When I was a sixth former I had to read many “classic” books of English literature, several of which I could barely finish and very few that I actually enjoyed reading.
As I trooped long-faced out of Carrow Road on Friday night a section of one of these returned from the past to hit me hard: The Slough of Despond from John Bunyan’s 1678 allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress.
I won’t bore readers with the storyline [such as it is] but the Slough itself has nothing to with what, at least according to Sir John Betjeman, is the most boring town in Southern England. Sir John cheerfully wrote Come Friendly Bombs and Rain on Slough. I guess Sir John had never been to Crawley. Or Dartford.
This Slough was a quicksand-like bog that once encountered was almost impossible to escape from, although Bunyan’s protagonist Christian did eventually manage to extricate himself.
I had to fight my way through cancelled buses, one that eventually turned up that would only stop at St Stephens and a massive crowd gathered for the evening’s vibrant firework display, which saw three of us adopting great politeness and the occasional pertinent stare to get through. I got to the ground at two minutes to eight. Phew!
After appreciating a truly emotional Last Post and minute’s silence I could relax. For all of 90 seconds.
Emi Buendia tried a drag-back in his own half and Gerard Deulofeu mugged him, progressed at speed, sold Tom Trybull a dummy and despatched with ease past a helpless Tim Krul. There’s no hiding it, that was really one of those “Oh $hit” moments that has so far summed up our season.
It could have become quickly worse as a wasteful Daryl Janmaat lofted a free header over the bar. We were out-muscled, outthought and ineffective throughout the remainder of the half.
Words were exchanged in the Upper Barclay bar at half-time. None of them polite or positive about the team I’m afraid and it would appear from my brief straw poll that the concept of self-sustainability is rapidly losing its charm. The one positive we took was that the second half simply had to be better than the first.
However, the Slough of Despond is notoriously hard to escape from and on 52 minutes we were shoved further into its boggy depths.
Andre Gray seemed to outwit Jamal Lewis from a Deulofeu cross and a cheeky flick made it 2-0. This quite understandably brought the Watford fans to life as from that point on they knew this was an Along Come Norwich moment and they were set for their first win of the season.
Watford generously tried to help us out when Christian [not the one in Bunyan’s book] Kabasele collected a second yellow for a naughty one on Josip Drmic but in truth, we were no better against ten men than we were against eleven.
Lewis had a fizzer well-saved by the evergreen Ben Foster and Todd Cantwell introduced a bit of urgency when he appeared in place of Buendia. He also sent a free-kick into the stands and in my opinion isn’t exactly cut out to take corners.
Positives? From this one? I’m sorry folks I’m scraping the barrel so all I can proffer is the improved performance of the Stieperdude and the fact that Onel Hernandez is obviously fully fit, although when it comes to putting in the crosses the term f*nnying around comes to mind.
So many MFW readers and writers alike have mentioned that we are simply not athletic enough at this level and never has that been more obvious than against the Hornets on Friday.
Our immediate prospects look grim and there’s no hiding that. One Zimmermann is unlikely to make a winter.
Waking up yesterday morning I read the quotes from Daniel Farke, Onel and many of the fans.
I’m always prepared to acknowledge it when we have been beaten by a better side. The trouble is I get fed up with making these acknowledgements after virtually every game.
It’s not looking good folks – it really isn’t.
It’s not quite bad enough yet to daub Abandon hope all ye who enter here on the entrances to the Barclay and River End – that phrase belongs with Dante’s Divine Comedy and London’s Clink Prison for now.
But we’re in the Slough of Despond all right and if we don’t somehow pick up a dozen points by Christmas we’ll be there for the long haul.
Well, Martin – A bad day at the office indeed!! Almost one of those days when, as fans, we wish we’d stayed in bed.
I’d a feeling that there was going to be a goal within 10 minutes and I just hoped it wasn’t going to be Watford. I don’t mind too much when a team scores as a result of good play by themselves, but when one of our players gives the ball away in the manner of Buendia’s gift on Friday, that is too much to accept.
At the other end, when we do get a glimmer of a chance to score, then it seems that whoever gets the chance, blasts the ball almost into the upper tier of the stands!!
Playing the way we are, our near neighbours must be ‘licking their lips’ at ending their run of not having beaten is for many years next season.
IMO, unless the players start stepping up to the plate, I don’t think we’d finish any higher than mid table in the Championship.
Hernandez and Pukki are working tirelessly, but as you point out, the final pass just isn’t good enough.
My only hope is that we don’t actually finish in 20th place, but playing the way we are, it’s looking like that’s where will end up.
