We did it! We only bloody did it!
Not since 1960 has Carrow Road witnessed a promotion being confirmed, so forgive me if I get a little misty-eyed over the next 1000-ish words. Nights like last night don’t come along very often.
Even those of an iron disposition and a cold heart couldn’t fail to have been moved by those special minutes between Andy Madley’s final whistle and the players eventually heading down the tunnel to continue their celebrations in private. Moments that will remain forever.
For me, and for many, it was more than just soaking up all that was before us in that moment. I also remembered those who weren’t there; some who missed out because they couldn’t make it and some who are no longer with us.
I thought of my dad, whose health prevented him from making it to last night’s game, and how despite being to hundreds of games together, we’ve never shared a promotion celebration.
I thought of my grandads – both now long departed – who were both die-hards and who would have loved every second of last night.
And I thought of two gents – one called Brian and another called Frank – who are also no longer with us but whose season tickets were near us and who for many years were ‘uncles’ in my Norwich City family.
When On the Ball City rang out last night, such was its power and resonance, I swear it was being sung by more than 26000 voices. And I know why.
They’d have all been so proud of the fact that City did it in such style.
2-1 it was, and it wasn’t without its nervy moments, but so many chances were created Blackburn will know they got away with one. Add in a couple more goals and it would have been in masterclass territory – the first half in particular – and it says everything about this group that on a night when they would have been forgiven for being twitchy and nervy, they found a stellar performance.
Minus a Tom Trybull to provide the ballast in that midfield, there tends to be a slight air of vulnerability when teams turn the ball over and Ben Godfrey and Christoph Zimmermann are left minus an effective shield, but the trade-off is the artistry and composure that comes with a Vrancic. Not to mention the odd thunderb@stard.
There was also the small matter of the link-up play between the front four, which was frightening at times, as was the equally vital first phase of the press as demonstrated perfectly last night by Marco Stiepermann and Teemu Pukki. The work rate in this team is just off the scale and is one of the reasons why our Premier League tenure may not be quite as brief as planks like Danny Baker assume.
Some, I hesitate to say most, Premier League campaigns of the recent past by have been notable for their scattergun-style preparations; I’m thinking particularly of the Chris Hughton and Alex Neil seasons when far too much time and effort (and money) was spent chasing unattainable transfer targets.
This time will be different. For starters, we won’t be spending ten of millions on single players, not least because we don’t yet have that money to spend, but more importantly, it will be about bringing in a few faces who, for starters, will be glad and honoured to be here.
Stuart Webber may use the ‘stepping stone’ line to try and attract names – I really don’t know – but I do know those on the list won’t be giving us the Ola Toivonen/Toby Alderweireld “I’m too good for you” treatment. In fairness to the latter, he probably was.
Webber’s list will instead consist of a few carefully chosen names who, like Emi Buendia, will have emerged from a list of hundreds via some impressive numbers. The person, as opposed to just the player, will then come into play, as will Stuart’s’ No-D1ckhead’ policy.
And you know what – I trust him and his recruitment team implicitly. While the names that come in may be unknown to most of us, they’ve more than earned that trust.
The national media will scoff, a certain talkSPORT shock-jock will start the relegation countdown and everyone outside the Canary Nation will take a bottom-three finish as a given because we haven’t done a Fulham and spunked £100 million on ‘names’. But it’s not their fault – they just haven’t cottoned on to the fact we’re doing things a little differently around here.
The media frenzy around Frank Lampard’s Derby County at the start of the season was quite frankly pathetic, so too the love-in for the coaching visionary that was Marco Bielsa and their desire for Aston Villa (as well as Leeds) to ‘make it back to the big time’ was bordering on obsession.
They’ll not learn and it’ll not change. I await the pundits’ predictions at the start of next season and the majority predicting that City will come back from whence they came because ‘they haven’t spent enough money’.
We’ll again be made to feel like unwelcome guests at a swish party – that much is virtually guaranteed – and there will be a plucky-little-Norwich tone around every game and every bit of punditry.
But this will be different. These are different times and I look back to those games against Chelsea and Arsenal last season when under Farke we equipped ourselves well on the biggest stages. There will be no fear and even the odd shellacking won’t change the plan or the method or the style of play.
And I’m confident Carrow Road will continue to be a vibrant, positive place and I so hope that those whose tendency is to criticise, use perspective when the fallow times come along, which they will. But rather than this being the culmination of a brilliant season, one that few of us saw coming, let this be the start of something even greater.
Let this be the first step on a path that will see us mix it with the best. Bournemouth, Leicester and Southampton have all achieved it – why not Norwich City under the tutelage of Webber and the extraordinary coaching skills of Daniel Farke?
