Everyone’s got an Arsenal mate, haven’t they? I’ve got three but strangely didn’t volunteer to communicate with any of them on Wednesday evening. However one of them, Mickey, couldn’t resist, erm, taking the mickey via the gift of Google Mail.
There were a few cheap cracks such as had Josip Drmic borrowed his boots from Ronald MacDonald, did Tim Krul think he was under hypnosis and were Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis the Invisible Man and the Ghost respectively. Plus a couple more that were pretty explicit as I’m sure you can imagine.
But by Satan Mick had a point. I cannot and will not lay any blame at Krul’s door. He’s been so good for us this season that he has to be nailed on for POTS and if you don’t vote for him I’ll stamp my feet and scweam and scweam and scweam till I’m sick. And I can.**
Teemu Pukki looks shot and why on earth we ever signed Drmic I will never know. Young Adam Idah looked quick, mobile and interested and hasn’t yet created any media hype around himself so don’t be surprised if he’s our main striker next season. We could do a lot worse than the strong, intuitive youngster from Corcaigh.
The only bright note I can muster is that shot from Ben Godfrey which hit the post. I’ve no tape measure but he must have been well over 30 metres out when he hit it. I’m sure Rio will engineer a good move for him in the summer where he will go to a truly ambitious club and play as a defensive midfielder, which surely is his best position.
I know we have had little choice this season due to injuries but I think he has that perfect combination of strength and skill for midfield. And as he proved not for the first time this season he has one hell of a shot on him.
“Sadly, we made too many mistakes, especially in front of the goals. Arsenal were the better side in terms of scoring goals. We have to accept the loss because we didn’t reach 100 per cent the level of performance and made crucial mistakes before the goals.”
Well, at least Daniel Farke spoke with perfect honesty after the debacle.
Two howlers [Krul and Drmic], one deflection [Onel Hernandez, who was unfortunate rather than neglectful] and what seemed to me like an acceptance that we are second best for 75 minutes of the match didn’t do a lot for me.
Bournemouth, Villa and Watford cannot buy a point at the moment and I would guess West Ham’s achievement against Chelsea was a blip. But the trouble is that we seem incapable of taking any kind of advantage of this.
It’s a bit like our dogs. Neither of them do very much wrong but I have to tell them off when they howl in unison at the Match of the Day theme at 07:30 on Sunday mornings.
It’s the trumpets that do it. After the telling off [non physical I hasten to add] their tails drop and stay that way for a while. Just like us. Our figurative tails have dropped big time and there is no way out of our current predicament. Unless…
It’s Brighton tomorrow, we have Timm Klose back and I guess we don’t know what might happen. But this time around we really have to defecate or self-destruct. This is it. Absolutely it.
Although I quite like the evergreen Glenn Murray as a person I’ve never been a fan of his integrity as a player. There’s also the threat of Neil Maupay, who without mincing my words, can be a nasty ba$tard if he gets the bottom-ache.
However, they are now surely safe as they shot out of the post-shutdown blocks really quickly so seemingly have little to play for.
But neither did Southampton or Everton have anything to play for either, which remains ominous.
I really think that NCFC players and supporters alike cannot wait for this wretched excuse for a season to end.
**Most of our more mature readers will get that reference I would imagine, especially if they have the Christian name of William.
Its cricket season Martin, and has been since June 17……. Except the Cowardly Idiots at the ECB won’t let us play yet.
Hi Dan.
I played loads of cricket [and even more tennis] back in the day and still don’t really see why we could not proceed with both as almost normal.
Indoor tennis would justifiably be a no-no and in any case Wimbledon was called off yonks ago, but the last I heard was that the first Test against the Windies goes ahead on July 8. I’ll check it out cos knowing me I’m wrong!
Thanks.
How have you two missed his point that much?!
Deleting comments…tut tut. He is obviously linking it to being cricket season on NCFC and we are not allowed to play, hence getting hammered.
Hi Loosey
I’m not aware of any deleted comments. Gary G is the Editor and moderator so only he would know about that.
I assumed Dan’s point was a straightforward comment about cricket and nothing else so responded accordingly.
