City boss on the lookout for new heroes. But first, they have a job to do on Sunday
Tues 29 Apr 08
The phrase 'winning culture' is a popular one with the City boss and Roeder will be looking for everyone involved to stretch themselves in a bid to turn Norwich into a Championship force next season.
"I don't want anyone at this club playing in the comfort zone, whether it's on the pitch or off the pitch and that includes all of my staff. We need to stretch ourselves. I need to be stretched and we have to set ourselves targets – difficult targets. Then when you achieve them it is great feeling."
With thoughts now turning to the summer, the Canary squad could be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas after putting QPR to the sword at the weekend and confirming their second tier status in the process.
But Roeder was at pains to point out that they must not take their eye off the ball for this weekend's clash at Hillsborough. After all, it is a match that could still see the hosts fall through the trapdoor into League One.
Personal pride is one thing and in the name of sportsmanship, City must be as professional as possible so as not to aid Wednesday's survival chances. If I was Ian Holloway or Nigel Pearson, I would be counting on the Canaries making the trip to South Yorkshire intent on winning a game of football.
Roeder's men will not be popular in the East Midlands or in the red and white half of Hampshire if they simply don't turn up come 2pm on Sunday.
But that will not be happening if the City boss has anything to do with it…
"You know me by now, I've been here six months and I've always maintained that the players should be relaxed and to remain calm in the difficult situation the club's been in has been key.
"I've never allowed the atmosphere at the training ground to get tense or nervous because they are useless emotions.
"Maybe they have been a little more relaxed this week but I don't want them to get too relaxed because we need to go and win this game at Hillsborough on Sunday.
"It's very important to win this game. I know we're safe but we owe it to ourselves and if we are going to create a winning culture, we can't go up there and put on a poor performance and lose the game.
"Also, I think it's important to the two other managers who are involved in the relegation struggle that we go and put on a performance and try and win the three points. It's important for ourselves first and foremost but I would hate to think that the other managers would look at our performance and think we didn't go and do our best."
Tom Haylett
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