Like all of us, I could easily get our daily newspaper delivered. But I choose not to as a 500-metre walk to the local newsagent is a pleasant experience.
The owners and their family are City diehards and several customers are like-minded. I have spent many an interesting five or ten minutes in there discussing all things Norwich City. It is often a source of interesting rumour – much of which proves to be unfounded, but the occasional nugget of truth can be unearthed.
On the morning of the Huddersfield match, they were having their front door and facade repainted. As the usual conversation developed, the decorator put down his paintbrush, picked up his mug of tea and spontaneously joined in. As you do and as you should do.
He explained in the most lucid terminology why he had not darkened the doors of Carrow Road since the day Gunny was appointed manager. Somebody, maybe me, asked him why. He linked it to addiction, and said that it takes a while to get it out of your system, but once you’re clean you can remain so.
His key point was that he did not want to give the Smith clan any of his hard-earned. He also said he would be watching on Sky and said I was a fool to add £20 to my match-day expenses through minicab costs – my painful back issue continues.
I responded by saying something like: “I have to go. It’s in the blood”.
He said: “It was in mine too. In my DNA. But I’ve got rid of it and I no longer have to share your disappointment”.
On the short walk back home I remembered an almost identical conversation with my best footy mate and his brother, who is MD of one of the best-known and most traditionally-based businesses in Norwich (IE He knows better than most of us when he is getting value for money).
Like his brother, he was also a decent semi-pro. He also had said he would never go again while the Smiths were at the helm. He doesn’t even take up brother Keith’s ticket when it’s occasionally available, so as well as being a great guy he’s a man of his word.
Half-charged with optimism I entered the ground, thinking about what these folks were missing. I was there, they weren’t. What unfolded has already been well described by Gary (Gowers) and I will only add there were no blissful bunny rabbits in the Barclay. We were uniformly bemused, annoyed, distressed (insert word of your choice) when Nelson was subbed. Nothing going on for us, chasing a game and it’s striker for striker?
No Alex Neil, you got it wrong.
Then our blessed band of youngsters down below sang to Delia that she should “sort it out”. My dad used to say lots of things, but one of his more memorable utterances was: “there is none as deaf as those who will not listen”. He also said: “you can’t educate pork”, which was most likely directed at me when I’d stuffed something up.
But, his points remain valid and relevant in this context.
It really is time for the change. After Villa, I wrote that Alex Neil had earned a further chance to put things right. Well, quite frankly, he’s blown it. I’m not screaming for Gary Rowett or any other individual – certainly not Roy Hodgson, anyway – but something has to change.
Our faults are pretty much fundamental and plain to see. We don’t have the physical strength to cope with a largely young and hungry side like Huddersfield.
Why were Wes Hoolahan or Alex Pritchard not put into the mix with, say, 20 minutes to go?
Where was the protection for our over-maligned centre backs?
Why does Neil feel the need to scream and shout like an aggravated banshee at his players? He picked them, he should trust them.
Like us all, I could go on and on. And on.
Nothing will improve under Alex Neil – I am now convinced of that. Yes, Huddersfield played really well, matched our set-up and out-fought us and out-thought us. Fair play to them and they deserved their three points. But despite playing in red, they weren’t exactly Liverpool or Man United.
So Delia, what if anything are you going to do? The Barclay – my Barclay – have politely asked you to “sort it out”. I can see things getting rather less polite and diplomatic if you keep your head in the sand. No ill-will or anything, but it really is time to do something. At this rate there won’t be much to pass on to your nephew.
There is still time, so let’s do something.
The only person who should have the sack at Christmas is Santa, but I can see a case for an extra issue this festive season.
And I’m not referring to the paperboys whose services I eschew in the pursuit of a good old chat.
Normally when posts like this go on pages such as this there are at least a few dissenting voices. Since the last week or so I haven’t seen anyone make any sort of case in favour of Alex Neil staying. I am one of those who like him, I think he comes across really well and I appreciate his honesty. But no matter what, Norwich need a change of manager as soon as possible.
As for stopping going to matches or supporting the club I can’t imagine ever doing so. I sat through Glenn Roeder in charge it’ll take more than a total disaster to deter me. Besides which, I’ve yet to meet the eternally happy football fan, every club has ups and downs, even if some clubs the idea of down is a season when they don’t win a trophy or two.
