I quite enjoyed my Sunday dinner time for reasons that won’t come as a great shock to any of our readers. It began with a lengthy walk to the junction of Prince of Wales Road and King Street with my mate until he went his way to the ground and I went mine.
I passed or, more accurately, tried to pass the Queen of Iceni just as the march was setting off. Everyone was singing, even me. I bumped into a couple of guys I knew, and we joined in at the back, at least until we reached the little tunnel that leads to Morrisons.
En route, I met the humorous Captain Sauerkraut and his son. The Captain was wearing Alpine boots and official socks topped off with mock lederhosen and sported a yellow plastic coalscuttle helmet adorned with City badges. Complete with a pair of “tank commander” goggles worn on top and Captain Sauerkraut ironed onto the back of his City shirt. His son was far more orthodox in beanie hat and scarf.
I then achieved my first objective and bought an All Together Now scarf – what a buy for a fiver especially as a percentage goes towards more of those atmosphere enhancing flags.
The site (and sound) of Holty starting off On the Ball City was a great touch. We largely ignored Paul Lambert. At that point anyway.
Ninety seconds in, Max Aarons crosses, a brave header down from Mario Vrancic and there’s Onel Hernandez. Off we go.
To their credit Ipswich did all they could to get back in the game, by fair means and sometimes foul. Lots of hoofball. No blame attached to them for the Vrancic injury – our super Bosnian appeared to roll his ankle when clearing a corner and never quite recovered. I hope it’s not too bad.
I’ll gloss over the little rumble immediately prior to half-time as it has been widely reported on and discussed elsewhere, beyond this: Jon Nolan’s late tackle on Aarons was over the top in every sense of the phrase. Did the wily Lambert decide to distract referee Bankes by instigating the kerfuffle in order to prevent a red for his player?
The cynic in me suggests that’s not beyond the bounds of possibility. We’ll never know. Maybe he “took one for the team”.
Ipswich did everything they could to unsettle us and came out after the break like a wounded tiger but to no avail as our back four, marshalled ever-increasingly well by the excellent Christoph Zimmermann, held firm.
Step forward everyone’s favourite Argentine, Emi Buendia, who seems to play in black and blue as well as yellow and green. He played in Teemu Pukki who perfectly placed the ball in the only part of the Ipswich goal he realistically could. Not quite cruising but realistically that was game over, albeit with half an hour to go.
Graham who sits behind me is notorious for disappearing into the Upper Barcaly ablutions during play. I don’t think I ever have done so in 30 years previously but when the urge is strong it has to be done. And as you’ll have guessed by now, I missed Pukki’s game-killer, returning deafened by the roar and relying on Screeny McScreenface to show me another fine through-ball from Buendia and the following poke-in from Pukki.
As we entered stoppage time, Graham suggested I went again so we could score a fourth.
There was even time for Pukki to get his ovation and – oh the irony – for Jordan Rhodes to appear.
The songs broke out and everybody was doing the hokey-cokey to the “up and down” chant, Ipswich were reminded that they were not really very good and all the usual suspects were rendered by the Barclay choir. Plus it was made very plain that Lambert is persona non grata at the Carra from hereon in.
I’ll conclude with a quote from an Ipswich fan which sums it up perfectly:
‘Norwich were a class act, they picked us off at will. It was like the battle of Hastings. We attacked by running down the hill leaving ourselves totally exposed for the counter punch, like the Normans did to the Saxons in 1066. We were no match for the finishing skills of their fine swordsmen, in particular Pukki.’
On the walk back past the multi-storey I was accosted by two fellow parka-wearing Yellows and we were singing One Daniel Farke. A further parka-sporting lady joined us. A perfect end to a fine Sunday dinner time.
Enjoyable again Mr P , a change from all the discussion over the antics of a sad one time good manager think enough time has been devoted to his moment of seeking glory. I do think you may well have nailed it in your appraisal. Have to admit I was not that convinced after watching it for the 3rd time hat he was genuinly ratty.
Age plays a bit part in the breakdown of the pipework, especially the washers that can normally hold back the flow. A few years ago, you missed the goal .then you missed it.
I must admit Captain Sauerkraut sounds and looks a little better than Canary Fairy , although I had a secret little admiration for him dressing in the outfit in the winter. Brass Monkies spring to mind.
