For once in my life I listened to the whole of Sunday’s game against Aston Villa on Radio Norfolk. I really enjoy Chris Goreham’s commentary but am usually too nervous to hear it over the course of 90 plus minutes.
Leon Barnett kind of tempted me to keep tuned in and as the Stoke v Sheffield United match evolved in tandem with ours I became glued to the radio.
Mrs P had friends round who I am not totally overwhelmed with so sticking in the kitchen while diving in and out to appear sociable was a good option and one that had a positive effect on the team. Or so I told myself.
At times it seemed City were throwing beach balls to one another but having seen the highlights that was actually an illusion.
If Timmu Pukki’s exquisite, if simple, finish wasn’t a typical 2018-2019 Norwich City goal I don’t know what was. Kenny McLean’s contribution to that sophisticated close-range strike should not be ignored. It kind of sums up our season for me.
Villa very quickly got back into things of course. Deliberately without McGinn, Abraham, Mings and Grealish (all fair play to Dean Smith, who knew exactly what he was doing by resting them) they still gave us a fair old game.
However, during the second-half we executed “game management” at its best.
Mario Vrancic turned his season’s achievement into ten goals despite many games missed either through injury or non-selection and his effort towards the death in this game seemed easier to score than his actual strike. He may well be key next season.
I thought Daniel Farke’s introduction of Grant Hanley shortly afterwards was a tribute to our largely absent club captain, although Leon on the radio said it was a genuine replacement to shore up our defence in order to collectively endure stoppage time. We will probably never know the truth.
The whistle that ended this season was much appreciated but possibly not the most significant one I’ve heard this time around. When Andy Madley blew up (pardon the expression) after Blackburn that’s when I went into orbit.
But I am so pleased we won the Championship. What a fitting award for all our magnificent players, coaching staff, Messrs Farke and Webber. Plus all the others who work so hard on behalf of the Club.
Even us silly sods who write for MFW can assure you that each and every one of us, whether reader or writer, has never experienced quite such a season as this before.
I’ve physically and mentally witnessed four promotions but this one tops the lot.
But this time, for once, we have a plan for the future – thanks to Messrs Webber, Farke and so many other dedicated folks behind the scenes.
Let’s embrace the PL and see where it takes us.
My Patterdale Terrier, Geezer, was so pleased with our efforts this season that he and I went out for an early Bank Holiday Monday morning walk, both wearing our colours with pride. Then I took him home and Mrs P and I went to the City Hall celebrations. Too many people were there for even the best behaved of dogs. Sorry Geezer.
Before we left I asked Geezer and Minnie the Jack Russell; was it a terrific season? I was inundated with large barks of agreement.
I started with listening and I’ll end with it. But if anyone expects a link to the inevitable “We are the Champions” (Queen) it will not be forthcoming from me.
Instead, I proffer Don’t Rain on My Parade by Japan and as in season’s end, It’s All Over Now.
Thanks to all you MFW readers who have commented this season but we’re not going away this summer.
Enjoy and keep your views coming!
And I’ll end the season’s active writing with this link, which wasn’t written for NCFC supporters but easily could have been: You Can Make Me Dance.
OTBC
Hi Martin and as usual a terrific read..
WHAT a season!!!!
To ONLY lose 3 games in 41 (one of which was ‘floodlightgate’) and unbeaten in 14 is such an incredible achievement and EVERYONE associated with the team deserves the highest praise and I’m certain that the people of Norfolk will turn out in their thousands today to show their appreciation for start they’ve done – and all of it without spending huge amounts of money that we didn’t have, but rather build the team through players’ fitness and togetherness. That in turn then spread to the fans and the excellent work by ACN and BeN with the flags and banners had been amazing to say the least. I’m longing to see/hear Jonathan Pierce and his fellow BBC Commentators when they witness it for the first time.