The debate about Delia is raised yet again. I always put my vote that she has been and remains a fabulous servant to this club. Without her we would have been bankrupt. We are now financially secure (ish) even if results on the pitch have been deeply disappointing, especially given the largest transfers ever spent by Norwich – RvW, Klose, Naismith, Pritchard, all big money signings. All a sign of commitment and investment. None have really succeeded. At any rate it’s irrelevant, the Smiths are here to stay- the grass may be greener on the other side but you still have to mow it.
OTBC
Great piece, summed up prefectly by not having anything left to hand down to their little Tommy. Like your friend, I no longer give my money to the club while the smiths ruin it. It’s been too easy to call people like us names because of relative success, but now all their hairy bits have been revealed we look…correct. Those who choose to go can watch our club crumble under the guise of habit need to act.
Ncfc Paul – you just don’t get it. It’s easy for them to switch manager, but the issue lies with the board. The board are intrinsically built into the club and they are destroying the club. The more you turn up, the more you accept it. How can you hark back to how she once saved the club? What’s that got to do with now? It’s irrelevant and insulting to our club. Mr Green once did a fine job for BHS.
Ps. I would consider none of those you mention big money signings. Championship players have gone for far more, but this board want to operate in a different market. Strange choice of point to make.
Martin, you really do surround yourself with uncompromising people!!
I now agree that Neil should go. However, I can understand his logic behind the Nelson sub. We definitely needed Jerome on but after being completely overrun in midfield in the first half, it would have very risky to have taken off a midfielder to have played two strikers just when we’d got a foothold in the game. As it was I thought we’d done enough to get the equaliser with the subs we made. Still, it’s gone too far so we do need a new manager.
Good read as ever Martin. I enjoy the occasional trip to the paper shop where the lady behind the counter and I always discuss the latest issues at carrow road.
The calls for Delia smith to “sort it out” missed the point totally. She is the problem, not the solution. the point about educating pork is an excellent one. The same mistakes are bout to be made all over again. The obstinacy is one thing but what cannot be excused is the sheer stupidity of believing that one is right even when the evidence of twenty years experience points to the fact that again and again one has been calamitously wrong.
Alex Neil’s record over the last ten games is horrific. Not a blip, not just bad, truly, utterly awful. Many lesser clubs have scheduled managers for less this season. (Rotherham for a start). It is highly unlikely Neil will get a much needed win at reading. I very much hope he does although for the first time I am beginning to think that a win would be an unhelpful irrelevance, something for the delusional brigade to cling to in an attempt to offer unconditional support to Delia smith inc.
even I happily accepted the home win against villa with the caveat that much more was needed and with immediate effect. With the manager declaring the season over would a win be detrimental to the clubs future?
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve had a mini protest of my own, missing the last 3 games and I won’t be returning till he is gone. I love this club and would love to be at the games but for the greater good I’m prepared to stay away until at least the manager (funny he’s called that… the irony being that’s exactly what he doesn’t do) is removed. Defeats in the next league away games should seal his fate but it should never have come to this.
He has had one good half season and one and a half very poor seasons. His transfer activity is the poorest I can remember from a Norwich manager and he has had the most money to spend. It’s just a shame we didn’t back Lambert in the same way, we could have had Benteke and become an established Premier League side.
Dont delay the decision Delia, Alex Neil is not getting the best out of the players,rumours are rife about divisions in the dressing room, that cannot be allowed to continue which suggests activity in the transfer window. His record in the market is not good and then he doesn’t back the players he has signed.Dont waste the opportunity too change before it’s too late, it’s what has happened in the past.Jez Moxey, grow a set and start earning the Chief executive pay packet, we hear nothing from you. Wouldn’t have been the case under McNally, that’s probably the reason he’s no longer with the club.
So that’s what I want for Christmas, a non meddling owner, a chief executive who makes the hard decisions, a manager who can manage and lastly a team of which I can be proud.
Everyone knows my revised view of Alex Neil – as Ncfcpaul says, it’s now hard to find a fan who thinks we should stick with him.
The situation with Delia & Michael is perhaps less clear-cut. Is it fair to have concerns, especially after the clumsy Times interview? Of course. But unless you believe Norwich have some God-given right to be in the top half of the Premier League, the record isn’t too shabby.