Emi Buendia is becoming more and more impressive no small wonder Farke said the following on Emi signing. ” We’ve followed him for several months and we were always desperate to sign him. There was lots of interest in him.
“We wanted a guy who can score and assist and he did this last season. He’s a technical player, full of creativity and he has lots of potential.” (EDP 8th June)
Like others in the squad we are very fortunate to have them, shows just how good our scouting and recruitment have improved .
I was thinking how terrible it will be to lose on Promotion, I am not a big fan of the Premiership . the uneveness of the playing field is far too great for my liking, but that is the place to be for many, many reasons mostly the £’s . But for me more importantly and slightly scary , failing would lead to the break up of this terrific squad, the money that could be raised would be far to much for the club to turn down. But that is the nature of the beast, until then I am like everyone else “enjoying every bloody second of it.
Hi Lad
Nothing wrong with the pipework, more a case of too many early morning beers!
Captain Sauerkraut was briefly on the local TV news last night so I sure wasn’t the only one to notice him.
Buendia has indeed grown into a quite special player. Those through balls for Pukki’s goals were played to perfection.
Made in Argentina, finished in Finland.
I’m trying not to contemplate non-promotion just now but there is still a long way to go. I guess if we don’t make it we would retain the core of the squad but three of our youngsters would have earned the right to move on if the worst happens. Consolation prize: about £30 million I’d guess.
Nah! Let’s get promotion and keep ’em.
Thanks as always.
Well Martin, a great read as usual and what more accolades can we bestow on our ‘Finnish Finisher???’
I was in time to see the parade to the ground and I saw later that Huckerby and Holt were in the crowd. #legends
I will remember DF (remember those ‘Farke Faces last season – how times have changed!!!) going on record at the end of last season lamenting the missed chances on goal and who could ever have imagined that SW could unearth a striker on a free transfer who could plunder goals in the manner of Pukki. What more accolades can we bestow on our ‘Finish finisher??’ He may be slightly behind Sharp on goals scored, but Pukki has 5 assists to Sharp’s two. Such a prolific striker would probably have cost in the region of £15M to £20M and goodness knows how much the triumvirate of Lewis, Aarons and Godfrey must be worth – all testament to DF and his staff’s coaching methods.
IMO, one of the most pleasing of our play is the passing that leads up to our goals, rarely do we see our players resorting to ‘hoofball’. Finally, praise for Buendia who must be the most fouled player in the Championship and I REALLY hope us NCFC fans get the opportunity to see what he and the rest of the players can do in the Premier League next season.
Hi Ed
As I said to Canarylad above I reckon the trio of young defenders have to be worth £30 million – and that’s a conservative estimate. If we go up I’m sure they will stay. Particularly Godfrey whose passion for the Club is so plain to see.
Sharp’s an excellent finisher and so obviously is Pukki. I prefer Timmu because he works so hard, something I wouldn’t say about Billy boy.
I honestly think (as I’ve said a few times before) that we could just about cope in the PL with a couple of tweaks.
The problem is – getting there!
Thank you.
Yes Martin, – I think we’ve got the more ‘all-round’ player in Pukki, as can be seen by his assists.
The young defenders are exceptional and I’m sure they’ll all be delighted to do their utmost to get us to the ‘Promised Land” and to keep us there!!!
PS – I wonder how many seasons it will be before we do have the next ‘Old Farm’ Derby???
It’s certain they are going down, while our fate is in our own hands. Impossible question to answer!
Hi Martin
I think you’re probably right about Lambert’s “distraction tactics” just before half-time, because from where I sit on the River End, Nolan looked a certainty for a red card. I don’t know how Ipswich finished with 11 players on the pitch. The guy who took Buendia out near the end of the game should have walked, and Skuse could have picked up two yellows for repeated fouling. They were obviously told to rough us up as much as possible. It’s a shame they play that way, because they have got a couple of decent players in Judge and Bishop, and the keeper is not bad. Pity about the other eight! The guy up front (Keane?) is the most useless striker I’ve seen this season, although I did see a comment on the TWTD forum (where I visit for amusement) that he is “good at bundling into defenders to make space for a midfield player to come through and score” – as a master plan, it doesn’t seem to be working too well for them!
All in all a good run of results recently – now to push on!
Hi Jim
You make some good points there.