The only phrase I know would be “open season” on NCFC but please tell us more if you’d like to blow the cobwebs from my skull.
Thanks!
Nope … no deleted comments. Not one. Not even sure what that means.
My comments only related to the lack of cricket, for what I regard, as spurious, petty and bureaucratic non-reasons! Nothing else at all.
No worries Dan – dunno what all that was about!
I think the letters ECB kind of confirmed your meaning anyway 🙂
We have a couple of tests coming up against Pakistan and the West Indies
Cricket saying the ball is unsafe as too many people touch it during a game so could spread the virus
Yes I get that but what is the difference between a footballer drying a wet ball on his shirt for a free kick or a throw-in and a quickie or spinner up to their usual tricks?
I know the “life” of a particular matchball is crucial to cricket but even so?
As in the old reggae number, there are more questions than answers 🙂
And why is it OK to play basketball on an outdoor court, but cricket remains banned?? Surely more than one person touches a basketball, and bodily contact is far more likely than in cricket??
O T B C
Spot on.
Being basically a w/k any contact with the ball not to glove or pad was, erm, often painful but nearly always my own fault.
No visors or tin hats in my day!
Hi Martin
A good summary of a game and could be the whole season 75% of games we just haven’t either turned up or VAR did us no favours.
Today is a horrible went and wind day in Blackpool and is a grandson day so really in lockdown, just like most I was praying for an injure free restart and that didn’t happen so we continue with what we have got.
Drmic from what he has done should go back to his recording studio, he was a one season wonder in Germany and possibly Webbrr/Farke had ideas they could get him playing again.
Well it look like we signed someone from the Camptown Race course line on loan his corners and free kick worse that anyone we have had a city.
Sheffield United have all the luck VAR ruled out a goal that struck a Spurs player who was on the floor and a Kane goal cancelled then Norwood yellow carded for a foul then 2 minutes later elbows song and not second yellowed why can’t city get some of their luck.
Lots of the blame game started on Webber and Farke yes some bad signing in the loan market, not strengthening in the CB areas but what could they have done with a better budget we will never know.
Just think if and that is a big if they did turn it around the big pat on the back the owners would give themselves for being right even though they prefer championship.
We need investment just to stand still and they are big groups looking to invest Crystal Palace, WHU and Newcastle have got them lined up Wigan have so called 12 interested groups, Charlton bought a d sold twice in 6 months not great but it show if you put it out there some people come forward.
It is a sorry state when the owners hang on to something they admit they can’t afford
Onwards and upwards
Keep safe and well
Hi Alex
I remember you saying yesterday you did not see the game in real time and I must confess that neither did I so I had to rely on a mixture of mates’ comments and extended highlights. I simply will not do BT Sports or Sky on principle.
Two great points you make are that Duda has been a complete flop just like all our loan signings this season except Fahrmann who due to Krul never got a bite of the cherry and that the issue of ownership and investment will be brought sharply into focus yet again.
I am certainly not on the anti Webber/Farke bandwagon but the summer recruitment really let us down big time. Webber might have the contacts but he needs efficient scouting for them to prove useful.
One way or another there will be changes in the summer. But not in the ownership alas.
Thanks mate.
Hi Martin
Many years ago in Gt Yarmouth as a kid we would go to the Windmill Cinema to watch the cartoons sometimes this season city have been like looney tunes entertaining but not a lot else and the Smith’s are the court Jester’s in the script
Yeah I went to Saturday morning pictures too but at the East Ham Odeon and later the Gants Hill Odeon until school football took over when I was about 10. We always played Saturday am and no O/T for the teacher in those days. Brian Drew coached us for the love of it and drove the Barley Lane minibus as well.
Our tops in the late 60s were yellow and blue hoops to reflect the fact that the school was constructed on the only farmland for [many] miles.
I don’t remember any female characters in Loony Tunes so I reckon MWJ would have to be Elmer Fudd!
I wonder how many of your readers picked up on the camptown races lol
I’m not sure that song [although we all know it and some of our parents would have sung it] is particularly suitable these days.
