New City No2 Ian Butterworth wasted little time in setting his stall out for this weekend.
He might, officially, have only been in the building three days, but having been part of Bryan Gunn's 'dream team' from almost the moment that the final whistle blew in that victory over Barnsley, he is more than well-versed in Norwich's immediate needs.
“It's important now that we get the three points against Bristol,” said Gunn's 45-year-old right-hand man, fresh from his exit from Hartlepool this week and his touchline 'debut' in that thrilling 3-3 draw at Wolves.
He was, of course, a more than interested spectator at Doncaster the Friday before. And as no stranger to the Football League, he knows all about Bristol City.
He also knows how Carrow Road can rock when the natives feel some real wind in their sails.
“They're a decent side; a footballing side,” he said. “But I think we've got to go at a high tempo from the first whistle.
“We're at home; the crowd are going to be behind us. But with all the energy that the lads have shown, it's important that they play with their brains as well. That we're disciplined – even at home,” added Butterworth, sensing that this new-look Canary outfit ticked at least three out of four of his major boxes.
“I envisage it's going to be an open game tomorrow because they like to play,” he said.
“But its important that the players that we put on are comfortable and show the same level of togetherness that they've shown since Bryan's been in charge.
“And that's vital. That is players go over that white line and they're happy, they're confident and they're comfortable – that's three out of the four boxes ticked straight away.
“And that's what we've got to create – a positive environment so that we get the best out of the players.”
He is, he insists, not just here as an American style 'defense' coach as first-team coach Ian Crook oversees the 'offense'. It's all about togetherness; attacking as one, defending as one.
“It's a collective thing defending – it's alright to just pin it on the back four and the goalkeeper, but there's other areas of the team where we're a little loose.
“So we need to tighten up all round. And if we're harder to beat – and I think there's goals in the team; we produce chances – we've just got to make sure that we keep the back door shut more often.”
Butterworth's work will start in earnest next week when he and Crook enjoy their first full, game-free week on the training ground. The club have also pencilled in a reserve team trip to Birmingham City to help get more game time into one or two of the new arrivals.
“We've got a few things to work on, but so far the lads have taken things on board and have been smashin' so far. It's going to be hard work, but I think players like to be worked hard; they like to be led.
“And at the end of the day we're putting things on that will benefit them in terms of getting three points and winning football games.”
As he watched events unfold at Molineux on Tuesday night, could he see one or two jobs to do?
“There are various areas that we've identified that need strengthening, but the main thing is the lads show the enthusiasm and the commitment like the did the other night,” said Butterworth, fast looking completely at home in his new surroundings.
And singing off the same 'Positive' hymnsheet as his one-time UEFA Cup team-mate. Which City will need to be as they claw their way, point by point, away from the danger zone on the back of this current, four-game unbeaten run.
“We are in a dog-fight – and we don't like saying that – but results have been pretty good over the last few games, but there's areas that need to be strengthened.
“And I can see straight away that we need to put a bit more detail in certain areas, but the main thing is that the lads are enjoying their football – that and the spirit that's been created since Bryan's taken over.
“We've got to create a positive environment for them to blossom in. We've got to prepare them right and then, hopefully, they can express themselves.”
As much as that 3-3 draw with the league leaders will have kept both city and county buzzing ahead of tomorrow's home clash, Butterworth knows the performance was far from perfect. But he wasn't about to launch a full-scale and bloody post-mortem.
“It was pleasing the other night – but it wasn't pleasing the couple of goals that we conceded. A couple of mistakes – but that's football. But the commitment and drive of coming back from 3-2 was excellent.
“And the lads need that between now and the end of the season. Hopefully, another couple of wins might give us a bit of a breathing space, but it's going to be tough. And it's going to be tight.”
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