Regarding the ref I thought he was weak to the extent that he allowed their sh*thousing approach to go largely unchallenged. How we came out of that with four bookings to their three is beyond my ken. Nolan should have had a straight red for sure.
I agree with you about Bishop – he looked pretty good when he came on.
I sometimes look at TWTD for the same reasons as yourself!
Thanks as ever.
Oh dear Mr Penney;
Having just returned with the dog I read that all my ideas for a post have already been said/taken!
My main thrust was to be how on earth we ended up with more yellow cards than 1p5wich did? I cannot fathom that at all…..
And as for our ex-manager, at the time it happened the discussion in our bit of the South Stand was totally around him taking “one for the team”……surely the ref would have had no option but to send Nolan off.. It looked a high and late tackle which would not have been out of place in the 5 nations later that afternoon, and did not look any better on TV later. Plus of course the challenge at the end of the second half in front of the South Stand which would also have been a red had it occurred in the Premier League.
At times they did pass the ball around reasonably well, but cannot defend, nor do they have much
of an attacking threat. The loss of Sears is sure to hit them too although if I’m truthful, I would like to see them get at least a point tomorrow.
So, it’s not even the middle of February; we’re 2 points clear at the top; safe from the drop; and if we can keep this remarkable run going surely the sky (or at least the Premier League) is the limit.
I think we forget how young and relatively inexperienced this whole squad is. They really do seem to be as one entity, something which we’ve not been able to say about too many of our teams.
Whilst SW rightly continues to get the plaudits for the singing of Pukki, in my eyes Buendia has been every bit as effective – given his age, the fact that this is his first few months in this country, and he is in probably the toughest league in the world.
If by 5 O’clock on Saturday we happen to have another 6 points on the board, I really DO think we can start to breathe a little more easily!
O T B C
Hi John
First and foremost this admittedly young and inexperienced squad have literally learned on their feet. When you consider the emerging maturity of Zimmbo (only 26), Buendia and our truly gifted wing-backs we are currently blessed. And that’s without mentioning Godfrey and Cantwell.
Ipswich gave it all they could and their fans seemed to be quite justifiably proud of them afterwards but they have no quality, as we saw.
Whatever the FA do (or don’t) I’m happy to forget the Lambert stuff literally forever.
If we get promoted Geezer the Patterdale will belt down Trimingham beach with his custom-made City shirt on. Minnie the Russell doesn’t have one – yet.
Thanks a lot.
No, sorry Martin, it’s always nice to have a conspiracy theory but if you look closely on the Sky highlights Bankes takes the yellow card out of his pocket immediately after the tackle whilst walking towards the players – even before their melee gets going, and well before Lambert appears on the scene. There’s a very brief glimpse of it in his hand whilst he steps back and observes what’s going on.
How clear his view was I’m not sure, there’s a second Ipswich player on his side of the incident, and who knows exactly what he sees in that split second. But his assistant should have been able to advise him better (and probably the fourth official could too). If the referee who sent Hanley off reached for the red too eagerly I’d say Bankes did the same here with the yellow. He was never giving a red.
It strikes me that referees in the Championship are generally being more tolerant than in the PL. I’m not totally against that. Some of the bookings in the PL are ludicrously soft, and it’s too easy to pick up second yellows for relatively minor things. I really wish Football would learn from other sports and bring in the sin bin. 15 minutes on the side for a foul like that, for second minor fouls if already booked, or even for some of the dissent thrown at officials, seems a much better option.
Obviously the gentle tug back to prevent a counter attack, that’s a yellow, and the two-footed studs up that cuts people in half will always be a red (provided the ref can see it). But there are plenty of challenges somewhere in between that need some sort of sanction, though not necessarily the ultimate one.
Sorry – didn’t mean to hijack you’re report so much with a wider issue. Great report, and what a day!
Hi Keith – a great comment.
Like you I can only speak as I find, but I feel Lambert’s claim that his technical area was invaded is, shall we say, still unproven.
When I wrote this piece I hadn’t really seen a replay of “brawl part two” and haven’t since. I don’t feel the need to dwell on it personally. I’ll take your word about the initial yellow coming from referee Bankes’ pocket – hard to see from the Barclay – but it was a horrible late tackle from Nolan nonetheless.
