New deal for Norwich top scorer bolsters Canaries survival hopes
Published:In detrimental news to punters backing Norwich to be relegated at 7/4, their top scorer of the past three seasons Grant Holt has signed a new three-year deal with the club.
Holt, who has scored 70 goals in 129 appearances for Norwich, handed a transfer request in at the end of last season, which was promptly rejected by the Canaries.
The former Rochdale man then went on to re-affirm his desire to quit Carrow Road on numerous occasions, but following the appointment of Chris Hughton, now appears to have had a change of heart.
News of his new deal will be music to the ears of supporters of the Norfolk club though, considering the massive contribution his 15 Premier League strikes made to their campaign last term.
Indeed, without Holt’s haul in 2011/2012, the Canaries, along with Aston Villa, would have notched fewer times than anyone else in the top flight.
His contribution also appears more significant when considering Wayne Rooney was the only Englishman to score more Premier League goals than Holt last term, and the uncapped striker will be determined to force himself into Roy Hodgson’s plans next season.
Club captain, Holt is viewed as an inspirational figure amongst the Norwich squad, and many feared a massive change in dressing room influence, had he departed along with former manager Paul Lambert this summer.
Now though, the 31-year-old powerhouse joins former Rangers full-back Steven Whittaker, and Barnsley prospect Jacob Butterfield in penning a contract at Carrow Road.
As an integral squad member, Holt will surely line up for Norwich’s opening game of this season, where they will meet Fulham at Craven Cottage, at 10/3 for success.
Holt’s overall form throughout the season could ultimately decide Norwich’s fate though, and if he can replicate the displays that saw him named the club’s player of the year three seasons running, they look worth avoiding at 7/4 for the drop.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
