There are plenty of adjectives that one could select in order to appropriately summarise the Canaries' 2007-08 season.
Unfortunately, none would be complimentary.
For a club of such stature and standing in the Coca-Cola Championship, and one that is ? almost embarrassingly – afforded such magnificent support both at home and away, 07-08 was completely unacceptable. It has been an awful campaign.
Of course, it would only be right to highlight the fact that when Glenn Roeder was announced as the new Norwich manager back in October last year, the Canaries' ultimately finishing the season in 17th place in the table would have been accepted with open arms.
If not actually dead and buried at that particular time, Norwich had certainly received the last rites as it seemed that there was no way that they could recover from such a pitiful start to the campaign and the situation having arisen whereby not only could the Canaries not win a game of football, they couldn't even score a goal.
So yes, of course, Roeder deserves credit for completing the job that he was initially tasked with, which basically came about as a result of that terrific 13-match unbeaten run that stretched from early December through to early February.
However, it would be unwise to dwell entirely on what has, rather than what hasn't been achieved here at Carrow Road this term and ignore the painful truths that cannot be completely concealed by the fact that City have ultimately maintained their Championship status.
Because as good as that 13-game unbeaten run undoubtedly was, there are plenty of statistics that can just as easily provide the counterbalance.
Take the month of March for example, and despite the well worn ? but often inaccurate – excuse of City not having converted enough of the goalscoring chances that they had created – there was more than one occasion when City's opponents had crafted and squandered at least as many chances as Norwich had; sometimes more and, therefore, could have rightly laid claim to having thrown away the opportunity to win the game themselves ? five defeats, one draw and only one win is every bit relegation form just as the 13 match unbeaten run was precisely the opposite.
Or the three defeats from the last four games of the season, or that City only scored just 49 goals from 46 league games, or the plain, blunt, straightforward fact of the matter that the displays at Plymouth, Leicester and Ipswich for example dipped way below and beyond what could even be termed as just bad performances.
No, Norwich might have kept their heads above the relegation trap-door, but they should have still done so much better despite the thankless position they were in back in October.
The City boss had suggested that if the season had began when he walked through the door at Carrow Road, Norwich might have squeaked the play-offs – based on the number of points they accumulated since his arrival when compared to the form guide of the rest of the teams in the division.
But that sorry March run likewise cost them dear on that front with Norwich gleaning 47 points from Roeder's 33 games in charge, which if averaged out over 46 games would produce a total of just 65 points ? ie only enough to have secured tenth place in the table despite this having been a relatively 'low scoring' season as regards points tallies.
If next season returns to more traditional points returns, 65 points will not even get you to tenth.
Whatever, Roeder will get his chance to prove the merits of his leadership next season anyway – without the need for any calculations, averages or ifs, buts and maybes.
His task of rebuilding a squad that will be strong enough to compete to a high standard the Coca-Cola Championship and then assembling a team that can play to its strengths, in order to provide the supporters with genuine optimism that the Canaries can have a crack at the top six places or better next season has already begun, and I'll monitor what is sure to be a frenzied period of transfer activity at Carrow Road in this column over the next few months.
But having already wielded the axe without so much as a moments pause for name, standing or reputation as a result of releasing Darren Huckerby from the club, Roeder has made it quite clear that he intends to make the team his own team regardless of how any decisions might be received.
That can be viewed as being strong management ? grabbing the bull by the horns, doing whatever you think is necessary and not standing on ceremony.
And we have to trust the man who has just pulled Norwich from the clutches of third tier football. We owe him that. He's earned it.
After all, we can look forever and day for the ?real? reasons why the City fans' favourite has been allowed to leave, but as even Huckerby himself has admitted, they are none there. Roeder, it appears, just might want to do things slightly different next year to avoid precisely the situation that has developed this season.
And the picture just might be a little clearer when we see who does eventually come in to fill the almighty voids that are now left by the likes of Huckerby and Dion Dublin.
If Roeder pulls a rabbit out of the hat so to speak, and introduces a ?big name? or two to the Canary supporters it just might explain everything.
But irrespective of the rationale behind them, as everyone knows only too well, making 'big' calls like that can just as easily fashion themselves into the proverbial big stick with which you ultimately find yourself being beaten with if things don't turn out as planned. That's just the way it is.
