now have a true adversary in the gym, once again.