The reporting by the ‘3 wise men’ – aka Michael, Paddy and Dave has been superb and we are VERY lucky to have those guys covering each and every game for us. I cannot close without mentioning Chris Goreham and his co-commentators and I’m certain for a huge number of fans his commentaries are priceless.
Finally, a HUGE thanks to everyone connected with MFW and I sincerely hope that you raise the funding required to keep the site viable.
Hi Ed
I think we all have enjoyed ourselves so much it is a sheer pleasure for all of us to read, write, broadcast, podcast or whatever about NCFC this season.
Sure the Archant trio have been great – I had a good chat with Dave and Michael at a Canaries Trust “do” last week and I quickly picked up that they’re true supporters and thoroughly enjoy their (sometimes) thoroughly gruelling jobs!
Agree with you about Chris Goreham too. I’ve never met him but I believe he’s very much a genuine dyed-in-the-wool Yellow.
Thanks for all your comments over the season and we are indeed here all Summer!
Hi Martin
Great piece again. Something I have in common with you is not listening to Chris Goeham’s excellent commentary – I probably lack the imagination, but unless I can actually see what’s happening, I prefer not to know till it’s all over. I did get the goal updates, though, as I watched FLDC’s game on Sky.
I think the reason this promotion beats the others (and I’ve been around for all of them!) is that strength of competition, with the “big names” ending up in the play-off places, and the fact that we did it playing “proper” football. (Not to mention the East Anglian sandwich!!)
Yeah Jim – I’m totally with you regarding CG’s commentary!
I listened to it in almost its entirety simply because Leon Barnett was very engaging and it kept me away from certain folks in the front room. Parfait as Cedric A would say.
It’s not lack of imagination. As good as CG’s commentary is I too feel I have to be there myself to contribute a sensible view after a match. Which is why I haven’t said too much on MFW after away games as Sheffield Wednesday was the only one I went to all season. Good pick though:-)
The gap remained at an incredible 63 points!!!
Thanks for all your comments and hope to hear from you over the Summer.
a typical good read Mr P, as I have said before I started promotions with the Saunders jolly, and those onwards but like you this is the most special outstanding one, So much awesome moments, special goals playing the best football ever seen here.
I do not think there has been a team that has gelled, bonded or what ever you want to call it, the spirit is clearly seen during games and after especially during any celebrations of recent.
I remember writing much earlier that I personally give Farke 10 games to show improvement in play and results, If I being honest and remembering correctly the improvement was there to be seen, but it had not clicked fully. The ability to grind out results started at Middlesborough with a 1-0. Some will say it perhaps it kicked off at Cardiff. but that was a Cup game and feel players do step up a lot against higher league teams.,
The introduction of Max Arrons in the Derby (Mind the Canyon) was another turning point, but in truth there were several more defining moments , that makes this the best promotion.
Now listening to Radio Norfolk’s coverage of the Civic reeption, I could not get the legs working at 6,30 am to catch a bus in for it. As much as i wanted to be there. I could not get them working.
I want to thank Farke & his players for giving me the love,passion for my only ever football club . I think a fitting end to the season for me.
Hi Lad
A fitting end to the season indeed.
I was stuck in London as a teenager during the Saunders years (only got to three or four games) and at least one of those was in our fair (?) capital.
My four were Worthy’s, a brace of Lambert’s and Alex Neil’s.
But now I’ve gone nap with Daniel Farke’s:-)
If you get a chance for a quick shufti there are several clips around of the private celebrations in yesterday’s dressing room – all available via NewsNow.
And as for this am’s celebrations it tried to rain on us but didn’t quite succeed!
Thanks and please keep reading us over the Summer.
Hi Martin
Another great read as usual
City have been flooded with praise over the last 24 hours and all well deserved, yes I mentioned that I expect Wilder to try and make any old excuse why Sheff U did get the title ie. Villa making 5 changes but for once I was completely shocked when he said city had been the best team all season and congratulated them on the title with a smile on his face( could have been a grimmage)
Now we must all wait for the schedule of premiership games next season with bated breath it would be great to be eased in with a possible game city could get a point or 3 from not a run of the top 6 one after the other, but hopefully Webber/Farke will have a summer break and come back refreshed for the battles ahead.