As innocent and equally nonsensical as it is I don’t think the PC brigade would give it their blessing these days but it was performed by genuine minstrels two centuries ago, who had far more credibility that the dreadful b&wm crew who performed on the BBC in the 60s.
More folks would have got the reference than you might imagine!
To old to worry about PC I still have a couple of Robinson Jame badges somewhere and recently I saw a few S-mb- books at a car sale now that got a few talking lol
Yeah I had a few Robertson’s g*lly badges too. We all did in the 1960s and as I remember the one who depicted a sax player was well sought after in playground swaps. I never owned one of those.
When I married for the first time in the early 1980s my then wife asked me to get rid of them so I did.
I wouldn’t want them back knowing what I know now!
Are you kidding about investment, in the current climate ? I think our owners are to be congratulated we could easily have spent like Aston Villa, and then where would we be , and don’t say like Sheffield Utd .
Investors like Newcastle , ie corrupt Saudi dictatorship , or Wigan who gamble the future of the club in a game of poker in the Far East . I would rather be in League 2 than stoop to that level of immorality.
There has to be a better solution
OTBC 👍
Hi Johnny
Yes people are great at spending “other peoples money” I would agree. Your key point is where you say “there has to be a better solution”.
Take a close look at the benevolent and apparently highly moral ownership of NCFC. Are they its lifeblood or do they have a ball and chain around both it’s ankles?
Does pushing your religion and nailing your political colours to the mast make you a better candidate for Football Club ownership? Don’t think so.
Where I do agree with you is that Villa chucked everything at it and nobody seems quite sure where the kite came from. Oh well it’s all gone now!
Interesting comment – thanks.
Great summary.
I agree with your sentiment, I can not raise any enthusiasm for the remaining games and can’t wait for this season to be over!!
Krul head and shoulders our best performer this season and after his heroics against Manure we can forgive one simple error.
We shouldn’t forget Alex Tettey whose performance was solid and I thought prevented things getting really ugly with some timely interceptions. Not enough respect is given to Tettey every manager he’s played under in his 9 seasons (I think??) with City has tried to replace him and eventually come around to appreciate his special talents.
Over and out.
OTBC
Hi John
I think the vast majority of us are very much with you on both Krul and Tettey.
I’ve never met the latter but a couple we know have and reckon he’s one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I’m glad he’s with us next season.
Todd would surely come third in the Barry Butler.
Roger and out – for now.
Hi Martin,
I had the pleasure of meeting Tettey a couple of times at the away supporter’s ‘shin dig’. I can only concur that he comes over as genuinely nice guy with a very sunny disposition.
Glad he’s signed up for another season, I expect we are going to need him again.
I’m also going to agree with your 1 2 3 for player of the season:-
TK, AT & TC no one else comes close!!
Cheers
OTBC
I cannot remember where our friends met Tetts beyond the fact that it was a very ordinary setting – maybe even a garden centre or somesuch?
Strange really – I’ve met several City players over the years as we all have and only one from many was an up-himself ars*w*pe.
Answers on a postcard please!
Give us a clue Martin! I used to be a W/K too, hence the knackered knees…
Okay Dan.
Coincidentally his late father was a Norfolk County cricketer and he wielded a mean bat himself.
That’s too much of a clue but I couldn’t ignore the cricketing theme!
It seems as though Bonnie Langford could dance around our defence and that Emi has a sulk on that Violet Elizabeth Bott would be proud of.
I don’t hold out much hope of getting anything out of the rest of the games. Every team looks bigger, stronger and more able than ours. I’ve calmed down from Wednesday’s debacle and now just think that this team have done their best. The bulk of the side lead us up gloriously last season and, with the wins against Man City and Newcastle, gave us real hope for this season. The fact that they’ve flopped recently is probably more to do with too many visits to the well than anything else.
Do I have Arsenal supporting mates? Only one, just William.
Ha!
I knew someone would get it but I didn’t think it would have been you Don as you’re a few years younger than myself!
You can actually indirectly blame Richmal Crompton for the dross I churn out on MFW. She taught me my style of writing, no schoolteacher or Uni lecturer ever came close.
