When it was announced that Neil Adams had been made Norwich City manager on a permanent basis, the reaction amongst the Yellow Army was at best one of bemusement.
Personally, I thought it was a step backwards and a sign that the football club was regressing back into ‘little old Norwich’.
The same little old Norwich that decided to give Bryan Gunn a chance despite all the evidence pointing to him being nowhere near good enough as a manager- although of course his legend as a player can never be questioned.
The same little old Norwich that failed so miserably to cope with relegation last time we tumbled out of the top flight.
I digress.
We were told that Neil was an ‘outstanding candidate’ amongst the choices for the hot seat at Carrow Road – even after the Board had ‘scoured Europe’. I’m still sceptical about that although it has of course since transpired that the decision to avoid Malky Mackay was the right one.
I wasn’t opposed to Neil because of his experience (or lack of) of first team management, I was against his appointment because I felt that the football club needed a clean sweep – bearing in mind what had happened in our most recent relegations.
Having been to four of his five opening games during mission impossible last season, I was impressed with how he set the team up against Fulham, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Personally speaking, I would have preferred that we’d stayed with Hughton to the bitter end last season, so he could have been the one to relegate us but that argument has been done to death.
Wolves away was a very disappointing. Despite Neil asserting that we’d played very well and would have won or earned a point had it not been for the red card, I disagree with his claims. The hosts over-ran us in midfield from minute one and if they had a better strike force would have scored more than the one.
Carrow Road is the place where most of our success is based and the following games against Watford and Blackburn followed in that trend.
Certainly the early red card helped City against the Hornets but then again, I have lost count of the number of teams that have had a man sent off, sat deep with 2 banks of four and left Norfolk with a point or three.
Credit therefore to Neil and his band of merry yellow men for showing enough desire and passion for the cause that they kept on going. Three spectacular goals gave Norwich the three points that game and they were more than deserved.
Alex Tettey’s low drive was my favourite goal but in truth I was just happy to see a win as prior to Watford the last time I was at a game which City won was in January – at home against Hull City!
Neil Adams had claimed his first win as boss – an important mile stone had been passed.
Night matches at Carrow Road are always occasions to be savoured and the fixture against Blackburn was no different. That game asked some serious questions of the desire running through City’s veins and backed by a wall of noise generated by the Yellow Army two late goals proved enough for a yellow and green victory.
After the game against Blackburn, Neil appeared to be growing into the role of manager at ‘his football club’ but how would he fare in an East Anglian derby clash against the oldest of Norwich City’s enemies?
Pretty well as it turned out! One header aside, Town never looked like scoring and so the three points (and more importantly bragging rights) headed back up the road to the capital of East Anglia.
To be at the game and witness Neil jump around and celebrate with the travelling faithful was a joy. Three wins in a week was a great achievement and one that was fully deserved.
The point against Bournemouth at Carrow Road leaves City three points off the top of the league going into the international break- and in the top six.
For the Championship we have arguably got one of the best squads and Neil has done very well to root out of the players that didn’t want to be here- although quite why SebBassong is still here is a mystery.
I have to admit that I had grave doubts about the capabilities of Neil to mould us into genuine promotion contenders but not for the first time it seems that I could have been wrong. And on that score and I am glad he is answering his critics.
We’ve only played five league games this season but Adams has been almost one hundred percent spot on in his decisions so far.
The very best of luck Neil. I hope you prove me spectacularly wrong- it wouldn’t be the first time!
An excellent piece, Samir.
Although there are on or two points of detail where I don’t agree with you (I’d have got rid of Hughton a lot earlier) most of what you write reflects my feelings exactly.
I still think Neil Adams was the cheap and safe option and still scoff at the ‘we scoured Europe’ stance. My main objection WAS his lack of senior experience and I also thought we needed a ‘new broom’.
However, I am currently enjoying being proved wrong and long may it continue! This really is beginning to look like a very competitive squad and the mood in the camp seems good.
I think its crucial that a settled back four emerges soon as we have not been good defensively despite Turner’s impressive form.
To me keeping Olsson (provided he’s happy) was great work and likewise Hooper who undoubtedly has the ability to score regularly in the Championship.
Grabban looks a steal, I’m excited about the options offered by Vadis/Tettey/Johnson/Howson et al in midfield and Lafferty/Wes/Murphy/Redmond offer lots of options.
Compared to Lambert’s promotion squad this DOES look stronger.
The one thing lacking, in my opinion, is a talismanic Holty type figure. The way he encapsulated the spirit of our last promotion squad and dragged them over the line in certain games (Scunthorpe away, Reading at home etc), his inspirational destruction of Ipswich, his all-round utterly infectious confidence was huge and I hope a similar figure emerges from Neil’s squad.
Possibly this will be Kyle Lafferty.