Yes, we went down to League 1. At which point didn’t bury their heads in the sand; they handed power to a top professional CEO. We’ve watched Premier League football at Carrow Road for four of the past nine seasons; three of the others have been promotion seasons.
My friends who support Leeds, Forest, Derby, Bolton, Coventry and Cardiff (not to mention Ipswich) would be gob-smacked at the idea of Norwich fans boycotting their club.
#2 Jeff: Thank you. I suspect that I, doubtless like all the MFW writers, am part of a large group who will be at Carrow Road through thick and thin, hence part of the financial security the Owners can rely upon. Does that make me feel good? Not just now, but it’s a habit I doubt I could ever break. I did join the anti-Robert Chase boycott, but to be outside the ground was verging on heartbreak and not something I would readily repeat. I so hope it doesn’t come to that, I really do.
#6 Dave H: good comment! It’s not a question of surrounding myself with the uncompromising, just that their views tend to stick in my mind enough for me to repeat them in prose. I still think Murphy should have been hooked rather than Nelson!
Just a question for you lot that write these ( at the momemt) daily variations on a theme, of outpourings of dissatisfaction of all things NCFC. Do you really think they´ll make a lot of difference to the way Smith and Jones and the rest of the board look at things? To my way of thinking you´re crying ´wolf´ twice or thrice too often every week, which is just as likely to ruin the entire strategy. They are certainly becoming boring reading on here, and I can´t think that this number of articles will necessarily swing the pendulum the way you all seem to want it to swing.
But no doubt time will tell – I´m banking on Mr. Neil conjuring up an away draw at Reading on Boxing Day, to give himself a few more weeks respite, and good luck to him.
#8 Adam: a strong rumour at the time said PL wanted Benteke and Michu and that he was turned down flat on both. I know there were other, more personal issues surrounding his departure but that refusal was, allegedly, the reason he walked.
And we can’t blame Jez Moxey or Alex Neil for that!
It’s all been said before and the powers that be are not listening. They obviously have their own agenda, part of which is, together with AN, to build a massive wall between the fans and the Club.
The only success that City have had this season is to alienate their fans.
Our best players seem to be plying his trade in Scotland
That’s smart management?
#12 George: There is no collusion or agenda with what any of us write. These are all opinion pieces and I am sorry if mine or any others are “boring” or “crying wolf”, but we can only write about what we see and how we feel.
Only last week after the Villa match I wrote that Alex Neil had something to build on. He failed.
Anyway, thank you for your comment and it would be a boring old world if we all thought alike.
I did not renew my s/t during Hughton’s reign I had, had enough Call it what you like I saw the way the club was heading and not for the first time. I have put my time in going through the very barren years from 1961, onwards until recently. A mixture of continuing disappointment, ill health and not wanting to more money that I could ill afford into anything to do with the Smiths.
I stood with people on Chase out , in fact sent flying by a police horse into the wall of the Main Stand, helped organise the Worthy Out demo.
All to no real avail, because here we are again, facing the same old story. I love my club still I go when I can get a seat, away games too. but in truth the way the club is heading, those that are custodians are starting to kill off the hope and enjoyment I once had. Even Robert Chase couldn’t do that. Sir Geoffrey Watling when buying Chase out, said something along the lines of “no one person should own the club”. Technically it is two but in reality it is one and will be a single owner again when it handed over to Nephew who will be well grounded in the ways it must be run .
That is enough for me. I do not care what others say or think, I acted the way I deeply feel about my club, my health and my family
George wants a draw at reading on Boxing Day! What possible use are draws to us now? He seems to think that will entitle Neil to several weeks more, presumably until we draw at Rotherham?
You say “We don’t have the physical strength to cope with a largely young and hungry side like Huddersfield” and then churn out “Why were Wes Hoolahan or Alex Pritchard not put into the mix with …… ”
How do you know Delia has her head in the sand? Wasn’t there a board meeting on Sunday morning? Of course the board are active. You’re deluded.
I expect you won’t be renewing your ST then …..
Go there George. A like minded sane individual.