The assistant and the fourth official were definitely better placed than Mr Bankes, but fourth officials don’t have that much clout in this type of decision.
Sin bin seems to work in Rugby Union and I’d be open to an introduction of it in football, I really would.
Thanks for your interesting views.
Hi Martin
A good read and what a result for the boys.
I will start with my sentiments to Gordon Banks’ family on this sad day. Being of the older generation I can remember standing on the old open River End and watching City beat Stoke in their first season in the First Division, watching England beat Germany and his fab save against Pele in Mexico. Not many of the 1966 great team left and those that are mostly not doing too well.
They are now reporting on Sky the FA are looking into the half time shenanigans and Ipshite are reporting the stewards for their handling of PL, so they are placing the blame at City’s doorstep. I would agree with the sentiments that he took one for the team and the FA should look at Nolan’s tackle on Aarons that started it all.
If you listen to all the reports, Man U and Arsenal both want a centre-back and are willing to go to £10m for Godfrey, yet will pay millions more for less skilful players or much older players from abroad. He has to be worth £20 plus sell on and add-ons.
So now we have part two of ex-managers’ week. It could also be part 1 of ex-goalie week with the possibility of both Rudd and Matthews in goal for Preston and Bolton. I wish all three a successful season after this weekend finishes.
Both keepers have shown promise and also made big bloopers in the past, so let’s hope for a maximum of 6 points from these 2 games. Neither had a real chance of proving themselves at City and had to move on to have a career, so will be out to show what city missed out on just not this week.
Hi Alex
Six points from the next two will be a hard ask. It’s surely not worth us coming back from Preston when we have to face Bolton three days later so hopefully we’ll rent a training ground in Lancashire to ease our aching limbs.
As for Rudd and Matthews? Declan DID have his chance but Alex Neil obviously didn’t think he was up to it and restored Ruddy. I’ve only seen Remy play twice so don’t really feel I can express an objective opinion.
Our steward did nothing wrong – don’t forget that a Sky reporter and obviously the Police Officer laid hands on Lambert as well. Anyway it should all be forgotten. Small beer.
Thanks for another good comment.
Hi Martin – yeah forgot Declan got a run of about 6 games in Premiership
While it is probable we are going down, it is not certain. That horrible thing hope still remains. Yes I know we are bad but still hope it will all come good. Cannot believe remembering comments both sides of the border after the game in September that we were so equal then, what has happened since in both camps?
As far as the game was concerned I was relieved it was only 3-0, I was dreading 6 or 7 beforehand, but that is the mind-set we are in at the moment. No doubts you deserved the win, but grateful we were not rolled over.
I think comments that Lambert deliberately caused a distraction to prevent a red card for Nolan can be binned in the same bin as the claims that the Duke of Edinburgh murdered Princess Diana, First of all while deserving of a yellow it was not a red card offence. Second of all as far as could see it was your bench that were on their feet first with your goalkeeping coach very prominent, Lambert was thus reacting to that. TBH thought the two reds given there should have been yellows. The fast approaching Half time would have calmed things down afterwards. Lets face it PL would have winked at the camera if it was all in his cunning plan. Wait a minute … who did wink at the camera The outcome was exactly as you yellows wanted, final payment for him deserting you. Most of you it seems are still hurting from it, well the good thing is that you need be hurt no longer.
Ironic after all our fouling that it is one of our players out for nine months after a Trybull tackle. Hard but fair? Probably.
Lets face it we all love a bundle on the pitch or on the touchline there would have been few there not engaged in what was going on, there was worse at the England France game that afternoon. I well remember the derbies of Forbes and Hunter, Keelan and Baxter. Derbies of late have got a bit sanitised, perhaps like football itself. I used to direct the same vitriol at Forbes, Holt, Huckerby Keelan, Sutton (especially Sutton) as you at Lambert. None for a while though. Not sure if that is good or bad.
What I won’t do is call you Scum, we are all human beings loving the club we love.. I feel promotion is yours, feel it and fear it, we could be 2 leagues apart. Have sympathy with us trying to live with that…. no I didn’t think so.
Good article by the way, even if I challenge bits of it.
Hi
I am not an Ipshite hater having a brother in law who supports them and his brother played under Robson not many games but was sold to Brighton to Brian Clough hus name was Eddie Spearitt.
