The Sheffield Wednesday striker has endured a difficult few days at loan club Norwich City.
What a difference a week makes.
A brace of Jordan Rhodes goals against Aston Villa nine days ago had many Norwich City fans clamouring for the striker’s permanent transfer. Meanwhile, some on the Sheffield Wednesday side discussed bringing back the club record signing who has scored just 10 goals in 55 games for the Owls – three more than he has managed in only 18 Norwich outings.
But it appears that normal service may have resumed.
On Saturday – barely 24 hours after his father, Andy, was inexplicably sacked as Oldham Athletic’s assistant manager – Rhodes saw a penalty saved by Brentford’s Daniel Bentley, and missed a chance to equalise a League Cup tie against Bournemouth that most of our grandparents would have (probably) easily dispatched, four days after that.
The Norwich fans’ calls are much less vociferous now, while some on the Sheffield Wednesday side have been quick to air their I-told-you-sos.
Like any goalscorer in Rhodes’ position, the last thing he needs is a spell outside of the Norwich team. But that is the exact scenario now facing the 28-year-old, who is ineligible for Norwich’s trip to Hillsborough on Saturday and could thereafter find Teemu Pukki breathing down his neck, as the Canaries’ top scorer nears a return to full fitness.
As those of a Sheffield Wednesday persuasion know painfully well, pressure situations are not exactly a strong point of Rhodes’ (many have still to forgive his decision not to take a penalty in the Owls’ play-off semi-final shoot-out defeat against Huddersfield Town 18 months ago).
And there must now be genuine concern that Rhodes’ big chance has already passed him by – particularly on the Yorkshire side’s part, assuming their aim is to recoup some of the £8 million they paid for the previously prolific Scotsman, as well as that of Rhodes himself, who recently admitted to feeling at home again in Norwich.
As things stand, a permanent transfer is some way off. Certainly further than it was last week.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