Too many trips to the same leaking well? Spot on.
Thanks pal.
Absolutely spot on. First VAR, then lockdown, now our team looking like they are already defeated, in empty stadiums. Duda, Rupp Drmic…..not nearly good enough. The season is ending in a horrible whimper.
Hi Steve.
I might be clutching at straws but maybe Lukas Rupp could perform in the Championship? I dunno tbh but while he’s pedestrian he seems solid enough.
Duda’s back to Berlin and if he shared a socially-distanced seat with Drmic on the plane I would not mind one iota.
Thank you.
As moans go that was an impressively fun and upbeat article, Violet. Relegation resignation has set in with everyone now I reckon so it’s time to (try t0) make merry with what we’ve got.
Hi Chris.
If your old boy was a career copper and you did 3+ years in the service yourself you quickly assimilate black humour!
Cheers.
Marty, there’s an excellent article by Melissa Rudd on the Pinkun , ‘toothless’ as our worse seasons under failed managers. Napoleon always asked of a candidate for a generalship ‘ is he lucky’? Danny’s luck ended last season, hopefully it will return with our return to the Chump. His credit in the Fan’s bank of goodwill is getting low, unlike his credit with the bankers at Carra Rud. There’s a lot of hungry crocodiles waiting in the Chump we’re going to need all the luck we can get. Otherwise a lot more of us are going to scweam.
Hi Cutty
Yeah I read Melissa’s article too. She probably doesn’t have that much time to write about football given her main job but she is certainly to the point every couple of weeks or so and this piece was no exception.
My guess is we should take a good, hard look at preseason with all its comings [few] and goings [several] and see how we proceed from there.
It will be the perfect time to see how all these recruits to the under 23s will shape up but I’m presuming we will be banned from said preseason so will have to take the word of the Archant lads to imagine how the lay of the land will shape up.
I’d love to say I’d watch the game with you lads in the Ribs tomorrow but none of us are that daft are we.
Give my regards to Ginger, Henry and Douglas.
I do miss the banter over a glass or two of Old Rosie in the Ribs but it would mean getting the stage coach from Bruindale and that’s too risky.
Yeah I agree.
Stagecoaches are out of bounds in our household. For both of us, and have been since March, We’re not particularly susceptible but wouldn’t risk it.
It’s the poor, beleaguered drivers I feel sorry for.
btw as I’ve mentioned dogs so much today I’ll send you a tale in a while.
I ddn’t see the Arsenal gane due to a lengthy commute but I have seen the other three games since lockdown and we have been poor. We looked the best against Utd but then they did put out a C team. It gets to be something when the prospect of an FA cup semi final only made Ole decide that a wimper of his normal team would suffice.
Watching the players I would say that many are already thinking about which team they will be at next season and didn’t bother to really push themseslves. Some criticism has to go the way of Farke as he is responsible for motivating them and instilling that belief, but there have been few individual performances you can honestly say were worthy of the shirt. For me I would let anyone who did not want to be at the club to fight for promotion go; if they think they are bigger than the club then they aren’t welcome. This will strip a large part of the team away and we need to upgrade a number of the remaining players too, though our youth products will hopefully prove their worth again to us and is the one true blessing in all this. The signings we have made have been hit and miss and this season we have only really made the one signing of Byram that has been a success so questions must be asked about the scouting and recruitment set up.
I say we must go for it whilst we mathematically can stay up but then tinker and try the fringe players for the remaining games as we need a good idea of what we are missing for next season.
Hi Laurence.
It’s really difficult to argue with your points so I won’t attempt to try beyond this.
Byram, hmm. Like Klose he was signed with a history of injury and this has hardly improved in either case. I’m not going too far into this topic just now but while Byram was cheap and Klose anything but they have that common thread running within them. Prone to injury.
It’s a bit like do you go for a pedigree dog or a hardy type such as our pair of Terriers? Put it this way we’ve never needed pet insurance for the Patterdale or the Jack R whereas owners of, say, Pugs or French B’s will be coughing up small fortunes each and every month.