The word scum is more tough in cheek from most city supporters yes it isn’t a nice word but go to Lowestoft after any game and see what the Ipshite supports call city and their supporters much more colourful.
In many quarters you are getting your just desert after all the abuse you gave city on their own relegation too league 1 but we survived the question you have to answer is how low will you go before turning it around league 2 us next mind the ever increasing gap
Remember Eddie Spearitt. Right winger as I recall. Think he was related to the S Club 7 girl.
Am well aware that the S word is used by both sets of fans. I hate it wherever the source. I refuse to hate Norwich and all concerned with it (apart from Holt and Sutton). Do I want you promoted? No. Will I be pleased if Preston beat you, you bet. The banter we will get if we go down will be tough to take, but not unexpected. Just keep it civil is all I ask.
Graham, I’ll be sorry to see ITFC go down. I’m sure most here will disagree on that front.
Lambert’s behaviour since he left irks the most. Compare his behaviour leaving by his own choice with that of Alex Neil. Alex was sacked yet is grateful for the opportunity we gave him. He’d achieved more as a manager than Pl had. Pl was in reality a greater gamble than AN. Alex has behaved with appreciation and dignity since he left. If ** had done so more of us would have been fine with him
Yes Hannah is his and my niece that is enough said on that not my music.
When abuse gets called banter then it has gone to far.
In reality both clubs need each other for the occasional game but at least Ipshite can have a derby next season with Colchester but that will not be as firey as against city but then again PL just might get up to his tricks as he isn’t like there either
Hi Alex
Where I grew up in East London Chip Hawkes of the Tremelos lived down our street. Not my kind of music but my dad got on with him really well.
I think we moved out when Chesney was about two!
While working in Walthamstow Mick Box and Dave Byron (deceased) of Uriah Heep rented a flat close to our offices and I had quite a few games of darts with Mick.
That’s my kind of music.
Hi Martin
I got dragged to an S Club concert in Sheffield free tickets and nearly crued all the way through it utter rubbish.
Led Zeppelin, Free, Moody Blues, Dire Straits, Man, Traffic, Deep Purple and Manic Street Preachers are a few that I listen too but then I like Dylan, Donovan, Ralph Mctell, Gerry Rafferty and Spinners Wheel a varied lot for me including Cream, Eric and the Domino’s, Yard Byrds, Spencer Davis, Eric Burdon and the Animals last but not least 3 dog nights.
The foul by Trybull was given as a free kick to us. Watch it again if you can face it.
To be honest I can’t face watching any of it again. Sure you understand.
Fair comment! I wouldn’t if it was me.
The reason the city bench were on their feet was because Tettey was being subbed on for the injured Vranchic not because they were trying to wind up PL.
So much for PL saying pre-match how the local derby tensions don’t phase him, apparently he’s played in much more hostile games!! And now Ipswich have lodged a complaint with the FA because one of our stewards moved him away from the fracas…….I am lost for words!!
I think you will find Freddie Sears was the perpetrator in that challenge with Tommy Trybull, Nonetheless, it’s sad to hear that its a serious injury he’ll be missed I’m sure.
However, I do agree with your sentiment about the use of the ‘S’ word, I also choose not to use it. I think the term probably started in the ’70s and that’s where it should have stayed!!
For what its worth if League 1 is where you end up playing your football next season when we dropped into League 1 as a then away season ticket holder all in all it was one of the most enjoyable season’s football I have had as a long-suffering City supporter. Travelling to the likes of Oldham, Carlisle, Wycombe, Brighton (at the Withdean stadium) and meeting some proper football fans, not the ‘tourists’ you tend to find at Man U, Man C Chelsea etc.
A Bristol Rovers fan said to me “Being in League 1 is a bit like being in a cesspit…..eventually the big lumps will float to the top”!! 🙂
Hi John
Couldn’t agree with you more about the “tourists”.
I lived on Mallorca for a while and most of the camisetas you saw were Barca with a few Real ones thrown in for good measure. It’s the way of the world.
Even the beach melon (and other things, wink wink) seller on the beach had a beaten up old Barca top at Alcudia as he plied his “trade”.
Good quote from the Bristol fan.
Hi Graham – it’s always good to get a view from the other side of the fence – seriously.
First off your fans were immaculate and never stopped singing, even at 3-0. Only two arrests to my knowledge – a tribute to both us and yourselves.