The real anticipation will be the transfer window opening and what xmas present we can expect, will there be any home grown talent coming in or more exciting young overseas possibly from Renner and just maybe an ex arsenal from Rotherham.
But that is all in the future but with Webber and Farke deals maybe already done for the those they want????
Onwards and Upwards
OTBC
I wish all at MFW a good summer relaxing and looking forward to some great article’s to read
Hi Alex
Yeah it will be a Summer full of rumour, which isn’t something I particularly enjoy tbh.
Most of us – doubtless including yourself – know who the outs will be but the ins I will only believe when I see them on NCFC official.
There won’t be too many – three or four as SW has already hinted at I would suggest.
Alongside that there may well be further recruits at development level, as in Idah, Fonkeu and Abrahams.
Good to see Michael McGovern celebrating with the rest yesterday (and today). Whether he ends up as GK two or three I have no idea but his attitude has been spot on all season which is surely much appreciated within the ethos of NCFC.
Keep reading us during the off-season and if you feel like making an article contribution to MFW that will be more than welcome.
Cheers mate.
Hi Martin
Thanks for your reply I have read today that Rhodes said he wants to be at city next year and hoped a deal could be done, abd it looks like Bruce is having a fire sale at Sheff Wed and has already give 6 players free transfers including Gary Hooper so possibly he wants to sell Rhodes at a bargain price as they are near the FFP limit
Feels so different because it was SO unexpected OTBC great article sums it up for me
Thanks Paul
It does indeed feel extra special as, let’s face it, after the first half a dozen games of the season,, who could have predicted this?
The players (as highly paid as they are) thoroughly collectively deserve their six weeks or so off.
I doubt Farke and Webber will enjoy that much downtime!
I recall a home game in the late 90’s v Oxford Utd I was in the Barclay with my eldest who was about 13 at the time. We got beat 1-3 and it was awful. She was utterly despondent and like any Dad I was left trying all I knew to cheer her up. There’s been plenty of those times before and since but the past 15 seasons, with an odd exception, have been so emotional and events over recent weeks have seen same daughter, now 33, so elated, and due to ill health I was unable to attend so it was her on the phone to me from the parade cheering me up which worked magnificently!
Thank you Norwich City for all the highs and the lows.
Thank you to all MFW contributors, I love reading the articles and comments and hope to get back to Carrow Road next season.
Hi Colin
They reckon there were 50,000 people there today – without a helicopter or a Police Superintendent’s pips on my shoulder I’m in no position to confirm that but I guess it could be about right.
My daughter is 30 and utterly indifferent to football although she’s always pleased for me when we do well. Number one son will be 28 soon and lives and works in Portsmouth so kind of has split loyalties – he’s sort of adopted Pompey as his second side – like me with Spurs.in my youth when, like him now, I literally couldn’t afford to come to the Carra too often.
The only “low” for me was the floodlight failure against Derby – just about everything else has been a high.
Thanks to you for your consistently excellent comments and keep reading us over the Summer.
Well said Mr Penney.
I can remember all the promotions (and relegations) since we got out of Div 3 (South)…..
As all have said, this one feels different. There can be no doubt that ALL of the current squad and back-room staff have bought into the Webber/Farke project.
Personally I thinkwe’ll be OK in the Prem. Where this one also feels different is that we’re going up with a team, many of whom are still learning, hungry for success, and have yet to reach their peak. I’m sure that Mr Webber has an addition or two to the squad lined up, but tyhe core will remain.
Previous promotions (except that under he who should not be named) have mainly been achieved with older players.