2
I agree 100% with Hernandez frustrating play before crossing, he seems to do a little dance first. Hope Farke drums in to him speed is of the essence with making crosses otherwise it gives to opposition too long to get organised in the penalty box. He might have got away with prevaricating in the Championship but he won’t have that luxury now.
5
Hi Andrew
Yes you’re right of course.
I actually thought Onel was possibly our best player on the day but as we agree he has to get the ball {via a cross or at his feet] into the box earlier.
I don’t think I would have liked to be in our dressing room after that one!
Thank you.
0
That’s all well and good when we have players busting their balls to get into the box and meet the cross at the far post etc. It somewhat falls down as a critique of Onel when time and again he has to either try and pick Pukki out of a crowd af 5 defending players who are all bigger than Teemu, or “fanny about” until the rest of the supporting cast have sauntered their way into the box.
Impossible to play at pace and have Onel whipping crosses in to an empty box, and be successful.
The short answer is we do need to play at pace and we do need to be whipping the crosses in, but there needs to be more support from midfielders throwing numbers into the box to meet those crosses, otherwise it’s pointless.
6
Hi Tom
Yes that’s all too true.
Possibly my term f*nnying about was a bit harsh for the reasons you suggest but – who from our midfield could meet a lofted cross anyway?
There is little height [no pun intended] in our squad. Cutbacks and slip balls worked just fine last season but this is the real world of the PL and oppo defenders are all too aware that often Pukki is the sole threat.
I don’t know the answer to this one I’m afraid.
Thank you.
0
Hi Ed
While I don’t have too much time for the MotD team I do quite like Jermain Jenas and when he said [I paraphrase] we have to get back to scoring goals or we’re down I can only agree with him.
To me the difference between finishing 20th, 19th or 18th is irrelevant but our chances of hitting the dizzy heights of 17th look way beyond us just now.
It IS still early days of course but we have largely been worked out and simply don’t have the physicality to cope at this level.
Gary made a very pertinent point yesterday [that I would have included if I hadn’t read his article first] when the River End howled for a foul against Kenny McLean that simply wasn’t a foul – McLean just lost out in a duel of strength.
A bad day at the office and we’re having fat too many of them.
Thank you.
2
O dear Mr P.. no words to cling to, not a lot of anything. I watched game by a stream from Holland and no not telling anyone how I managed that. Even having full blown ditch commentary I could tell within a little what the two were saying about our display or lack of it.
Another week clocks by and no sign of any improvement, and another week the name Roberts crops up by his absence yet again. Has he been sent home. ?
Buendia is still learning the game as are several others young un’s all except Tettey and Krull are learning the Leauge. It is each week looking more like that cannot grasp it. I also include Mr Farke as well, many managers would be trying permutations to halt this slide. But no, it basically the same match in match out, I and Flo the tea lady can see it is not working and likely not to.
I certainly agreed with not shelling out Foolham-style cash, but would a couple of players really hurt the balance, instead of a loan who seemingly may as well go home, and Freebie striker who looks like the no fee was the best bit. (unfair perhaps sorry)
I maintain my thoughts, it doesn’t really matter, if we get lucky brilliant, but we come down doesn’t matter parachute sales will put us in good stead. I am not knocking what has been done that was club changing, but that is gone, history now. the benefits will be felt for years to come.
But the way this is heading is a little criminal, the fans have bought into the plan, the dream absolutely more than I have seen in my 45 years of understanding as a adult. The first 15 or so years I was a wide eyed kid.
Criminal. because the fans has shelled out more than ever into the coffers, travel away in droves, and pack Carrow Road donned in their expensive replica shirts. And for that loyalty they get , what we are seeing.
Players given better contacts without knowing if they could step up. I can almost see Doncaster meeting me in Carrow Rd, armed with the catchphrase “Prudence with Ambition ” but where Prudence became the stronger part. Or the other little phrase which makes me shake “we’ll go with what we have got” which to me says they aren’t quite good enough but we cannot add. Confidence building.
I am a lover of Farke-ball it was outstandingly awesome last season, as the players caught the vision. but it IS NOT WORKING and Farke is either a one trick coach or too darn stubborn to change . There are changes that can be made to line up and personnel. Surely most managers would act to tigthen up . ? Teams worked us out almost from Game 1 and now weeks on still the same. I do believe in the coach and players to be able to put on much better, if we lose we lose but at least have a good go.