As always, only time and results will tell on that score. But for now, here's my take on the main body of players that have worn the yellow shirt this year since Glenn Roeder's arrival, accompanied, of course, by the time-honoured marks out of 10.
David Marshall – A fine season for the City No1. He has generally been consistent this term and has proved to be good value for the money that was spent to sign him.
Possessing good agility and effective positioning, if he works on his weakness of being suspect from crosses and occasionally misjudging the flight of the ball he will only get better. (7/10)
Jon Otsemobor – Hasn't done enough over the campaign considering the attributes he possesses. On top of his game, and when he is confident and determined to impose himself on the opposition he can be as good as any fullback in the division, but sadly those occasions have been the exception rather than the rule this season. (6)
Gary Doherty – Not vocal enough and also and guilty of conceding too many unnecessary fouls, but despite his apparent unpopularity amongst many of the Canary faithful he has once again proved to be a reliable and effective defender in general over the course of the campaign. (7)
Jason Shackell – He arguably produced the outstanding individual defensive performance of the season down at Southampton in January, but despite having delivered more effective displays than bad ones doesn't seem to be a particular favourite of the manager. Could be the fall guy if there are any new signings at centre-back. (7)
Alex Pearce – Looked composed and effective alongside Shackell at times but appeared vulnerable, naive and not quite strong enough on others. Will get better with more experience, but not someone who you'd want as one of the starting XI on the opening day of the campaign next term. (5)
Ryan Bertrand – The young Chelsea full-back simply oozes class and is going to be some player if he stays free from injury and gets his chance to shine on the big stage at Stamford Bridge. Not quite ready for the top flight just yet but more than capable at this level, and someone who would be a welcome addition to the squad again next season if the opportunity arises to sign him on another loan deal. (7)
Mo Camara – What he lacks in finesse and quality of passing he makes up for with dogged determination and energy. An effective stand-in at left-back, but not as good as Adam Drury or Bertrand. (5)
Lee Croft – He has been direct and positive at all times and has improved his levels of stamina no end this season, but the City boss is right when he points to Croft not having created or scored enough goals as being the reasons for his omission from the side. He has to contribute more. (6)
Mark Fotheringham – Probably City's most improved player over the past twelve months and now team captain and a main feature at the heart of the Canaries' midfield. Has bags of energy and running power, but he now needs to improve his range of passing and contribute more in the final third of the pitch. (7)
Darel Russell – Deservedly took second place in the supporters in the Player of the Year vote, provided the team with energy and bite when it has been needed most. He will disappointed with his be two red cards and also at only scoring four times in the league this season, but someone you would hope will be a regular again next term. (8)
Matty Pattison – Impressive on some occasions, not so on others, but a worthwhile signing and someone who will be a valuable member of the squad again next season if not an automatic choice in the team. (6)
Kieran Gibbs – Unlike Bertrand, the Arsenal youngster isn't quite ready for the hustle and bustle of the Championship just yet. In 12-18 months time and when he is a bit stronger than at present it might be a different story, but despite giving his best efforts and producing an admirable work rate whenever he has been given an opportunity, he hasn't really influenced or affected any of the games in which he has played. (5)
Darren Huckerby – His consistency and the manner in which he can affect a game like he once used to has been called into question this season, but by the same token we have still been treated to vintage Huckerby in many of City's games. Unquestionably still more than capable of making any full-back's life a misery at this level, and he will take some replacing in the team. (7)
Ched Evans – Ten goals in a struggling team and when he hasn't always featured from the start has been impressive. His pace, aggression, powerful shooting and tireless work rate has given opposition defences big problems this term, and in the relatively short time he has been here we have seen an improvement in terms of his first touch as well as with his physical strength. (7)
Jamie Cureton – Top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions but he knows it should have been nearer to the 20 mark. Not the prolific striker he was at Colchester last season but still someone capable of grabbing a goal all the same. May have to settle for a place on the bench next term if new strikers are signed. (6)
Dion Dublin – The old warhorse bowed out of professional football in typical style with the Player of the Year trophy rightly tucked under his arm. Whether being asked to play at centre-half or centre-forward, the big man made the game look so easy and has generally performed to a very high standard indeed. Will be sorely missed next term. (9)
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