Norwich City column: Edward Seaman on why lack of creativity could hold back David Wagner’s side in play-off chase

It’s not been the summer of revolution that many would have expected at Carrow Road.

On the back of last season’s disappointing 13th place finish there was a feeling that wholesale changes were required – both on and off the pitch – in order to freshen things up and breathe new life into our stagnating club.

As it is, only a handful of senior players have been signed, and there have been precious few departures since those out-of-contract were let go in May.

While we have been far from a hive of transfer activity, I’ve been very pleased with those who have walked through the door.

Ashley Barnes is a shrewd addition to our front line – bringing bags of experience and know-how, as well as the nasty streak we have been so desperately missing for some time.

At the other end of the pitch, Shane Duffy certainly falls into that category too, while Jack Stacey has been the standout performer in an encouraging pre-season.

We have looked far more solid defensively, with clean sheets against Darmstadt, Kaiserslautern and Olympiacos evidence of that.

My one concern remains a lack of creativity within the squad. Christian Fassnacht and Borja Sainz have been brought in to address this issue, although sadly the latter will miss the opening few months of the season through injury.

Whether more new recruits will follow remains to be seen. While I feel they are needed, the noise from the club suggests sales will have to be made before that happens.

In truth, it is difficult to assess what is a realistic aim for David Wagner’s side this season.

I look at the three teams coming down from the Premier League and expect them all to be competitive, while another half dozen teams (including our friends from Suffolk) will all fancy their chances.

That said, the minimum goal has to be a top six finish. Anything less can only be seen as a failure at this level.