Stats mean fricking nowt It is keeping them out and putting the round thing in their net. I do not care two hoots if we get a little more defensive , get some points on the board and build a little confidence in players and fans alike. If the fans lose the dream it will soon change
12
I am afraid your comment about Farke being a “one trick coach” could prove to be an accurate one. When did he ever make a substitution to change our shape or decisively improve an area on the pitch where we were under pressure? Never.
2
You’ve clearly never seen him change to a 3 at the back with Aarons as a left wing back?
And show me the options he has with our current injury list?
Until he has a fully fit squad at his disposal, his hands are tied somewhat. Therefore any criticism is, in my view, unwarranted and unfair.
6
Hi Derek
As I said to Cyprus below, of course Farke mixes it up up a bit, maybe just not often enough for some people’s liking?
Of course I’ve seen Aarons switch to the left, with Lewis moving inside and/or the introduction of Sam Byram on the right..
I’d like to think Farke has done as well as he can given his current lot in footballing life and there is absolutely no need to change him. No need whatsoever.
Sure there are a few eejits around who want him out but I really don’t value their collective view very highly.
Thank you.
2
Hi Cyprus
I’m not really on the side of placing blame on Farke. This is a whole new world for him and what is still a very young squad.
He is very systematic [dogmatic even] but I don’t strictly think it’s fair to say he absolutely never makes changes.
He’s obviously the type of coach who sticks with his philosophy which is why last season, albeit at a lower level, was so exciting.
However, that was then and this is now.
Thank you.
0
Don’t get me wrong here you may recall in a previous post I clearly supported Farke and said we must give him the tools to do the job. However he must learn that points matter not stats.
2
Well I certainly agree with you about stats! See what I wrote to CanaryLad below, hours before I’d read your post:-)
1
Hi Lad
Missed this comment earlier so sorry for delay.
I’ve heard nothing concrete about Patrick Roberts myself so I can only repeat that two Celtic friends regarded him very highly while he was in Glasgow.
Maybe it’s a Marcus Edwards situation and maybe it isn’t. We just don’t know. There’s nothing on Archant about it as in the case of Edwards – not even a hint of anything wrong has emerged as far as I can ascertain.
Would I be surprised if the loan was cancelled in January? No.
You are fully entitled to mention Neil Doomcaster on this site, although I would personally prefer that you didn’t. Horrible memories!
As for the fans, yes of course we feel taken for granted just now. But we’ve always felt like that if we’re honest. At least us of a certain vintage, anyway as we’ve consistently seen it all before, under whichever guise.
All the fantastic work done by Along Come Norwich and the Barclay End Project is in serious danger of coming to nowt.
Stats do nothing for me either – if we have 60% possession but 40% of that is in our own half? Stroll on. Ten shots, one on target? Hmmm.
Things could improve but my question is: how?
Thanks as ever.
0
The Slough of Despond is a very good analogy, Martin. After the wins over Newcastle and Man. City and a creditable performance against Chelsea, I was confident that we would survive in the Premier League. Now I can’t see where another point will come from! Neither can I see what Daniel Farke could do to improve things. We can’t expect the return of Christophe Zimmermann (virtually untried at this level) to solve all our problems. Nor have I any great hopes for the January transfer window. I fear we are doomed.
Well done for getting to the match. It was such a horrible night that I’m ashamed to admit that Mrs. T and I stayed in and watched it on Sky.
0
Hi John
Don’t take my classical recollections too seriously – I had to take an English Lit A-level to get on the History BA course I wanted and some things just stick.
Looking back I should have junked the lot and tried to get a job on a local paper earlier instead. It’s where I ended up anyway, but that’s not revealed until later in the week in one of MFW’s infamous international break articles.
It’s looking to me that we burned very brightly for the last 70% of 2018-19 but right now I think that could be the height of the power of Webber, Farke and what is fast becoming the dreaded self-sustainability concept.
The natives in the Upper Barclay [many of whom I have known for over 20 years and some even longer when we were in the Lower] are getting restless.
Optimism is an elusive beast right now.
Thanks a lot.
2
Listen son, you just watch it, I had a girlfriend back in the eighties who came from Slough and went on to become a clinical nurse specialist at Barts. Just because Slough was built on a slag heap doesn’t mean to say the place is a dump, furthermore it is surrounded by some exquisite countryside and if they ever do finish Crossrail it will be a significant staging post within touching distance of the Smoke.
Now, if you’ve quite finished hurling insults at my love life there are a couple of things that I can’t get my sore head round. There were a lot of good comments on Gary’s article yesterday but I am still in the dark.