But that’s for another day. Today is for processing the events of last night and the last nine incredible months – arguably the most thrilling season in the club’s 117-year history.
I’m not sure it gets any better than this.
Be proud people. Be proud. It really did just happen.
One the Ball City
What a night! And we did it on our own, no waiting to see if Leeds dropped points today against Villa, it was all our own work!
I couldn’t have been better placed to watch Vrancic’s superb strike go in – back row of the River End lower tier, on the South Stand side of the goal in line with the six yard box. TV shows it as a superb strike, but there was no camera in the right position to catch just how much that ball moved in the air. I swear it changed direction three times! It seemed to be in slow motion as well, I don’t think I’ll ever forget that one.
Yep! ??????????
Not much to add to another excellent summary, other than… What a great team to support!!! OTBC..
Well said, Gary. I agree with every word. I’ve believed in the Webberlution from Day 1 and it’s really paid off. – although much faster than anticipated. I’m confident that any squad strengthening will be well considered and trust will be placed in the existing squad. First job – a new contract for Tim Klose who took the gamble to stay for one more season because he loves the club (and Cromer beach)!
Wonderful prose Gary; completely summed up what last night meant to so many of us.
Under the guidance of my long departed grandfather,my first visit to The Carra was early sixties, and one of his favourites was Hugh Curran. I was (frequently) told that no one could hit a ball harder than Hugh!
Well Grandad, thanks for helping out from above with the Vrancic missle last night, it was a veritable Thunderba$tard with additional swerve!!!
What a performance; what a squad; what coaching staff; what wonderful fans;and WHAT A SEASON!!!
O T B C
Great article. My Dad took me to Ipswich where I saw Hugh Curran score a hat trick for us. The Scole Inn was rocking to the sound of his name on the way back. Great night last night and what a strike from Vrancic. I think he’ll be well suited to PL football.
Spot on Gary! Last night, along with this season has been utterly joyful to watch & be part of. The way everyone, players, staff & fans have connected to join forces & succeed together makes it so special & it will be a season to live long in the memory. So looking forward to see how this special, special group of players gets on next season. Congrats to all connected at #NCFC ??? thoroughly well deserved. Now let’s win the title!!
In tears last night, (1) could not get a ticket. (2) Had a migraine (3) because it was freezing squeezing into the now famous Tavern in Dereham. with their umpteen bloody huge screens all round. (4) and the most important. This team of no big time charlies, doing what they do best, Playing Frightening Football. tucking away two awesome goals that would have Jug Lugs Lineker purring. If it wasn’t for NCFC.
1961 was my first ever game at Carrow, soI just missed that promotion, but over the years, I have seen a few ups. But in all honsty nothing compares to this and this squad, the coaches and other staff who make up this club.
Still got watery eyes this morning, not from the migraine alone. Going through every single artilce photo, & video clip from last night. again and again .
As to transfers rumours, pundits, radio jocks at certain stations and the rest who take delight in trying to put us down. I extend arm and raise middle finger. Beause
We Are Premier League.
Plus we did it by letting football doing the talking. not whinging, Not spying . but fast sexy football
First actual home promotion in my 50 years support for City. What a performance, what an atmosphere, what a team. Sublime strike from super Mario, who seems to dominate games without ever getting out of 2nd gear!
Wow! Great night, congratulations all round on a truly momentous, great season! A night of celebration to rival, possibly, our win against the mighty Bayern?
Forgive me going off subject? Often it is remarked how many individuals, not from East Anglia, who having been connected to NCFC, decide to settle in the area with their families. One very notable absentee from that list . . . . Mr. P. Lambert? I have been very interested in his comments, upon his return to the East of England, and I have come to the strong conclusion that gentleman harbours not a jot of yellow and green, in his entire body. Furthermore, I actually think there is a hint of dislike – hey, I might be wrong? Certainly his tenure here was strictly professional, absolutely nothing more. A successful manager here at Carrow Road, that cannot be denied, but in hindsight, not one of my favourite managers – nah! I can remember City playing in black shorts btw . . . . such is my time supporting, and viewing many managers? It was just a thought????
Have to say Nick that I understand on good authority that PL wasn’t always totally professional in the true sense of the word.
But MFW isn’t the place for that kind of comment!
Can’t add anything to that excellent write up Gary. I was also thinking of my Uncle who’s no longer with us but was a City fan all his life and first took me to Carrow Road to watch Tommy Bryceland and Bill Punton.
He would have loved this City side who for my money are the best footballing side the Club have ever produced.
I just hope we can keep this wonderful side together for at least one year in the premier league.
