27 year old (in August) Askou began his career at Ikast FS before moving to Holstebro BK in 2002. In 2003 he joined 1st Division Silkeborg IF, following a successful trial. He helped the club regain promotion to the Danish Superliga during his first season. In 2007, Askou failed to agree a new deal with SIF, leading to a move to Turkish football with Kasımpaşa where he made 57 appearances.

Kasımpaşa finished bottom of the 2007–08 Süper Lig, with Askou scoring twice. However, despite Askou’s own goal in the play-offs semi-final, the club returned to the top flight at the first attempt in 2008–09. His contract was not renewed the following summer.
25 year old Goran Maric’s senior career began with Celta B in 2002 with whom he made 148 appearances scoring 49 times. During this time he also played on loan for Las Palmas six times without scoring and once for Celta Viga, also without scoring. Last season saw him on loan at Barcelona B making 33 appearances, scoring 11 goals. Whilst on trial at City Maric scored twice in three games and we look forward to more of the same when the season starts on 8 August.

Indeed all eyes will be upon Grant when he makes his debut as he’s scored on every league club debut he’s made, Rochdale, Sheffield Wednesday, Notts Forest and Shrewsbury. He also scored on his debut at his first club, Barrow.

“Obviously this is a great opportunity for me as it’s a really good club. I had the chance to look around over the last couple of days to see all the facilities, and I think everyone knows they shouldn’t be in this predicament but unfortunately they are. I’m looking forward to playing a part in getting the Club back to where it should be. Forwards are paid to score goals and I’ve scored a lot in my career and I want to continue to so here. I can’t wait to get going and just throw myself into life as part of Norwich City. I just want to be successful and to do as well as I can, my aim is to score goals and get the team promoted. I know a few of the players here, I know Wes Hoolahan from Blackpool. I know a few, and met a few of them this morning and they all seem a good bunch. I spoke to Sammy Clingan before I came here and he sold the Club to me really, really well.”

So it seems Sammy helped us out before his move to Coventry, so thank you Sammy. Hopefully we’ll be seeing plenty of goals scored for City by Holt and some more awards for the player and the team too. With the 20 league goals from 43 games and another 8 goals from Cup competitions last season he earnt the top strikers’ mantle.

Cody Mcdonald has signed his first professional terms joining us from Dartford after scoring 19 goals in 20 games earnt him a trial at Colney where he duly impressed to earn a one and a half year deal with the option of an extension if he progresses enough. Charlton, Palace and Reading were all monitoring the 22 year old who has been handed the number 27 shirt. I welcome his signing as nothing ventured, nothing gained. At least give the boy his chance and see how it goes. Excellent work Gaffer.

Our Antipodean connection has increased too, with a second Aussie, Adrian Leijer’s loan from Fulham with Elliott Omozusi returning to the Cottagers. I’d certainly like to thank Elliott for coming to Carrow Road and would welcome him back with open arms in the future. He played very well out of position at centre half when required especially against the scum, laying a good platform for us to beat the portaloo road boys. Another good piece of business from Gunny though getting in a recognised centre half and if he’s got anything like the work rate and application of Elliott then we’ve signed a good ‘un.

Bad news regarding the loss of Arturo Lupoli. I for one don’t believe he had a fair crack of the whip here. He’s a really good player who we only got to see flashes of due to selection prejudices. Certainly he should have been starting ahead of Cureton. I wish him well and am sure he’ll reappear in the Championship either as a late signing due to the weather or when the loan window opens in a month.

So the ins are; Adrian Leijer (centre half), David Carney (left winger), Chris Killen (striker), Alan Gow (attacking midfielder/forward) and Cody McDonald (striker).

Outs; Arturo Lupoli, Elliott Omozusi, Omar Koroma (all loan terminated), John Kennedy (injured loan terminated), David Bell (Coventry City, undisclosed), Luke Chadwick (MK Dons, undisclosed).

Any thoughts on the transfer dealings?