Firstly, is there any money in the bank? Every so often when I am feeling particularly brave I have a look at my savings account but with Norwich City Football Club everything seems to be ‘obscured by clouds’ [ref Waters, Wright and Gilmour] Are the club open about their accounts?
I understand that this is a largely academic question given that Delia Smith insists on glueing herself to the toilet seat when it comes to spending cash.
Does she have a point though, eg were we to borrow on the understanding that we will get 100, ?140m back at the end of the season, wouldn’t that make sense?
Take Sheffield United, those guys must literally be laughing all the way to the bank. I reckon they spent £40m or thereabouts over the summer and they were way better than Spurs yesterday and currently sit fifth in the table. Can’t see them going down this year, so they’ll get this year’s 140 plus next year’s, a tidy investment wouldn’t you say.
Just for the record, I believe the Saudis bought Sheffield United, so let’s just say that my benevolent disposition to them stops right there.
What’s most destroying though is the hope. There we are at the top of the pearly gates, Delia knocks on the door, turns around and says ‘Sorry guys, he’s out, the butler says come back in a hundred years and they’ll see what we can do’.
Rant over.
One last thing: Can’t we get Sean Raggett back? Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t he still out on loan?
Keep up the good work Martin. I’m working on a theme tune to the words ‘Nils desperandum Norwich City,carbarundrum illigetami’ and yes I know its wrongly spelt but I can’t be &rsed to look it up
4
Hi Dave
Ha!
Don’t blame me as I’ve never actually been to Slough but one of England’s greatest poets obviously did. It was just a line I remember from a poem at school.
I had a reasonably serious girlfriend back in the day who came from Lee Green [Lewisham} so I am nobody to criticise the origins of anyone – I was born in Forest Gate E7 myself fer Chrissakes!
As for the money situation I can only go from what the accounts say and I reckon our very own Robin Sainty’s take on them is as good as anybody’s if not better.
My guess is that income will be retained to fend off the consequences of our doubtless forthcoming demise. Other clubs manage, we don’t. The desire to be part of the top table simply isn’t there with our ownership. Shame.
Actually Obscured [a film score about some idiots on the loose in New Guinea] is in my top three Floyd albums with Dave Gilmour on top form. Perhaps they should have called it Obscured by Wine? I dunno. I think Nick Mason got a few credits on that one too.
No Raggett cannot come back – apparently it’s a season-long loan to Portsmouth and unless all parties agree otherwise he stays with them until his contract runs out. He’s not seen as a ball-playing CB so I doubt Farke would want him anyway.
It’s sometimes hard not to let the ba$tards grind you down. I can’t be bothered to look up the original Latin either.
Great comment – thanks.
2
A lot of City fans are having to face up to the fact that too many of the players, despite their efforts, are not premiership quality. And (wash your mouth out with soap and water Terry) maybe Mr Farke is also finding the water a bit deep? Even in the championship his plan A or nothing policy occasionally caused me some concerns but now he really has to have a plan B and possibly plan C too. Let’s see Zimmerman and Hanley at centre back and Amadou and Godfrey in front of them to give a solid platform to build from and some rotation of the attacking players to keep them on their toes. At least try something! After all having played so badly at Brighton we then field the same eleven again – crackers!
5
Hi Cyprus
Yes thing might change when Zimbo and Hanley return.
However I don’t see Farke pushing Godfrey further forward, although I’d love to see Amadou in that role, which will surely be his on the return of Hanley. And subsequently Zimbo.
I’d love to know who you would have excluded from the Brighton XI to face Watford. With Patrick Roberts apparently out in the cold I cannot think of anybody just now. Surely we simply do not have anybody else apart from the usual perm any two from the four of Leitner, Tettey, McLean and Trybull?
Mario Vrancic is hardly properly fit. Yet.
I’d say pragmatic rather than crackers although I agree it’s all extremely frustrating.
Thank you.
0
I would have played Amadou in defence and Tettey in midfield with Trybull. Possibly Drmic in place of Stiepermann.
0
Drmic/Stiepermann is interesting to be sure. Maybe Pukki would then take on the No. 10 role and Drmic play as a slightly more traditional striker?
Not sure how fit Amadou actually was for Friday – but I can’t wait to see him in the holding midfield spot.
0
We are going down unless someone has a cunning plan said the leader.
Up spoke the most menial of characters, ‘I Sir have a cunning plan, as cunning as a fox who went to cunning school at Oxford…’
‘Does it include turnips? asked the leader.
‘Well not this time’ replied the minion, ‘it’s…’
At that point the whistle went and I never did find out what the plan was.
1
Ah, Captain Slackbladder.