IF we sign any senior players for next season I hope our medicos do their jobs.
A very good comment I very largely agree with 🙂
VAR has obviously been a disaster, because as you can tell from manager rantings and fans right across the country, every single club has had a raft of decisions go against it, and very few (if any) in its favour. Much like the days when it was just referees in fact….
Roll on the end of the season. We should, by rights, by now be whingeing about how we’ve been invited to visit Middlesbrough or Swansea (or even possibly Fleetwood!) on a cold Tuesday February.
* or even cold February Tuesday (can’t even blame alcohol at this time of day)
I can Keith – I always clock on relatively early with the bottle & glass unless I have to drive up the City to do a bit of business.
But I guess City Hall will totally eradicate that eventuality pretty soon.
Yeah.
I’ve been to Wycombe and the old Ayresome Park but never bl00dy Fleetwood. Too old now but I would have enjoyed it in my 30s as I used to work in Liverpool sometimes and an overnight would have been a freebie on the firm.
Perhaps I could have showed Joey Barton how to smoke a cigar in a respectful manner.
Cheers.
2 quick points:
1. The detractors of Lukas Rupp had better get used to him. He’s going to be a mainstay next season as DF clearly likes him.
2. We started the season with 4 Centre Backs. In any normal season that would be plenty. However, this has not been a normal season, far from it. Not sure anyone can be blamed for not seeing that at no point would all 4 be fit at the same time!
Hi DP3
1: Yes as I’ve said above I tend to agree with you. I can see a re-emergence of Mario, the Stieperdude and Onel as well.
2: We did set out with four CBs agreed, without even considering Tetts and the somewhat strangely binned off Ibrahim Amadou.
But… Klose is as prone to injury as I am after a night in the City, Godfrey would be far better employed as DM, Hanley has a really bad back – and current – catalogue of hamstring incidents and Zimbo was terribly taken out by that WHU thug of a striker that calls himself Sebastien Haller. He’s never been the same since.
No blame, just the football gods conspiring against us. But surely if our medicos can manage and monitor Tetts they could have done the same with Hanley & Klose. Both literally accidents waiting to happen I’m afraid.
That’s just my view – a very good comment.
The four centre halves myth again. We knowingly entered the first few weeks of the season with TWO centre halves, one of whom hadn’t played for more than six months the other a youngster converted to play the role. Even four fit centre halves would have restricted our ability to play three at the back given the way centre backs pick up injuries/suspensions etc.
I’m with you 100% only trouble is if we beat that lot from London-by-the -Sea we will all be rubbing our abacuses once again.
Injuries to defenders have destroyed our season from start to finish but let’s try and enjoy what’s left. Could be worse, at least none of us are H M’s second son!
Hi Colin.
No abacus to rub where we live and if I had ever possessed a rosary I wouldn’t know where to find it just now to be fair.
The MFW “day today” has verged on the political a little too much for my liking BUT nevertheless I’m glad I’m not the second son of HRH either.
Or the first son, and even more particularly the third.
Poor but honest does for me mate.
The England and Wales cricket boards web site is currently showing a live feed of the England test team , warm up game against itself.
Even the slips are not letting as much through as our defence . if I was the Brighton boss I would start with Glenn Murray and lob in the high ball.
Nice to know Stokesy and the lads are playing with themselves.
Graham Potter will employ Murray exactly as you suggest.
There have only been three suchlikes in my recent memory: Murray, Ricky Lambert and… HOLTY! And I know which was the best.
Cheers pal.
Hi Martin;
As I put to Gary’s column yesterday, I too did not see the Arsenal surrender.
Instead I watched a DVD of some talented and hungry players having the time of their lives in Yellow and Green…yes; the highlights of last season.
The difference in the body language of all of them (except Krul, Tettey and sometimes the full backs) is absolutely astonishing. Yes; they are up against better players this season, but surely that’s something to be embraced rather than fearful of??
The longer this season goes on the worse it seems…can someone put us out of our misery soon?
Having said that, we’ll probably be the only side in the bottom 6 to win tomorrow…and then the agony will be extended for at least another game.