Hi Gary
Great read and summary as usual.
I was pleased to see Blackburn turned up for a game that was a dead rubber for them and could have been down to 10 men is the Ref followed the last man rule.
It was good that both city and Sheff U supporters heeded the warnings about going on the pitch at the end of the of the game so no heavy fine.
There will be a few players leaving some will chose too others sold to help the transfer fund but the rumours started weeks ago on who city needs to buy to survive next season.
Transfers as others have aluded to is for another day we have gained promotion at home so now we only need a point for the title Villa will be preparing for the following 3 playoff games if they reach the final so will they put out there strongest team to keep a possible unbeaten run going all will become clearer today.
Onwards and Upwards
OTBC
As usual Gary, a very good read, I have every confidence in our team and staff. I’m sure there will be a few downs, but if we can keep the nucleus of this team and strengthen where needs be, then we’ll have a few ups too.
I’m off to lie down in a darkened room and ease my beating heart. COYY OTBC
What a great night that was. I thought we were superb in the first half.
At the start of the season so many people seemed convinced that without parachute payments we could never get promoted. I never believed that, though I never expected this either, not quite so soon anyway. We won’t have parachute payments next season either, nor hopefully for several years to come.
We know next seson will be tough, especially as there’s no obvious basket case in the PL at the moment waiting to go into freefall. But all we have to do is stay ahead of Sheff U and the playoff winners, plus overtake (say) Brighton and that will be enough. I think we can do that.
Great analysis in your last paragraph Keith. Spot on.
A great write up Gary. What a night. Superb. Let’s go on to win the title next week.
The quality of football has been exceptional at times this season. And the great thing is the team has performed far better than the sum of its parts. Let’s be honest some, including myself, scoffed at a few of the signings and l take my hat off to Webber, Farke, the recruitment team and everyone else behind the scenes for getting it right far sooner than probably any of us thought possible. There’s now a big opportunity, as you say Gary, to build solid foundations for a long stay in the PL. OTBC.
Congratulations to everyone at the club. A great team effort and especial kudos to the Board for their change of direction two years ago.
I was at Watford in 72 with my Dad when we clinched the Championship and I was certainly thinking of him last night as the final whistle went.. Football must have something magical about it, as I felt as excited last night as I did as a seven year old when Stringer scored with his head all those years ago.
Great read Gary so many emotions, the Football last night was as good as it gets ,against a Blackburn team that came for a game of football , managed by an ex Binner , just thinking of that I get a nice warm glow , even the Sky pundits were purring and waxing lyrical over the way we play . Now the sad bit like others I couldn’t make it , I’ve got this damn bug , but my ticket was used at the last minute .But for 2 hours last night I felt fantastic..Well done all involved with NCFC you all deserve it
Me and my footy buddy always put a wager on city at the start of the season. This year we did city to win promotion. Did we really think we’d be collecting any winnings, in all honesty probably not? Superb effort by everyone involved with the club, thank you. Oh and my buddy also put money on pukki to be top scorer. Drinks on him I think? Cheers!
This is a quote I really like.
“I don’t like vanity in the dressing room,” says Farke. “Everyone accepts that the group and the team is bigger than the individual. I’ve worked a long time in football, and to have this atmosphere is outstanding and I can’t praise them enough. It’s a great joy to be able to work with this group of players.”
Well done to you guys, genuinely hope you enjoy the next few days and next season. Clearly your promotion was not on my wanted list, and it only adds to this worst of seasons for us, but I am pleased for you bunch as fair-minded, sensible, yellows who love their team.
I am not one who thinks you will come down next year (clearly that is my wish, you understand), neither am I one who thinks we will get back to the Championship next year. Winning a few games will be nice, of that I am hopeful, as indeed I am in our manager. He did it with you, he can do it with us.
However this is not about ITFC this is about a well deserved promotion, proving yourself the best team in the league by a stretch. Cannot believe it after the September derby at our place when common consent was that the teams were pretty equal but whatever Farke did after that, from then you were unstoppable.
The football power in East Anglia has certainly shifted now, so enjoy it, who knows how long it will last.
Once more, genuinely pleased for you guy, be more than participants next season.
What a great speech; thank you!!!
O T B C
Thank you Graham. Fine words and appreciated.
Thanks Gary for yet another brilliant piece. I totally agree with you regarding the anticipated media view and for that reason I won’t be tuning in to that particular breakfast radio show. That said, I think it only fair to recognise the excellent sky coverage last night and in particular the well informed Liam Rosenior and Keith Andrew’s. Those guys know their stuff and made the scale of achievement very clear. They also ‘got it’ by ensuring Stuart Webber got the recognition he deserved along with Farke. I cant remember exactly what was said when they concluded but it was something along the lines of “a classy outfit coached by a classy guy”. Exactly right.