Me and most of my mates don’t use the S-word either, Binners, sure. We all know your descriptions of us!
We weren’t worth 3-0 I will admit but nonetheless definitely deserved to win.
Like you we have had dodgy moments with owners and certain managers. I feel that if MickMac was still there you wouldn’t be in this doo-doo. Lambert is a busted flush and without the aid of Culverhouse and Karsa he surely cannot do for you what he did for us.
Anyway, thanks for a decent and respectful post – you’re welcome on MFW anytime.
Great post Graham, thank you.
I lived in a North Suffolk village for almost 16 years, and being a yellow through and through had some tasty discussions with those who were of a blue and white persuasion. The S word was very definitely forbidden, and to my mind has no place in any of today’s chants.
I felt that you had some decent players on Sunday, unfortunately neither in defence or attack…..Chalobah looked a handful, and Sears was dangerous. What a loss I fear he will be for you. As someone said before, at least in League 1 you do get to meet even more REAL football fans.
O T B C
Hello Martin, a good summation I think.
Was that quote really from an Ipswich fan? I certainly couldn’t have put it any better myself, he’s clearly not afflicted by blue tinted glasses like the rest of them.
Ipswich have now complained about the stewards treatment of Lambert, can that club get any grubbier? If the powers that be watch the footage of his tantrum they will surely come to the conclusion that he is culpable and rather lucky not to have been ejected. I’ve seen supporters thrown out for much less.
The targeting of our players appears to have been pre meditated, a fact borne out by the post match utterings of Chambers. Many of the tackles carried an element of spite and certainly looked designed to hurt the recipient. In the case of Sears, his fly hack at Trybull in full flight was a perfect example. Thankfully trybull limped away from the contact. The picture circulating of Chambers assault on Godfrey should be looked at by the footballing authorities, in fact, the police should have a word with him.
As you and others have pointed out, the ruckus appears to have been artificially manufactured, either to further gee up his players or to take the weak referees attention away from Nolan, who should have walked.
Anyone tempted to praise the performance of Mr Bankes, of Liverpool, should ask themselves just how the hell we came to accumulate more bookings than our opponent. Shocking display.
I suspect we travel to Preston with more than a few doubts hanging over the selection. Given that Preston are overtly physical will probably mean a return to action for Tettey and a restoration of the Trybull Tettey axis. Injury permitting.
As for Vrancic, I too hope he is relatively unharmed, he appeared to want to stay on until the board went up with four minutes of injury time and realised he could not get through to half time for an accurate assessment to be made. To think he wasn’t even a first choice starter for the bulk of the season, he is now a serious miss.
I’m still not prepared to say that I believe we will,get promoted, every game seems like a potential pitfall of monstrous proportions. It is however, getting harder to ignore our chances,
Hi Chris
I slightly adapted the quote in the interests of grammar but I can assure you it’s perfectly genuine – a concept I hadn’t originally thought of. Possibly from the EADT?
Luke Chambers is about as much use as a one-legged man at a butt-kicking party. With an oversized gob to match. I’ve no time for him.
Yes it will surely be TetBull (copyright G Gowers) tomorrow. But at least Leitner – and indeed Klose – are travelling which has to be a positive. Plus there’s Kenny McLean.
Four points from the North West will leave me as happy as a dog with two… tails.
Here’s hoping.
The steward they are complaining about was actually trying to do his job, by taking Lambert away from the trouble, and back into his own technical area, since he had encroached into ours. Cant see any reason for complaint, he basically stood in front of Lambert, with his arms outspread to stop him getting any closer to our bench. He didn’t physically assault Lambert.
The Sears injury was self-inflicted, unlike some of their tackles on us. If Aarons had had his foot planted on the ground when Nolan flew in out of control, it could have been a leg breaker. The assault on Beundia was disgraceful, and in full keeping with Lambert’s stated view after the game that he “didn’t do loosing well” – obviously filters down from him to the players.
Also forgot to say earlier that Chalobar was a decent player for them – another loan that won’t be there next year.
Hi Jim
I spoke to a steward friend of mine on the way out and by proxy he totally agreed with you.
Arms out as you say, just discouraging Lambert from any further ingression/aggression.
A storm in a teacup that doesn’t merit an inquest but obviously the FA think differently.
Shame.