Oh; and if you want, you can get a code from the club to watch it over this internet thing!
O T B C
Hi John
Yes the difference in sheer class must be very difficult for most of our lot.
Dunno why today but I keep comparing things to our dogs. When they’re pups they can do as they like and as they grew older we loved to see them socially integrating [with both humans and other dogs], sniffing out new things, realising they can swim, climb and basically, become fearless.
But now they’re 5&3 they’ve calmed down considerably and tend to review a given situation before they race into it. They’re just as effective as ever [ask any deceased Norfolk rat] but somehow calmer.
As for the TV code from the Club it’s an admirable idea but a bit too complex for me. Too many hoops to jump through.
Perhaps I should leave that process to the dogs!
Thanks as ever.
Maybe, just maybe that’s what we’ve been missing this season? Or an element of it anyway
As expected Martin, the Gunners were firing in goals aplenty, whereas our armoury seems to have been supplied with blanks. I can’t see anyone finding fault with Krul, as he has been excellent all season.
Indeed, let’s just get this season over with and move on to the new season. Mind you, if DF persists with zonal marking at FKs/corners, I fear we’ll concede a lot of goals.
According to some of the on-line comments, the shot from Godfrey was in excess of 35 metres and I’d love to see him at a club such as Leicester playing as a DM and having more attempts on goal.
Yesterday’s MFW article advocating DF being experimental is most definitely the right way to go over the remaining games IMO.
Yes, I know it’s controversial, but I’d omit Pukki from the starting 11 – maybe even the match day squad (tin hat dusted off and at the ready!!), as he offers very little of late and start with Idah, to get him prepared for the ardours of the Championship next season.
I read the comment from canaryjim where he suggests giving both SW and DF their P45s and I’m sure several will agree with him, but I certainly don’t and hope that both will stay at NR1 until their contracts expire.
I would say that none of last summer’s recruits have offered much, but they may be more suited to the less skilful players/pace of the Championship, but on the other hand, look at how pivotal the signings of Pukki and Krul have been and their total cost – £0.
I’m sure that ‘the vultures are circling’, hoping to lure away some of our young talent and if several do choose to leave who can blame them. All we can hope for is that SW will stick to his guns and swell the NCFC coffers quite handsomely, though I expect very little of any money received will be made available to replenish/rebuild the squad. I read a report that Aarons struggled against his Arsenal opponents on Wednesday night and that his impending move to Spurs may not happen.
Changing topic – let’s hope the relaxing of lockdown restrictions, doesn’t lead to Mundesley and the rest of the North Norfolk coast being swamped with tourists in the next few weeks/months.
I’ve quite enjoyed this season, been a very relaxing one. When we get promoted to PL, in recents years, the strikers signed are never good enough. Perhaps Dr Mick will thrive in the Championship, if he doesn’t I’d offload PDQ. Mbokani never set the world on fire either. These players seem token gesture purchases.
I won’t be bothered if some our young defenders are sold, we could buy better for less. Better to invest wisely like the club did after the sale of James. Just hope Krull and Cantwell remain. Will interesting to see if Pukki’s form takes an upturn next season. Can’t see many PL teams wanting him
Hi Andrew.
Relaxing? Soporific at times I’d say but I’m not one of the poor devils who go away on a regular basis.
I’m reasonably confident Krul will stay but just as certain that Todd will be off. But what do I know?
If Pukki enjoys a resurrection then I will be grateful but immensely surprised.
Thank you.
Hi Ed
Good point about Godfrey – he could link up with Madders at Leicester but I strongly suspect “Uncle Rio” has him in mind for Man U and who the hell would deny him that?
Chris S’s article about experimentation yesterday was a very good one. I wouldn’t expect too much in that area but you never know.
Pukki is a busted flush. His season of wonder was 2018-19 and we all love him for it but his time has come and gone. I’d bet he even knows it himself.
As for Aarons to Spurs I simply don’t know. How can you single out one player when the entire team has apparently turned to $hite?
Cantwell will be okay though – who knows how much that strike against Man U might be worth to him in the very close future?