If we do have a cunning plan just now I reckon it’s concealed most cunningly cos I don’t have a scooby what it is.
The fox told me it involves no spending on the first team squad in January so we can dismiss the turnips once again I’m afraid.
We shall discuss the issue more at the Ribs on Saturday when I hope you will be calling for your extra strong ale.
I look forward to your rendition of “See the Little Goblin”.
And tell Lady Whiteadder to bog off.
Cheers.
0
Hi Martin
A great read and I must be mad – I stayed up and watched the T20. England won in a super-over again.
Prior to watching a disappointing game, Gary Neville interviewed the Smiths. It should have been put on the big screen but that possibly would have emptied the ground. He asked one question that summed up both of them: “Would you consider selling the club?” Both replied NEVER so there goes salvation.
Over the coming weeks, there will be calls for change no doubt and Webber must have a plan but who or if someone else is given a chance at the club, they will have the same problems. So stick with what we have – better the devil you know and trust.
Watford had a game plan to stop City and the ref let them get away with it. How many times did Pukki moan about Foster’s time-wasting in the first half, and Hughes arguing with every decision reminded me of the Leeds side in the late ’60s for gamesmanship and they too mostly got away with it.
When City got near their goal, Pukki suddenly was surrounded. Their plan was simple – stop him getting a clear shot and when they lost the ball everyone got back to defend. Not really rocket science, but effective.
As in another comment, Raggett and Bushiri are both doing well out on loan but I understand there is no recall till possibly January. By then our fate might be known. It would have been great to bring one back or even use an U23 to bolster the CB department.
Onwards and Upwards
OTBC
1
It’s a pity the Smiths said never because when we are relegated the recently published accounts indicate that we will make an annual loss of approximately £5 million p.a. in the championship.
If they hang on to owning a club they cannot afford during a lengthy spell in the championship we’ll end up with a huge debt without the resources of Marcus Evans.
4
Hi John
It’s a sad thing to acknowledge but of course you are right.
We are claiming to be planning for the long-term but give the appearance of stuttering from one season to another financially regardless of which league we are in.
The Smiths have hung on for far too long to let it go now, as Delia indicated to Neville the other day.
My only consolation is that there won’t be a silly spend in January,
I doubt there will be a spend of any kind at all beyond yet another couple of 17-y-os “for the future”.
Thank you.
4
Hi Alex
The T20 certainly certainly saw us come back from the dead – a little like a certain football team has to do just now.
I subsequently saw the Neville thing too so perhaps “abandon hope all ye who enter here” should have an immediate use after all.
I think if they were ever going to use an under-23 CB it would have been Famewo. I know Raggett cannot return [see above] but Rocky Bushiri I am not sure about.
I’m not going to blame referee Andre Marriner too much – we’ve seen far worse, haven’t we Mr Hooper?
Cheers mate.
0
You sum up how we all feel Martin,
I also think A Tale of Two Cities is appropriate ” It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” !!
From last years Glorious Championship to this years despair.
To me the injuries cannot be overlooked, on the subject of 3 at the back Farke has said himself he wanted to try to play that way more but just hasn’t got the personnel. I agree with Cyprus Canary I would like to see us try Hanley & Zimbo at centre half with Amadou and Godfrey as 2 holding midfielders.
But the injuries do not cause some of our awful corners, free kicks and sloppy passing. But loss of confidence does and at the moment the players confidence is shot.
As for the self funding model, like you I cannot see we have any choice. The club is like Michael & Delia’s child, one they do not wish to give up. If, and its a big if there is a good offer that does come along and due diligence is done than I do believe they should consider it in the best interests of the club. I know they hate that football is governed by money, but that is a fact they have to accept.
I went on the Pinkun Forum after Friday for the first time in years and soon found out why I had left it alone. Now Delia and Michael have made some big mistakes, but to have people say they are fiddling the books and pocketing the money is absolutely ludicrous. These are the kind of people who wouldn’t be happy if we lost to Barcelona in a Champions League semi final on penalties.
The £180 million we will get from the Premiership is over 3-4 years and look at last time, we spent big on Matt Jarvis, Steven Naismith & Timm Klose to try to avoid relegation. Ok Jarvis and Timm were injured so we never got any value and Naismith was poor and the outlay on their transfers and wages nearly crippled us.
As thing stand we have to give it our best shot this season, there is still along way to go, bring in some sensible signings but with half an eye on next season.
1
Hi Tim
Yes we’ve had our best of times and now we’re enduring the worst. I don’t see Delia and Michael doing a “Sidney Carton” though unfortunately.