50 years ago when I went to my first Norwich match we were mid table in the second division. 50 years later and we are in the same place. 50 years ago felt pens were all the rage. 50 years later progress has taken us to the boundaries of human destruction. I am far happier with the stability and progress NCFC have provided in my life. OTBC. Happy X-mas Queen Delia 🙂
# 18 el dingo: Deluded I may be, but I know what I see. Yes, for what little it’s worth I will renew, as I will always do.
My point about the introduction of Wes or Pritchard – I realise the latter wasn’t even on the bench – is that we should have tried something different in order to attempt to break them down.
# 20 tim sell: I admire your loyalty, even if I feel it is a little misplaced.
Thank God we all have different opinions!
Queen Delia sort of sums up the whole thing. These people support Delia smith, not Norwich city. Much better to be a ” community club” under her ownership than a serious football club under somebody else. They prefer her at any cost, Delia indeed.
I didn´t say I wanted a draw Chris (#17) I just happen to think he might manufacture one, which in all honesty would be a damn good result at Reading, and if that buys him a few more weeks, then all well and good.
In fact, what about this for a novel idea? – how about supporting him for the time he has left here, you never know, it may even do some good. Certainly all this flak doesn´t seem to be helping.
Tim (20): You and I are from the same vintage.
One pretty big difference between 50 years ago and now. Back then, we’d never been above mid-table in the second division and didn’t expect to be. Now it’s our worst position for almost a decade and we have a squad that should be doing much better (and hopefully will be soon). We’ve spent the last eight years either in the top division or challenging – successfully – to get there.
But are we happier now than 50 years ago? It certainly doesn’t appear so.
Happy Christmas everyone!
Sorry you feel this way Jeff (2,3 and 4). To be fair all those were club record transfers or there abouts. In the scheme of things not so big, but for us the most we’ve ever spent.
At any rate, I genuinely feel the board, and Delia, desperately want to see the club do well. They invest every penny the club can, they appoint people to positions they genuinely believe are the best for the job. Sometimes this works, sometimes not. As Stewart Lewis points out over nine seasons we’ve been premier league as much as not, otherwise getting promoted more often than not. I’m deeply disappointed with relegation last season, I think Alex Neil has lost his way, a change is definitely needed.
A change of board is not needed. I am sure they constantly balance the risk and reward of spending the money we have but, perhaps, err more to the way of caution because they know just how tough it is to pull a club like it’s away from bankruptcy. That’s not bad management, it’s entirely sensible. For every club who splash out millions some succeed, actually most don’t. We have to achieve success based on what we’ve got. If someone like Abramovich comes in then happy days, but unless that actually happens (and they demonstrate a commitment to the club) I’m happy we have sensible, thoughtful people in charge who love our club.
I just wish they’d get a new manager.
OTBC
The great thing about being a fatalist (Jeff) is that eventually you’re always right. Things will always go wrong, especially in football. The trouble with being a fatalist is that in football ‘going wrong’ is relative. One woman or man’s ‘wrong’ is another’s ‘it’s ok we’re just a few results from being good again’ or ‘at least we’re not 1p5wich’. I’d be interested to know what your thoughts on the board were when we were riding high under Lambert. He got out because he knew it would go wrong eventually. Because it always does. At which point there will be people like yourself there to remind him that you were right all along. I envy your foresight.
George, I supported him on Tuesday night, I roared my approval when we scored, yelled encouragement to his team at every juncture. I even went public on here to say the very same. The story doesn’t alter though. My support means little in the end. Simply put, things aren’t right. Neil isn’t a bad man. He deserves to go with dignity. He won’t be afforded the chance and things will get vitriolic and unnecessary. That’s the way of it with these owners. I hope we win at reading, although I’m less enthusiastic than I’ve ever been. I really don’t think we will get a draw, which as you rightly say would in isolation be a decent result.
Can anybody instruct us on the plan in eighteen months time when the premier league money runs out? Palpably, we will be unable to afford the ages of howson, Klose, Ollsson, Brady, hoolahan, pinto, ruddy, tettey, Murphy et al. When them and others are sold or let go to trim the wage bill, just what is the plan? How will the void be filled? Will there be fresh finance to,fill the void and afford a viable championship football club? When the crowds have dwindled, the tv company ignores us and the cup runs last one game as per usual, how will we cope with a seventy million quid drop in income?