Butterworth made 293 appearances for City between 1986 and 1994 at centre half before injury forced his retirement. He re-emerged in the inaugural MLS season in 1996 with Colorado Rapids. In 2005 Ian passed his pro licence having had successful spells coaching at Cardiff and Darlington. He worked with the FA in Germany during the World Cup and on his return was given his current role of Reserve Team coach at Hartlepool.

The 26 year old 6 foot attacking player gives options to the team as he can play centrally or wide and started his career at Clydebank in 2000 but moved to Aidrie United after only 9 appearances in two years. At Airdrie he played 96 games and hit the back of the net 26 times. A move to Falkirk ensued and there he scored 17 times in 81 games, before joining Rangers on a free as Walter Smith’s first signing in 2007. It was his dream move to his boyhood heroes but he only made 2 competitive appearances at Ibrox before being offered as a make-weight in the transfer from Burnley of Kyle Lafferty. Gow spurned the move at the eleventh hour and it seems that was the end of his time at Rangers.

City were allegedly in for him in the summer but he signed on a loan deal for Blackpool after Glenn Roeder failed to get back to Rangers after terms had been agreed with the player. He scored a dramatic late equaliser in a 1-1 draw and equally dramatic late winner against Watford having come from behind three times to win 4-3.

Bryan Gunn told the Norwich official website: “I’m delighted to secure Alan on loan until the end of the season as there were a lot of other clubs looking to sign him. Alan has already played in the Championship for Blackpool this season so he knows the level and the standard down here. He can play in a variety of positions so that will be important to us with 16 games to go. It will be interesting to see how he combines with Chris Killen from his Old Firm rivals Celtic.”

He will fly down to Birmingham to meet up with the City squad ahead of our game against Wolves tomorrow night, weather permitting. If international clearance is granted then he may well go into the squad for the game. Wolves had agreed a fee of £250k for Gow and if he impresses a similar figure would no doubt secure his services permanently.

There is also speculation linking Caledonian Thistle’s midfield pocket dynamo Don Cowie with a move south of the border to us as well. As yet it’s just a rumour so more if it happens.

His previous clubs are Oldham, Wrexham and Manchester City. The 6 foot hitman has made 26 appearances for the All Whites, scoring 15 goals and was prolific for Hibs where he scored 19 goals in 31 appearances so we certainly hope he strikes that kind of form while down here. I’m sure everyone will be pleased to see that we’ve managed to aquire a target man who looks pretty physically capable weighing in at just under 13 stone, it’s certainly something we’ve been lacking. So Kia Ora Chris we hope your stay is a successful one.

The 25 year old is a predominately left sided midfielder who has also played wing back for the Australian national team. Indeed the possibility of losing his place for the Socceroos has prompted him to look for first team football away from Bramall Lane having only started one game for the Blades this season.

Ian Crook knows Carney well having been at Sydney FC together where he made 21 appearances and scored 6 goals. Said Gunn “Ian gave a very high recommendation of David and his capabilities, and was happy to recommend him to us. I know there were other clubs interested in him, both in this country and in Europe, and I really hope he is able to use his abilities to help us in the battle we have ahead of us.”

Upon joining the Canaries, Carney told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted to be joining a club such as Norwich – the club is obviously in a position they shouldn’t be and hopefully I can do something to help move the team up the table. I’m looking forward to working with Ian Crook again and can’t wait to get started.”

He has been allocated the squad number 11, and goes straight into the squad for Fridays must win match at Doncaster.

Carney has plenty of UK experience, starting his career as a trainee at Everton before moves to Oldham, Halifax and Hamilton Academicals in Scotland. In 2005 he returned home to Sydney FC. Moving back to England in 2007 signing a 3 year deal at Sheffield United.

From his 17 Australia caps, where he predominately operates at wing back, David has scored one goal coming against Nigeria at Craven Cottage in 2007 (pictured celebrating)

Certainly a good centre half and target man are at the very top of Gunny’s shopping list. Having come into the manager’s chair from player liaison officer Bryan should have plenty of player details at his disposal.