One thing’s for sure,, I’ve already enjoyed this season more than the last six months under Hughton and I will be very happy to acknowledge how wrong I was if Neil and his team bring the good times back.
Also agree, Adams has started very well indeed, I have seen interviews from him and players saying there is more to come, I’m sure there is- nothing is wrong but as the season goes on I hope they get more clinical, sharper, quicker passing and better at the back. All the talent is there to achieve it.
As a fan I feel I am entitled to let the realism of how tough this division is be put to one side and say I think we will be promoted. Anyone who finishes above this Norwich team will surely win the thing!
My concern is not specifically a lack of a Holt figure, I think the talent is spread wider here, but maintaining intensity and concentration. I think against Bournemouth we looked a little flat (although they are a good side). I hope with so much competition for places players will be kept right at the top of their game.
OTBC
I’m not sure how anyone can be considered both “safe” and “inexperienced” at the same time, but, “fan logic” does defy belief at times.
It also seems to have escaped the notice of many that current Premier League managers the like of Brendan Rogers, Ronald Koeman and Sean Dyce, to name but three, all started coaching within the academy set up at various clubs, often while doing their coaching badhes, before embarking down the managerial route. Yet, somehow, this isn’t considered the route that’s good enough for Norwich?
Not every academy manager will necessarily go on to be a top manager, of course not, but everyone has to start somewhere and work their way up?
Does Adams get paid as much as other ex-managers? Probably not, as it’s his first managerial position, so let’s pick up the “cheap option” stick and beat the club with it!
Ultimately, the Club has made its decision, they’re never going to please everyone, whoever they choose. And, chances are, it will ultimately end in failure, just like the vast managerial appointments do. Until then, the moaners will just have to sit and wait for their moment to engage whine mode again.
Fans, don’t you just love them!
Hopefully we can now put the ‘moaners’ vs ‘happy clappers’ shenanigans firmly behind us – especially when we have people like Samir and Frank prepared to admit their earlier views may have been misplaced. I’ll say the same about my support for Hughton last year; with hindsight, he should have gone sooner.
Whatever mistakes were made last year, Adams and the Board are making up for them with vigour. Optimist as I am, I didn’t think we could have as productive a transfer window as we have: strengthened in every area with a mix of experience and young talent, paid for (and more) by selling only two major players. I certainly didn’t think our main concern by now would be: how are we going to keep all these good players happy?
Credit to Neil Adams who continues to impress. Privately, he must be hugely relieved to have 10 points on the board (and the fans’ backing) but he doesn’t show an iota of complacency. He’ll get high standards from the squad at his disposal, if he makes clear that’s what he expects. The squad now offers him plenty of options for change.
Onwards and upwards.
Things look good at the moment but it’s still early days. I was sceptical about the appointment of Adams, based mainly on his inexperience, but I sincerely hope that he continues to prove me wrong.
Keeping players like Tettey, Redmond and others is very encouraging. We have a squad, or at least first XI, made up of PL level players plus those brought in having proved themselves at Championship level.
It’s a good start but still far to early to casually throw away any misgivings over Neil’s appointment. If by the turn of the year, we’re still playing good stuff, scoring goals and in the top 5, then I’ll jump aboard the good ship Adams.
The positives so far have made plenty of press and rightly so but let’s not sweep stuff under the carpet – (1) Lafferty’s threat is being wasted at present, (2) Redmond must be more consistent in a game and from game to game and (3) Wes has underwhelmed – 0 goals, just 2 assists and a pass success rate of 83% which doesn’t put him in the top 100 in the division. As the creative dynamo he is supposed to be, those stats are disappointing. In the last few years he has suffered from the ‘Adebayor syndrome’ – plays great when a new contract is dangled but fizzles out once the ink has dried.
I think we’re all nervous about the defence still. I’m sure Neil is working his socks off to improve these areas. I truly hope he finds the right answers and keeps the job on merit.
GazzaTCC(3): Of the 3 examples you give, only Dyche is comparable to Adams (youth team to first team coach at the same club.) Rodgers started at Chelsea and Koeman is new to this country! What other examples are there?
Off the field I think the presence of that other Holt figure has enabled Adams to mature into his role incredibly quickly.
The squad is coming together well, despite the transfers in and out, and in confirmation, I was particularly impressed by the fact that Hooper thoroughly recommended the club to Hooiveld.
If we can get the players to come together on the pitch and lose some of the inter-player negativity when any player errs – that crept in during Hughton’s time – then we can build a whole team of Holts (modelled on either one of the two!), that’s not afraid to go for it.
For example: Redmond was blamed for Bournemouth’s goal. So what? He also produced the assist with an excellent cross for our goal. He needs to be encouraged to put in two or more like it next game, not made afraid to make a mistake!