As far as us sans-culottes and others are concerned you are of course right. A friend refers to NCFC as Delia’s little yellow and green trainset that nobody else is allowed to play with, not even nephew Tom [yet].
I cannot remember the last really wicked corner-taker we had. Buendia is not by any means bad but I don’t go much on Cantwell as a replacement!
As regulars on MFW will know I can be less than appreciative of Delia and Michael at times, but for people to say that they fiddle the books and pocket the money is ridiculous, ludicrous and [depending on the words used] quite probably libellous.
However I think it’s safe to assume we will not receive an “acceptable” offer of investment with the Smiths in situ.
It ain’t over till it’s over, sure, but it really isn’t looking too good just now.
Thanks a lot.
1
The problem is he has openly admitted that they’ve changed to be more defensive. That’s what’s costing us dear. We will concede whether we’re attack or defense-minded. We need to stick to what we’re good at. Free flowing attacking football. We will lose some games, but I’m damn sure we will win plenty too. Had we played our way against Burnley, Palace, Brighton, Bournemouth, Watford etc we would most likely have won most, if not all. Sheffield United haven’t changed one jot. The difference between the two is that when Wilder’s players dropped their high standards, he called them out. Farke refuses to criticise players for making costly mistakes. Buendia has cost us about 5 goals this season. Godfrey even more. Neither deserve to be anywhere near the team right now.
I would rather play Tettey and Amadou than Godfrey. He’s been nothing short of a liability.
I believe Farke and his team are more than capable but the constant acceptance of mediocrity is killing us. That includes the fans who clapped off the players at full time.
Time for our management and fans alike to start questioning the players mettle. We can’t continue to accept this shower of sh*te. We play nothing like we did last season.
4
Hi Daniel
I largely agree with you and the draining of collective confidence is there for all to see.
The atmosphere at Carrow Road is at a bit of a crossroads just now – you could really feel that on Friday for sure. And by no means did everybody clap them off, although I can only speak for the UB.
Godfrey and Buendia are indeed stale just now but to be fair who does Farke have to replace them with?
I guess the reason we’re playing very unlike last season is aforementioned lack of confidence coupled with the way everybody seems to have worked us out.
Some good observations – thank you.
1
Excellent and entertaining read and some really insightful and provoking comments to follow.
Nothing to add regarding the performances, both individually and collectively of our unchanged side. Suffice to say, Buendia should be dropped immediately and cantwell should be removed from set piece duty. Truly awful.
Team selection discussion revolves around Amadou and his omission from either the centre of defence or the defensive midfield berth. Particularly given the paucity of the current options in both areas.
The other head scratcher, which has started to attract a lot of attention is the disappearance of Roberts. A winger, a creator of goals, cannot trouble the eighteen man squad of a team carrying injuries which could not score in the proverbial brothel. His one chance to shine, the pathetic surrender at Crawley in the league cup. Since then, nothing.
We can’t score any less goals that we currently are, try something different for gods sake. He just might have a poinT to prove.
Drmic looked in the mood when he joined the fray. Full of running and muscular endeavour. He made the only positive impact on the game by earning the yellow card that removed the thug at the back from the fray. Unfortunately he was immediately injured. This raises the spectre of being one pukki pull or strain away from having to play a premier league fixture with srbeny as our centre forward. Just let that sink in a moment.
The overlooking of Byram, the injury problems of Drmic and the strange case of the lesser spotted Roberts bring to the fore the question of summer recruitment. Or lack of.
Upon promotion to the premier league, it’s not unnatural for supporters to study the transfer rumour mill over the summer. It’s been suggested that “everyone” was totally happy that we spent the total of 750k on improving the squad for the battles ahead. B####%^s. Our spend was pathetic and has tied Farkes hands behind his back, giving him virtually no chance.
If you believe the incessant spin, norwich city are the first club to have been plunged into financial ruin by getting promoted to the premier league. Despite the regular and lucrative flogging off of assets such as Redmond, Brady, Murphy, murphy, howson, Pritchard and more recently Maddison the powers that be have run up 38 million quidsworth of debt.
It begs the question of how much of a mess would we be in without Farkes promotion? On the brink of disaster yet again in all likelihood, if the dire warnings emanating from the club are to be believed.
The half time conversations you had Martin, were replicated elsewhere in the ground and have been since. They wouldn’t make easy listening for disciples of self- flagellation or whatever the wretched buzzword is.
It’s just prudence with ambition in another guise and it has many enemies.
