Canary Watch: Gally and Murray impress in Scotland

I’m always interested to see how ex-Canaries are getting on, so am going to spend a bit of time having a look (that’s right, another new feature) starting with two recent evacuees: Paul Gallacher and Ian Murray – both of which have signed new deals north of the border recently.

Gallacher joined Dunfermline Athletic on loan in August after failing to nail down a place in first Nigel Worthington and then Peter Grant’s Canary sides, and officially made the move permanent in January after Glenn Roeder cancelled his contract.

Pars Chairman John Yorkston is pretty chuffed with the news:

We are delighted that Jim (McIntyre) has secured Paul for three years. He’s a first class goalkeeper and it shows our commitment to getting up next season.

Murray had his contract terminated “by mutual consent” in January and went back to the club where had started his career, Hibernian.

He said a few things that got under a lot of people’s skin (including mine), but as Hibs fan WestStandDave was keen to point out has been in good form since returning “home”.

Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen was delighted with the news:

I am delighted that the new contract has been agreed with Ian. He’s a great player and has performed really well since coming back to the Club. Ian has a real determination to succeed and this allied to his great versatility will, I’m sure, see him play a key role for us.

So as two Roeder “rejects” make the grade in Scotland it does kind of beg the question: Were neither of them good enough for England and Norwich City, did the club fail them, or was it just one of those things?

I’m inclined to go with the latter in Murray’s case, but for me Gallacher was never quite good enough to shift Robert Green or the deluge of ‘keepers that followed him.

Let me know what you think…

Rob Styles to be “rested”

I hear everyone’s favourite referee Rob Styles is to be “rested” this weekend following a series of bizarre decisions.

In his last three games he has awarded teams penalties soon after sending off one of their players, most recently last weekend for Birmingham following Franck Quedrue’s red card against Manchester City.

Styles also sent-off Darren Huckerby in injury time during the East Anglian Derby last November, although few could argue with that decision.

I’m all for the “Respect for Referees” campaign, and I think this sort of action by Keith Hackett can only make their case stronger.