Likewise: Tettey vocally didn’t approve of Murphy wasting a shot. Instead, why not applaud his enterprise, while explaining other options to him. That will make Murphy a better player – more aware of team opportunities, while not one afraid of taking a shot when it’s the right thing to do.
Come on Adams, you now have a squad that – YOU – CAN – take to the next level.
P.S. Lessons on Group Dynamics available on request at reasonable prices!
I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but after the international break we have 7 matches (including 1 cup game) in 3 weeks, before there is a further two week break. That run of games should provide a further good test for Adams – a) how he is going to integrate and keep all his squad members happy, b) on his ability to improve some of his early game tactics (Lafferty in the wrong position, Martin at CB), c) to show flexibility between and during games on formations, and d) to produce results!
The 7 games will not be season defining, but they were certainly help with the setting of the mood for the remainder of this calendar year. Look forward to them. And personally I fall into Stewart Lewis’ category, supported Hughton for too long (its only in retrospect that I have realised how much damage he did), and am very pleased with each step Adams has taken so far. In Gazza TC’s list and Damian Sal’s comments, where does Gary Monk fall?
Have to say that I’ve also been impressed by Neil Adams and is tenure to date. He seems to have created a happy group of players that have the freedom within the tactics to express themselves. Tactically, he also seems astute and willing to change personal and systems when they don’t work. All-in-all very encouraging and in sharp contrast to last season.
Dealings within the transfer market have also been very encouraging. We have got good money for our sales and the players that have been bought in also seem to fit-the-bill. Very much a mixture of players for the here-and-now and some for a season or two down the line. That said the signing and loaning-back of Louis Thomspon to Swindon is an odd one. By all accounts he is a very good young player but just suppose City get promoted next summer – where does that leave him?
Good article.
Well done to Robin Hood (7) – praise and encouragement always motivates better than criticism!
Michael D (8) – no-one can argue with you re Gary Monk as being an inspired selection from Swansea
I have no idea what ‘group dynamics’ is but it sounds horribly like a wipe board and brain storming approach – I’ve had the great misfortune to have to go to a couple of them. It didn’t motivate me one iota.
ABC(10) – of course praise where its earnt but the odd hairdryer treatment never stopped Cloughie or Fergie from getting the best from ‘the group’. Footballers are human beings not dogs in training and have to expect both ends of the metaphorical stick. I’d hope that Neil is up to bawling out anyone who isn’t pulling their weight.
Gary Monk was still on the playing staff when he got the top job and so he knew the players as well as anyone – don’t think he’d ever coached the youth team. Tim Sherwood was probably the best comparison with Neil’s situation.
Neil has clearly had a good start but it’s too soon to consider him a success. Yes, yes, I know, negative old Dave B.
BUT, didn’t Hughton have a good first half season? Didn’t we think he’d done great business (before the signings had even kicked a ball for us)? And weren’t we happy to have a nice team player that didn’t rock the boat? I can’t judge Neil on how well he’d do anymore than I could with Chris after five games.
I was glad to see we kept Hooper. I think he’s got a massive part to play and along with Grabban could definitely drag us over the promotion finish line. I was also happy to see we’ve at last done right by Becchio and now Surman can settle down. We’ve done just the right amount of passing-on of those we could get top dollar for and keeping the rest. We also kept enough players to keep the heart of the squad alive, something I’d suggest CH didn’t do.
I’m not sure on some of our signings from yesterday. In fact if anything we now may have too many players to keep happy. We’ll see. I’d also wonder about the wage bill now and how that sits, especially with Bassong still on the books. Wages will eat through Fer’s and Snoddy’s transfer fees pretty quickly. I guess that’s for Neil and David to balance and we may see a further clean out at Christmas.
Its 8/10 from me so far for NA,
10 points – an admirable tally,
Positive intent & attacking play,
The apology should go to McNally?
Cardiff away is a big test of the manager’s tactics – just hope it’s not another appearance for that gaudy away strip.
No problem with Dave B (12) this time.
The wage bill had to be slashed, and it must remain a concern with so many players now in the squad. On the other hand, it will have made a significant difference to get Snodgrass, Fer, Pilks and van Wolfswinkel off the payroll (the French are paying RvW’s wages in full, I believe). All remaining players took a big pay cut, and I’d guess the new players are on moderate wages with the promise of large bonuses for promotion. That would be easily affordable.
The fact that we bought a promising young player and promptly loaned him back to his original club gives me reassurance that our finances are robust.
It IS still early days.
City have played 5 matches, only ONE game against teams in the bottom 10 – Ipswich(away) and gained 10 points. That’s a pretty good start by any measure. The next two matches are also away, against teams currently in 8th and 9th position’s. If we are still in a similar league position after that, I can’t think we could have expected a much better start. Well done Neil, keep up the good work.