The vain hope that the Farke Webber partnership could weave some more outrageous magic which would render investment in the team totally unnecessary have dissipated. In hindsight it was unfair to expect more miracles.
This is nothing new, worthington, Lambert, Neil all encountered the same during previous whirlwind tours of the top flight.
Anybody expecting an infusion of new blood to “give they lads a hand” in January will be sorely disappointed. I suspect the same level of backing that hughton received when he brought in yobo and a loan for zero outlay, sticking plasters on an open wound.
I gather there has been another public utterance from the owners, which has gone down like a lead balloon.
It’s November and the momentum, good will and opportunity are already gone.
As a great man once said, something better change.
7
Hi Chris
I won’t disagree with any of that – because I don’t!
Roberts is definitely one of a few buzzwords around at the moment. I can only reiterate that I have two Celtic buddies who said that while he was at Parkhead he seemed to be the veritable model professional and they would have him back in a trice.
Liam is slyly hoping we (or he) will cancel the loan in January so they can go in with a bid on a perm.
The Lambert reference is a good one – we had even less dosh in those days as I think we were in the Championship when he first said that, although he did say it quite a few times, of course.
Delia is so convinced she knows best that I’m pretty sure she doesn’t always think about what she says in public. But with very few exceptions all Club owners/chairmen tend to be a bit like that.
I love the Stranglers but I wouldn’t call Hugh Cornwell great or put him in the Strummer league, although he was rather obviously a better guitarist!
Thanks as always.
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Very true Martin and thanks for your kind words. Regarding our ownership, it would appear that they will be “hanging around” for a while yet, certainly longer than “5 minutes” which is the limit of my remaining patience.
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Let me offer you a business proposition. You invest £100M with my football club , if we stay up for 2 or 3 years you might get a return , or I’ll ask you for another£100m , because I’ve seen a striker and a couple of defenders who we need to save us .
However if we get relegated you’ll lose the lot , but I might be able to find a dodgy Russian/ Chinese/ Arabian / Britain / American who may offer you a couple of quid .
Come on it’s a sure fire winner , I’ve been on loads of websites like this one and the fans say it’s the answer . What could possibly go wrong?
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Hi Johnny
I take your point completely.
However there are some genuinely benevolent investors such as the King Power family at Leicester and Sheikh [Mansoor?] at Man City.
These are few and far between, of course.
I think what gets up many snouts is the flat refusal to discuss any investment period. Even if that were the right thing to do, it still smacks of arrogance.
Thank you.
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Fair enough , but I would hardly call Sheikh Mansour benevolent . See attached Guardian article:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/nov/23/uae-human-rights-man-city-jailing-british-academic
That’s the problem , outside investors have their own agenda , you don’t know where it’s going to take you . Ask a Bolton fan
I’d rather stick with Delia and at least support a club I’m proud of whichever league they’re in .
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I guess I should have underlined that I meant “benevolent” in the strictly financial sense in terms of Sheikh Mansour.
You’re quite right, of course.
Cheers.
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I fear we’re doomed. The current squad, even with injury returns simply isn’t good enough. On Friday it looked like men against boys and it was ‘only’ Watford not Liverpool. I have never seen so many sideways passes since the days of Mick Maguire! The current squad need to seriously wake up and Buendia dropped because he is a liability. Serious investment is needed in Jan if we’r serious about staying up but I think we all know that’s not going to happen. Depressing times made all the worse by the highs of last season. There has to be a plan B, I was fed up with shouting ‘there are some times when you need to put your laces through it’ on Friday
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Hi again Chris
We’re not doomed – yet – but mine mine tekel upharsin [my Jewish friends John and Nigel would probably both berate me for spelling it incorrectly] but the meaning is obvious: the writing’s on the wall.
Of course nothing will happen in January unless we sell Max Aarons. To be fair I doubt we will but I wouldn’t rule it out entirely.
Cheers.
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Not me Martin! It’s another Chris.
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Whoops!
Sorry about that- you’re just as welcome as the other one!
I had no idea we could double up on user names but obviously we can.
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Martin, well said but not a good read.
It is difficult to see us winning again as every team knows how to play us. Sad to say that our squad is physically limited. Probably only Aarons, Godfrey and Pukki can hold their own.
Cantwell came on and looked lively, which was my only plus point. Onel was nearly a positive in the first half.
Our starting eleven were all from last year’s championship winning team. What is now really clear is that a number of them over achieved last season and can’t make the step up. I think we would need 5 Premier League experienced players in to make a difference. By January we will be too far adrift so won’t get any new players even if the club could attract them.