Nobody as yet has come up with an answer to this question. Surely if the Delia gang have so much faith in her and her nephew there must be a good reason.
Truth be told they have no answer and in many cases, don’t care about the standing of the club as long as Delia smith controls it. Third division ? No problem. We’re a community club don’t you know?
I read all the arguments for and against with interest .
However what I see on the pitch is lack of movement by the boys in green and yellow,just strolling across the pitch passing laterally or backwards and when we do show some serious movement as against Brentford our boys are not fit enough to repeat it next game.
The malaise is with the management – team selection, scouting and coaching- the players- many of whom are overpaid , underperforming, unmotivated (or unselected).
This is not the first time in Norwich’s history that we have witnessed such a situation (Costa del Colney)but these players are capable of so much better and that is why we need a new manager.
NfcPaul (24) you are correct. Delia and Co do care or they would not have risked their money saving the club. However you are correct again we need a new manager NOW. Misplaced loyalty could undo all of their efforts to keep the club afloat. Businesses only survive and prosper if their BOD make sound timely decisions however difficult and unpleasant they may be.
Jarrolder (#28) You say ´but these players are capable of so much better and that is why we need a new manager`
I have to confess, that is the bit that I´m far from convinced about. When, in fact, did they last show that they are capable of so much better? If they really are as good as you suggest, then why aren´t they showing it. Yes, I know, Neil is not inspiring them, Neil is not motivating them, etc, etc – only the thing is, players, even half-decent players, worth even a teaspoon full of salt, will, can and do motivate themselves, they don´t need any manager to help them.
This lot imo, are just average Championship players, and they´re showing it every weekend. Against the poorer sides in this league they´ll have a decent fighting chance, against the better teams, they´ll be lucky to get anything. Unfortunately they´ve been told so often, by the manager, fans ( both on and off message boards such as this one) and the local media, that with their talent they should be walking this league, that they can´t help but believe it. Actually what they should have been told the day they were relegated, was, that they are no longer Premier League players, they´re Championship players, and there´s no easy way back to the Premier League, and the sooner they get their heads round that, the better.
George – the players you are not convinced by are almost all established internationals, some of whom even shone on the European stage only last summer. Brady, Hoolahan, Olsson. Others like Klose, Bassong, Martin, Ruddy, Dorrans, Naismith are all recent internationals. The Murphys play for England youngsters, so does Pritchard.
Since last year (12 months ago we were 14th in the PL) we have lost Redmond and added 2 £8m players in Naismith and Klose.
These players can play. They are either choosing not to (unlikely) or being asked to do things they can’t do (likely) or are perhaps unfit, unprepared, tactically unable to perform (definitely).
All of that stuff – that’s what a manager does. If you change the manager to someone who can make them fit, make them do stuff they can do, make them perform tactically, then you win games.
This is football – it ain’t really that hard. If you buy better players than almost everyone else in your league then you should win it. If you are not only not winning it but are mid-table halfway through the season, you get a new manager.
Not a hard decision for anyone to make. Anyone who runs any kind of business makes these decisions every day. It might not be pleasant but it needs to be done. Now.
#10 Yes that’s very true about how that would stick in your mind. It amuses me that it’s a common theme through your articles.
Chris (26) makes an excellent point regarding the nature of managers departures & this is an aspect which bothers me greatly. Of the managers who have been in charge during the owners reign, how many are looked back on fondly by the majority of fans? Worthington’s great achievements are largely forgotten, Gunn/Adams’ have had their impressive careers with the club somewhat tarnished, Hughton, while never hugely popular, will always be seen negatively. All of them, including Neil have been left in place too long meaning that it’s difficult to leave with dignity (in the case of Gunn/Adams they should not have been put in that situation in the first place). Yes, perhaps they could have resigned before that, but I won’t criticise people for trying to put things right. Lambert is the one person still largely popular and he was the one who left on his own terms.
Maybe what I’m looking for isn’t realistic, I just find it disappointing that good men and people who have done everything in the power to make Norwich a success leave the club with such poor reputations among fans.
Steve G (#21) – So the manager should make them do this, that and the other? Well maybe, but good players don´t need to be made to do things, it´s second nature, they do them automatically, and since when exactly, has being an International been synonymous with being a good player.
