During the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight earlier this week, I came across a conversation in which the people involved were discussing what they thought has been the most beautiful piece of human engineering in the history of mankind.
It had been precipitated by someone claiming that the honour should surely go to the Spitfire. The shape, the lines, the symphony of that magnificent Merlin engine, a stylish symmetry of shape and sound.
Such a pity that mankind seems to reserve some of its greatest visions and creations to the art of war. But that’s another story, another place, another time.
But that original question is, you must agree, an absolute beauty in itself. And I’m not even going to try and answer it here.
But there is one question I’d like to ask that is based around that other one. And whilst I don’t think I could truly answer that one either, I do have a suggestion as to who, in my opinion, it might be.
And I’d rather like to know your opinions on the topic as well.
It’s this…
Who, in your opinion, is the single most important individual to have played a part in the life and history of Norwich City Football Club?
There will certainly be no shortage of contenders throughout the club’s long (and whatever that lot over the border might try to think) illustrious and rather splendid history.
Administrators. Backers. Supporters. Managers. Coaches.
And many supporters who, for one reason or another, have often gone way above the call of duty.
Plus, of course, there are the players. And what a rich mix of those we have had over the years. This was particularly evident when, back in May 2013, I asked, through this column, for people to nominate their greatest ever Norwich City XI. After going through all the teams and players submitted, and having counted up the number of different player names that had been given. I realised it totalled 87!
As I wrote at the time, that rather took me aback. However, given the quality of teams and depth of some of the squads that we have had at Carrow Road, it shouldn’t, perhaps, have been too surprising.
In historic terms, the furthest back that the poll went was 1947, the year that Ron Ashman made his Canaries’ debut, calling at all points in-between up until the 2012/13 season; the campaign that saw Seb Bassong, Michael Turner and Robert Snodgrass, all of whom earnt a place in at least one persons’ All-Time Norwich City XI, make their Canary bows.
That’s a span of 65 years, during which time a lot of football has been played, results won and lost and players either worshipped or written off-but, even so, it’s still a lot of players who have, one way or another, earnt the status as an all-time great in at least one supporter’s eyes.
And maybe one of those players will be the one who gets your vote. Or maybe not.
So this week I’m really handing my column over to you, the readers of the site and my weekly piece in particular, as well as Gary and all my fellow MyFootballWriter scribes, past and present.
Who do you all think is the person who has, for whatever reasons, been the most important and/or significant in the history of our club, and why?
I’m almost 100 per cent certain of what my answer will be. And, next week, I’ll write a piece championing that individual and why, in my opinion, they are worthy of the accolade.
But I’d like to see your thoughts on the matter first. And let’s spread the word. Let’s get as many voices and opinions on this one as we possibly can.
Who was, or is, our greatest?
The greatest Canary ever.
Now there’s a question Ed! Where to start…
My first instinct was that the accolade should be bestowed upon one who not once, but twice – in the ’50s and ’90s – was a central figure in keeping the club afloat when it was on its financial knees. The name Geoffrey Watling will of course forever be synonymous with Norwich City because without him it’s likely there wouldn’t even be a club for us to support – certainly not one of the current ilk.
There’s no denying Geoffrey’s place in our list of greats.
But for me there’s someone else who above all others epitomises our great club.
If I close my eyes and think ‘Norwich City’ I see one solitary figure; his sleeves rolled up, his shirt stained with blood, barking commands to those around him, leading from the front, everyone hanging on his every word.
Duncan Forbes wasn’t the greatest player to ever grace the yellow and green – far from it – but after arriving from Colchester United in 1968 he went on to become the first captain to lead the Canaries out in the top flight.
He was there, literally leading from the front, as Ron Saunders’ City made their first ever breakthrough into the big time and for that alone he holds a special place in the Hall of Fame.
But he was more than that. Upon the end of his playing days his influence on the club still continued. From chief scout to chief rabble-rouser on Club Cabbage away-days, Big Dunc continued to be at the heart of everything yellow and green – a gentleman throughout.
And that – for me – is why Duncan Forbes is the greatest Canary ever.
Let me echo what Gary says and for the reasons he also gives. However, to widen the net, I would say also John Bond: in an era when managers had big personalities and became stars on TV, John helped put Norwich on the map. He had an opinion or two, but was always available to give a quote, and put Norwich on the map, as he was always known as John Bond: Norwich City manager.
Who’ s top dog in the Hall of Fame? For me, it has to be Dave Stringer. Born in the county, DS put in a shift on and off the pitch like no other.
Big Dunc was a legend of course, but Stringer was his under-rated lieutenant on the pitch – the Wise to his Morecambe, the yin to his yang. Let’s not forget that he was voted PoTS in the promotion season, not Forbes. 499 games in total – 3rd in all time list.
Coached the youth team to FA cup success, then the reserves and finally managed the first team in the top division for 5 successful seasons (4th in 88-89) + 2 FA Cup semis. Also got the better of Ferguson’s Utd in the first 5 meetings between their teams.
He might not be the ‘glamour’ choice but no one else can match that list. I’m amazed that his full Canary story has never been published properly.
Good on you Dave.
Delia and Michael will go down in the history of our proud club for saving us financially and providing stable and brave leadership. They are up there with Geoffrey.
To Pick one is impossible but I agree with Gary that it would have to be Geoffrey Watling. Followed in order for me by: Kevin Keelan, David Stringer, Duncan Forbes and yes Delia and Michael.
My great grandfather who died in 1940 and was a fanatically passionate supporter would no doubt point to just as dedicated and important group of individuals that perhaps most of us have hardly heard of.
Dave Stringer for me too. What he achieved under Chairman Chase was nothing short of incredible. Established us in the old Division One against all the odds. It was his team Mike Walker had the Euro glory with. What might he have done under a different Board? A loyal and very underrated man.
They were both fighters, but in a straight dogfight between Forbes (who had more of the Spitfire about him), and Stringer (the more dependable and stable Hurricane-type), the latter has the best overall record, particularly after the flying boots were put away.
None of it possible though without ‘Bomber Watling’ directing operations.
Not sure about the single greatest canary, or the person who, above all others, made Norwich City the great club it is today – they might even be two different questions. Too many of my personal favourites from different times are already mentioned above – reflects that it is a team game I suppose as well as a long history.
Treating it as two questions therefore, how about: Archie Macauley, without whose team-building and tactical nous we would not have had the momentum that the 59ers gave this club. What a tingle that 18 months (FA cup semi-final and promotion to Div 2 – alias championship) still gives those of us lucky enough to live through it.
My second candidate is Ken Brown who sowed all the seeds for Dave Stringer and Mike Walker to cultivate and harvest so effectively (as well as less gloriously Robert Chase!) Great respect for Geoffrey Watling and no many others off the field of play, however it is football that defines the club, so my propositions are closer to the field of play.
We really need more historical perspective before including the current generation of owners and managers, however they may be on the cusp of joining some great company.
I think it has to be between John Bond and Ken Brown
Well for me like many others on this thread it is impossible to name just one. In the boardroom no doubt it has to be Geoffrey Watling with Delia and Michael in close attendance. In management I would go for John Bond he brought charisma and flair to the club plus he started a very successful youth team set up, which in latter years really paid dividends. And on the pitch big Duncan and Dave Stringer green and yellow to the bone.