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Dare we dream the dream? Survival secured at Portman Road?

22nd March 2009 By Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

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So the great escape continues.

A point at Brum is no mean feat in anybody's estimation; to have deserved more and put in such a hard-fought and committed performance is promising indeed.

As it is, Gunn has now carved out a points tally worthy of a mid-table outfit with aspirations for the future.

 
Maybe, and just maybe, this year's Colditz-esque venture may even be such that it puts last year's break-out in the shade.

Then we were cut adrift in November; but with Hucks and Dion in the mix, and with a little bit of cash left to spend, there was always a distinct possibility that Granty's bungling was fixable.

This season, after a mass culling and erratic signings, the writing looked well and truly on the wall. In the aftermath of various Don 'Roader' Logan deals with 'Arry and the rest of the London glitterati, our historic club looked set to be turned into Millwall-on-Wensum – unlovable and in the third division.

Such things Stan was musing as he looked at the team-sheet. Only two Roeder signings in the squad.

Why, the team was closer to one of Granty's than that of the self-appointed England manager elect!

More importantly, this was a team of Gunn-Butterworth-Crook. Ticked again on this week's check list of 'Things that have improved in the last few games…' were team-spirit, a set-piece freekick that had Chippy's name all over it, further evidence of a defence that can stand firm, and yet more glimpses of imagination in the last third (we had more efforts on goal than Brum).

This last was bolstered with a hint of muscle via the welcome addition of Alan Lee. All of sudden, we have a front line with teeth.

Where once we appeared destined to lose three of every four games, now we look more likely to win or draw.

Where once we looked like a team of individuals playing under duress and without confidence, now we look to have a squad of fighters, committed to eachother and to the Gaffer.

There is balance emerging within the squad and on the pitch; players are beginning to complement eachother; they look like they 'get' Norwich City again.

Now, Stan must not get carried away. We are not out of the woods yet.

If we have tunnelled beneath the prison wall, we have not yet cleared the prison grounds.

Any major slip-up and we could well be back in the clink (or Reading gaol if the TV has its way).

Still, Doc's lead gives us the bravery to match comrade Gow's guile. More importantly, the two men back from solitary confinement look to be made of the good stuff. Shacks has been transformed by his spell at Wolves.

Perhaps the poor boy needed – like so many of us Norfolk returnees – to see how s*** the rest of the country is in order to really appreciate the wonders of his spiritual homeland. And let's face it, Wolverhampton is the urban equivalent of a pub toilet on a Saturday night after last orders.

 
Whatever, Shacks now looks like the player he always promised to be; this Stan, for one, would welcome him back on current form.

And Lappin, too, sent into exile by Roeder, returned after 16 months to give his all to the cause. What a man.

 
To still care after the way in which he has been treated is testimony to his character and professionalism.

 
Never, ever, a bad player, he got tarred with the same brush as Murray-the-sticking-plaster-with-no-stick and Le Judge Fudge. Having done his time (for someone else's crime), he slotted straight back in.

So, what now? Sheffield Wednesday are our bogey team. This means we are either due a win or we'll get done and sent right back into the mire.

Given the way in which Gunn and co have so far gone about putting pride back into our stride, Stan hopes the former scenario prevails. Swansea? Well, stuttering would be the term. A point is possible.

Watford at home? That should be there for the taking. Meaning we could secure safety at Portman Road…

And while that would not quite be the same as a Leon McKenzie brace taking us towards Premiership heaven/hell, it would be a great place to celebrate survival.

Come on City – keep tunnelling, the open fields are there beyond the wire, freedom is ours …


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blakleyfreddie Freddie Blakley II @blakleyfreddie ·
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Good game this week @NorthCarolinaFC. @GMclaughlin_ the ref was blind. All the penalties they did to you she didn't call waa a shame. Louis Perez has talent. And cannot wait to see what he does this year. I got one word for you.....RAAAAFFFAAA @rafaduizit. #ncfc

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gwelham18 Gareth Welham @gwelham18 ·
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ncfc_cam cam @ncfc_cam ·
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I mean this is a very hot take 🤣

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ncfc_adam Adam @ncfc_adam ·
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God twitter’s a depressing place when #ncfc lose. Even worse when that lot are doing so well

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