As long as we remember what we were feeiling at this time last year, I’m confident that by this time next year we will have amassed enough points for another stab at the Premier League.
What an absolutely remarkable season it has been, and will never been forgotten!
O T B C
A fine speech John.
I’m trying to get over Kenny McLean temporarily becoming Mayor of Norwich – I thought I had some cheek but he surpassed me – I wouldn’t even have thought of the hat stunt!
Not after self praise here but I said back in early February that this squad (as it stands) could give the lower tier of the PL a run for its money and I’ve seen nothing to make me revise my opinion.
Expect Webber and Farke to embellish the squad with (just) a few judicious signings.
The wasters will ALL be gone and we’ll hit 40 PL points in April. Jeez I hope I’m right!
Thanks for your great comments and don’t forget to read us over the Summer.
Do Mrs P’s friends read MFW?
Big ha!
Unless you find a way of tipping them off the answer is a definitive NO!
Yeah it was a dodgy reflection on yesterday from myself but their equivalent of Carrow Road would be the Theatre Royal. Nothing against that from me, I’ve been to a couple of good shows there myself.
Football is only for heathens in the eyes of some folks.
Mrs P paints exceptionally well (imo) and tends to occasionally walk in those “creative” social circles.
As a City girl she is also a NCFC fan and is very tolerant of my football addiction while I back her to the hilt in her artistic endeavours. Apart from the odd occasion I normally try to join in from the Philistine angle. The folks I referred to were just humourless and on site during the match.
Thanks for a perceptive comment:-)
John T, I was wondering the same thing. Let’s hope not.
The East Anglian sandwich will live long in the memory. So glad ITFC played their part in achieving it. They got their just deserts after coining the phrase ‘ Mind the gap’ last season. Bet they wish they’d never thought of it.
This season has been sublime for us. The play such a joy to watch. No prima donnas and so many humble players, capped by Daniel Farke himself. Such a calm individual, so much has been written about why we’ve done so well this season, recruitment has been key but for me the stand out quality has been ‘Fire in the belly, ice in the head’.
Thanks to al who’ve contributed to make this such a stunning year. So looking forward to seeing Farke’s wizardry in the Premiership. I believe he’ll be here for at least another 3 years. The Farke era I’m sure will be Farkeulous!
Hi Andrew
Mind the Gap has turned out to be quite a faux pas as you say and I certainly agree you about the concept of ice and fire.
I too am so much looking forward to the PL and there are indeed no divas (or divers!) in the squad. There are so many positives attached to that but the one that appeals the most is the attitude of Jordan Rhodes. Cheerful, willing, apparently extremely popular in the dressing room although he so rarely gets a start.
There has indeed been no ‘I’ in our team this season.
Thank you.
Please, somebdy explain, despite the local euphoria, the many – incredible – disgusting, rude, bizarre messages from ‘fans’, of Leeds Utd. Why? Why?
So unimpressed . . . . . I confess, I found their city very unappealing, 60s – present day? Genuinely.
I could so easily finish here, with an acid flourish, comment, I won’t because I am a proud Norfolk man. Dignity.
Hi Nick
I choose not to use social media but I know many folks that do so I’m aware of some of the spiteful comments emanating out of a certain area of Yorkshire.
Contrast that with the attitude of a truly “big” Club like Aston Villa – guard of honour, pleasant and respectful fans and all.
It would be perfect justice if Villa knocked seven bells out of Leeds at Wembley later this month.
Thank you.
Great read, Martin, and couldn’t agree more – there’s something about this season’s success which feels so removed from the rest. Every time you thought it couldn’t get any better, the team took to another level. The style of play, the goals we scored, the heart and desire shown in each performance, and the way the club has come back together – it’s been a joy. Here’s hoping this is just the start of a brave new chapter for our beloved club! OTBC
Hi Harry
“Removed from the rest” is probably the spot on phrase.
Style, heart, desire and bravery. You’ve nailed it buddy.
Thank you