Cheers Ben, and you make a very good point about Sky’s Championship coverage. Liam Rosenior, in particular, has been excellent and generous in his praise.
Thanks for all of the excellent summaries Gary. One more Championship winning summary to go !
Classic 2018/2019 Norwich game – 4 or 5 goals would have been a fair reflection with a leak at the back !
A totally different emotion to the Wembley day out, but absolutely great all the same.
Bring on the so called ‘ big names ‘ …..
Gary, I was one of the unfortunate ones who missed out on last night’s celebration, attending a good friends wedding. I witnessed the last “home promotion “ against Southend and now some many years later the team, the Club have done it again in some style. Congratulations to all concerned.
It is so good to see the enjoyment factor and raw enthusiasm from a bunch of supporters who may moan from time to time but who truly have the best interests of their Club at heart. I hope the rest of the footballing world will sit up and take notice of just what “little old Norwich” have achieved.
Thank you for your thoughtful and often far sighted articles over the last seven or so months. As you put let’s all enjoy the moment and yes “we’ve bloody well done it”!!
OTBC.
Thanks for the kind words, Phil.
Mark explained your absence just before kick-off and we pictured you sneaking off to get score updates from your phone 🙂
As you say, even those who moan (and they’ll get their chance next season) do so from a good place. We all desperately want to see this club succeed – and that’s what has made this one so special.
I sincerely hope you permitted yourself a celebratory glass, once the news had filtered through. 🙂
Cracking article Gary. The switch for the Sky paymasters (I’m sure there’ll be a few of those next season too) meant I wasn’t able to be there in person but it gave me the opportunity to get my parents down to Southend so my 86 year old father, who usually falls asleep listening to Radio Norfolk’s commentary, could watch only City’s second home promotion. Looking forward to next Sunday – albeit with some trepidation.
Thanks Gary, a brilliant night and a wonderful article. I’m in Bangladesh at the moment, so was left following live feed in several different ways, one of which was the Guardian live blog, which was fulsome in it’s praise of City and the way we are playing. Full time was announced as follows:
‘Full time: Norwich 2-1 Blackburn Norwich are back where they belong.’
There were many supportive comments sent in by readers too, including this one from a reader not even a City supporter.
‘I also support a team aiming for promotion from the Championship this season, and I share his ambivalence regarding joining a division that could generously be described as venal. But the Premier League does have room for goodies alongside the baddies, and if Norwich can position themselves as playing feelgood football with humble goodwill, as you rightly say they have done this season, they could become the sort of team that Southampton and Swansea have been in years just past. Those of us who are tired of owners from brutal authoritarian regimes and hedge-funds are crying out for a club just like Norwich to do well in the Premier League and charm the socks off everyone. So I don’t think Phil should be too despondent yet – they could be the antidote to the shameless and charmless moral bankruptcy of our top flight.”’
So if we can keep playing this way next season, maybe we will be surprised and find our fine team receiving a lot more support than we expect. I certainly hope so.!
And what a great goal from Vrancic to clinch it!
If there’s just one lesson to be learned from this fantastic season, it surely has to be, it’s not about how much money you have to spend, but how you actually spend it which counts above anything else.
I’ve loved every minute of 2018-19 and I’m already looking forward to the Premier League.
A splendid evening and a well written and heartfelt piece to tell the story, Gary.
It speaks volumes for the management and players that they can hit the ground running with something approaching their best form from the first whistle in such a vital match. With results and performances faltering the steely determination to get the job done was tangible,
As wave after wave of inventive slick forward play crashed against Blqckburns rearguard it seemed a matter of time before we struck. Cue a trademark Stiepermann strike, low, drilled into the corner from his natural habitat, the edge of the box.
Vrancic has previously been described on this forum as “a Rolls Royce of a player”, and comments such as “he just makes stuff happen” sum up this most gifted of footballers. Such insight is what makes MFW such a good read?.
His goal stole the show and was worth the admission price alone,
Sadly some indecisive defending invited the visitors back into the fray. This inevitably led to a more nervous half time interval than was necessary. There was no need for concern as, one Zimmermann howler apart we saw the game out beautifully and with the minimum of fuss while always exuding menace in the attacking third.
Every player deserves his place in the Hall of fame for this achievement, if it’s getting a little crowded in there I’ve some recommendations for some ugly ballast that could be shifted to accommodate them.
Let City fans everywhere enjoy the moment and bask in the sheer pleasure that this team has given us since August and hopefully we will all be celebrating a title in a weeks time,