We are almost a third of the way through the season. We would need to play like a 10th placed team for the rest of the season to survive. I would love that to happen but really!!!
OTBC
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Hi Colin II
There’ll be nothing significant coming along in the next window – Webber has virtually said as much.
Frankly the chances of our emulating the form of a Palace or a Brighton between now and the end of the season are zilch.
Arms were shouldered in the recruitment department as long ago as May.
Doom and gloom, but that’s the truth as I see it.
Thank you.
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I think it’s unfair to say they overachieved in the Championship. It’s probably more appropriate to point out that there is very little PL experience in our side and that shows. Let’s say we’d kept Madders and he was with us this season in the PL. Would he be having anything like the impact he’s having at Leicester? To mind almost certainly not. The foxes have an abundance of PL talent and Madders has certainly been a great buy for them, and enhanced them, and they have certainly enhanced him. I can only think of a handful of players who, in a vacuum, could be game changers for us. Of course, we can’t afford any of them. C’est la vie – keep battling and come back stronger next season, wherever we may be playing.
OTBC
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If we avoid relegation this season we are in for one hec of a ride between Dec – May.
Good players don’t become bad players within a few months, so keep the faith.
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Hi Colin
Of course you’re right when you say good players don’t become bad ones overnight.
To me it’s more a case of the confidence slowly draining away and making us collectively less effective.
And of course you’re right again when you say it’s not all over in mid-November!
Thank you.
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Good read again Martin.
Last week you complimented me on making positive comments about our plight post Brighton.
Well, this week I’m really really struggling!!
Something has to change or our season is done!
DF has to adapt our approach as many have already pointed out the lack of tempo in our attacking play for one. And you only had to watch Liverpool v Man C yesterday of to see the value of that early (quality) first time cross into the opponent’s box – ONEL!! And before anyone says we don’t have the players for that type of football, both Salah and Mane (1.75m tall) both scored with headers!!
I still cling onto the vague hope that the return of our defenders may strengthen our spine and getting two of Tettey or Amadoh or Vranchic into centre midfield may change our fortunes.
But thats all I have got!!
All the best
Mr Positivity 🙂
OTBC
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Hi John
Names like Salah and Mane are the stuff of dreams to me. Add in Firmino and you’ve got something akin to the Holy Trinity.
Perhaps we have scored with a header this season, but probably not because I sure can’t remember one.
As for positives full credit to you for trying – I think most of us agree that the effective return of Onel is something of a bonus.
I’m thinking of taking up underwater hang-gliding to take my mind off football for a couple of weeks – there’s certainly enough rain about for it.
Thanks as ever.
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Hi Martin;
The Mayor against Man Citeh…..and from a corner at that!!
Friday was poor, and why oh why did Trybull let Delofeu run so far withiut putting in any sort of challenge.
After that, Watford’s game management was superb, but how did Foster get away with holding on to the ball for so long. Apparently there is a rule which says keepers must not hold on to the ball for more than six seconds, but even in the first half he was for anything up to 20…and that was clearly irking Pukki although Mr Marriner was totally unmoved.
Confidence appear totally shot; we need a lucky break of some sort. Maybe Everton will get a shed load of injuries over the international break – but this season that sort of thing only seems to happen to us!
Keep the faith.
O T B C
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Good spot John.
Mayor McLean made a great run to meet a great ball. I really had forgotten it if I’m honest. My bad.
As for Foster cuddling the ball like it was a puppy dog only the referee can do anything about it. As I said earlier I’ve seen far worse here than Andre Marriner although he didn’t do us any favours.
However he got the second yellow right and didn’t seem to have any real bias and I’ll always settle for a ref like that.
Thank you.
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I didn’t see the game, I was somewhere over the Atlantic. But I can picture how it went, unfortunately.
The good news is that despite our predicament there is still time and 17th isn’t far away. However we do need to recapture that Man City spirit quickly, before it gets worse.
Farke had a free season to figure out the team and style for The Championship. He won’t get that in the PL and I do believe it’s his tactics (and being willing to change them) that are key to unlocking our potential, again.
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Hi David
I’m sure your perceived images were correct – it was gruesome if I’m honest.
Spirit? Hmm, I think that horse is trotting off gently although it hasn’t yet quite bolted.
And as for 17th – we’re a million miles from there just now.
Cheers.
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Thanks to each and every one of you for some terrific comments over the last 36 hours or so.
I’ve really enjoyed reading and replying to all of them and it’s wonderful to see how well all MFW readers keep their trotters firmly fixed in the straw.
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