And so a long, long week has passed since an ever-so-slightly smug Archant dropped the Callum bombshell on a beleaguered City board; thus opening a debate that continues to rage and divide seven full days later.
If fact, the intervening period has served merely to harden battle lines and throw still more mud into already murky waters.
Like every fan, Stan has peered into the sludge trying in vain to make sense of what is going on beneath the surface. Instead of achieving this Stan has been left with one image etched on his consciousness.
Granted it's an image that's a figment of Stan's imagination, but it's there, clear as day, each and every time he shuts his eyes.
It's a vision of the City board sitting happily around the boardroom table last Monday morning. All's well; Delia has brought some home-made croissants, Munby and Michael exchange pleasantries whilst Doncaster and Sharon discuss hair products. A quick 'Lets make a start…' from Andrew Turner and the assembled pull up their chairs ready for business.
Roger clears his throat, 'Right, morning everybody, has everyone got an agenda? ?Yes??.Then let's move straight on to item 1… Sanitary suppliers…'. Neil shuffles his papers in preparation to read a financial report. 'Considerable savings were made in the season 2007/2008 thanks to ??'
His report is cut short by a loud, rhythmic tapping at the window. The board glance as one at the windowsill outside. They look back at each other with a look of panic in their eyes?Munby is first to speak? 'Did anyone invite the albatross?'
And so the life of the board and every City fan changed. Until this is all resolved the City badge may as well depict a large sea bird rather than a Canary. Rick Waghorn alluded to this in an article last week. From the moment the Callum albatross landed on the roof of the City Stand last week, nothing will be the same again.
Ah! Well a-day! What evil looks
Had I from old and young!
Instead of the cross, the Albatross
About my neck was hung.
From the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
If only this whole saga was as simple as it would appear to some. Nice Norwich supporting billionaire offers Delia et al ?20million for Glenn to go shopping with. Delia in a hissy fit refuses. Boo Delia! Goes the argument.
If only this whole saga was as simple as it would appear to some. Nice Norwich supporting billionaire offers Delia et al ?20million for Glenn to go shopping with. Delia in a hissy fit refuses. Boo Delia! Goes the argument.
If only Stan could suspend the rather churlish part of his character that asks: 'Mmm, but what's in it for them?' after pretty much every sentence he hears or reads.
Let's get real for a moment here, Peter Callum has not become phenomenally wealthy by throwing wads of cash at ailing football clubs for no financial or personal return. 'Show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser…' went one line.
However, despite Stan's cynicism the indisputable fact remains that Norwich could very easily be playing with the big(ish) boys should they open the window and allow that tapping albatross in. Now the trouble seems to be that if you let him in, all his mates will follow, and before you know where you are they'll have stuffed all the croissants!
There can be little doubt that the board have been wrong-footed by all this. Delia's beaming smile at the Norfolk Show coupled with talk of happiness with the present level of investment gave absolutely no indication of the events that were to follow.
Peter Callum has gained the initiative in a battle that sadly looks like it will have a bloody conclusion and be carried out in the public glare. It will also be a battle that will harm only us; Norwich City Football Club and all those who love it.
Throughout the Delia years we have been told time and time again that the board are mere guardians of the club. The club belongs to us, the supporters they say. Therefore surely we should be kept in the picture of what's going on as one of the biggest stories in its 106-year history unfolds.
Archant is clearly fighting Callum's corner for him, but the present board have their own means of spreading their word. Bar the terse statement posted on Monday evening the silence has been deafening.
Maybe Callum is playing dirty, but the situation isn't going to go away just by sticking your fingers in your ears and humming loudly. And, indeed, if Callum does go away your problems could be only just beginning!
As the board decide where to go next and cast their eye on the not-so-cosy world of real big business, they would do well to remember the old Indian proverb that says 'He who rides the tiger can never dismount…' Wise words indeed.
Sadly, the Indians didn't mention what happens to those that have tried to ride an albatross! Oh, to be a football director!
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