Norwood speculation continues

By Bruce Fenn - Sent to me personally, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32926633

The attendance of the Southend United manager Chris Powell at Tranmere Rovers FA Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur has led renewed speculation surrounding the future of leading scorer James Norwood.

Powell has made no secret of his desire to bolster the Shrimpers forward line during the January transfer window.

Tom Hopper has been ruled out for the season, and Shawn McCoulsky’s loan deal from Bristol City was brought to an end to allow him to join Forest Green Rovers. Theo Robinson added to Powell’s woes by receiving two yellow cards in quick succession last time out in their 2-0 defeat of cup giant killers Gillingham, making him unavailable for Saturday’s visit of Plymouth Argyle.

Norwood has been in fine form at Prenton Park this season, scoring 16 league goals as Tranmere adapted quickly to life in League Two after their promotion from the National League last season.

Speaking with the Liverpool Echo in November, the twenty-eight-year striker was keen to stress how happy he was in Birkenhead, “My head’s here, I’m here until the end of the season, and I just want to be part of something special at this club.”

Tranmere manager, Micky Mellon recently addressed the issue of Norwood, whose contract expires in the summer, but gave nothing away in saying, “I’ve got to be honest and say those things will take care of themselves, that’s something we, of course, want to try and sort out with players we think can carry the club forward.”

These comments came after club Chairman Mark Palios played down the chances of Norwood making a January exit.


Our View

With Norwood’s contract up in the summer, the question is do Tranmere cash in now or potentially let him go on a free at the end of the season. Keeping him would be vital for any chance at a tilt for promotion but money talks in the lower leagues. if a suitable bid comes in Tranmere fans may be looking at negotiating the run in without their in-form star striker. Whether Southend will be the destination is up for debate. Although a return south might be attractive, Norwood will perhaps rightly feel is form is good enough to attract the interest of Clubs higher up the League One table or even the championship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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