Talent, however much you have, is no good without matching it with comparable amounts of hard graft, and that´s what our lot are sadly lacking at the moment.
Dave H (32): An interesting point that we look back on most of our recent managers – with one exception – in disappointment.
I’m just trying to think of a club where that’s NOT the case. Perhaps Southampton. More often, I suspect, they’d think we’re lucky to have an exception.
All managerial careers end in failure, of course. In some cases, serial failure.
#32 Dave H: got your comment number right this time:-)
A most interesting observation. I’d never even thought about it, but you’re quite right. For instance, Stewart sometimes refers to politics, I chuck in references to Rock music and Ed understands finance in a way I never could.
We all have our own traits but I really didn’t recognise one of my own until you pointed it out.
It’s an absolute joy to know that what is written about NCFC is thoroughly read. Thank you.
Dave H (32) I share your sadness that things get to this state before any action is taken. I don’t want to see Alex hounded out or “Delia out” banners which is why I think difficult decisions need to be taken at the right times. This young manager was out of his depth last season and for his own sake should have been replaced. Now it seems an acrimonious separation is unavoidable and he doesn’t deserve that. However, for the sake of the club he must go before it is too late.
George, to reach the level whereby one plays for his country requires him to reach a certain level of performance. Hard graft, I agree, is at a premium. However, good management requires a lot more than simply barking at grown men in the hope of making them jump.
I hope that nobody professing to be a follower of football would deny the quality of Klose, Pritchard, olsson amongst many others. Under the tutelage of Neil all these players have gone backwards in their careers. Simply a lack of effort?
The man management of these assets is an important part of the job and Neil is clearly failing at it. Sergi Canos being a prime example.
George says:(33)
“So the manager should make them do this, that and the other? Well maybe, but good players don´t need to be made to do things, it´s second nature, they do them automatically”
So what would be the point of the manager then? A good player maybe needs less guidance, but if they do things by second nature and automatically could that not contradict tactics or formation? Players no matter how good are not robots who perform irrespective of outside influences. They may have the skills to thrive with the right use of their skills and clear instructions, but put anyone, not just a footballer in with a poor manager, one who they perceive is not using their skills well or is asking them to play in a manner uncomfortable to them and more then likely you will see all those things we currently lament in our squad. Many people can self start but not all, and to truely excel you want the right environment.
Look at Holt, a journey man, never truely excelling anywhere, for example at Forest. his then peak, played out wider not to his strengths and no forest fan could believe the CR version existed. Was he not a good player? Right manager, right tactics and motivation and a good player excels. Mr Neil no longer provides these things.
Afterall footballers as a breed are not necessarily the sharpest tools in the box, so clear instructions that play to their strengths as well as their team mates are imperitive. AN seemed to do this very well when he joined. He has seemingly lost that. 3-4 games ago, I thought there was a slim chance he still had it in him, no more, a fresh start for all concerned would be for the best!
Bah!
#10 martin penny, ” I still think Murphy should have been hooked rather than Nelson!” This is precisely what concerns me about Alex Neil. After the game he came out with a superficially cogent argument that going to two strikers would weaken his midfield and run the risk of the team getting overrun as in the first half.
However, if Murphy had been replaced by Jerome and we had gone two up from the shape of our attacking line up would change and when defending this simply requires a bit more effort from the two strikers and attacking midfielders.
The remaining question is whether Alex Neil is incapable of seeing and implementing this or whether his team is incapable (or unwilling) to follow his instructions? (Or is it a combination of the two in which case we are really up the creek without a paddle!)
Thanks MGW. I can only agree with you.
I tend to go along with your words in that final paragraph that appear in their brackets. I fear you are spot on. Let’s hope we’re both wrong!
#34 Stewart, I’m sure you’re right that we’re no exception. It’s probably just an unrealistic hope. Interestingly with Southampton I remember saying at the time to one of their fans that the treatment of Nigel Adkins was disgraceful & if I was a fan I would have been disgusted to have him replaced by some bloke called Pochettino!! I think it’s fair to say I was wrong then.
With the point made by Cyprus Canary (36) I would have been angry if Neil had been sacked last season so again it’s fair to say I was wrong. Clearly football boards will never keep everyone happy but it is risky to go against the majority of fan opinion.