As for Mundesley we’re generally avoiding it at weekends, particularly as the pubs are reopening. Trimingham beach where we go with the dogs will be fine Mon-Thurs so we’ll stick with that for now.
Thanks a lot.
Another half decent read Mr P. I don’t know many others are feeling like me, in danger of losing interest in football not just City. Been here too many times over my 50plus years. I thought we had a half decent chance of avoiding the trap door. sadly wrong.
Last season clouded the eyesight for a lot of us, while the team were way above many in the championship, the euphoria of the winning the title, clouded the vision, that they would not be up to rigours of the Prem.
Injuries, the tightness of the board, added with the loss of form and confidence , losing become a very difficult habit to break as we have seen. I would imagine times have been hard especially for the younger players. The older players should be the leaders on and off the field. The last leader we had was Grant Holt. Remember him ringing round the 1st teamers to get them out and watch the youngsters at Carrow Rd. We need that agaoin in readiness for next season.
The quicker all this ends the better, although we go again in Sept. hope the crowds will be allowed in then, another few months of trying to find some enthusiasm to turn the TV on will be extremely difficult, only to forgo the matches to binge watch something else. Something I have never done before.
In some matches since the re start . tiddlywinks was more favourable
Hi Lad
No you are not alone – most of us are very demoralised just now and you’re spot on when you say we haven’t had a real leader since Holty.
I somehow suspect there will be a coaching or even managerial role for him here some day one day but he would be a bit of a wrecking ball to the Team Farke approach!
I don’t mean to increase your depression but I don’t see us supporters being allowed back in September. Not September 2020 anyway – maybe 2021?
And if the government or FA think I’m taking part in a 20% capacity ticket lottery they can forget it. You’d have to communicate with your mates via Aldis lamp or semaphore. Stuff that.
Good to hear from you.
Ha Martin,
I’ve spent many a happy evening sat on the beach at Overestrand/West Runton watching the sun going down whilst sharing a bottle of something ‘fizzical’ and ‘putting the world to rights’ after first stopping off at the chippy in Roughton. No expense spared!! 😀
Roughton chippy is still going strong – its reopened for a while now. It’s good and while inland is in a perfect spot for trippers and local alike..
My other favourite is Mary Janes in Cromer town. Some friends tell me to try Blackeston’s 101 instead but I’d kind of feel disloyal if I did!
As usual Martin a good read and very hard to argue against the points you make.
The least winnable game by far and we had to approach it with Tettey filling in at the back. You van never have too many centre halves.
This appalling run of performances/results is causing some damage now and is in danger of setting a few unwanted records. Not exactly great for ones c.v.
Next season is a venture into the great unknown, in as much as we are unsure of the effects of the epidemic on the transfer market. I’m quite sure the family silver is being prepped for another orgy of selling and much depends on how much of the cash is made available. Given the bobbins we are used to, I’m not particularly confident of a healthy outcome.
As soon as relegation is confirmed, the club is going to have to handle its PR very well, particularly in regard to the sale of players and money available for replacements or the “noise” as they call it will become deafening and very uncomfortable for some.
Hi Chris
As I replied to DPS above it’s debatable how many centre backs we actually did start with!
You could say two as in Zimbo and Godfrey [we all know he’d be better as DM] and you could spin it out to four if you believed it were possible to get a season out of Klose and Hanley.
Pre-pandemic wild rumours suggested £30m each for Aarons, Cantwell and Godfrey. Now? £40m for all three at best. As you so rightly say just now nobody knows who’s worth what.
What is certain is that if £40 m comes in, £4m will go out – if we’re lucky. The rest will remain within the club to prop up the Smith dynasty. I must add my usual caveat: no I am not suggesting they siphon off anything for themselves.
But they won’t let anyone else in. Benevolent or selfish? I know what I think.
Cheers mate.
Martin
The Smith’s say they believe in openess and honesty but it seems that when ever they are asked the question they shy away from it.
Earluer in the season they were interviewed by Wally Neville on sky and said the club is open minded and aways looked for investment but who would invest in a business that they would not have a controlling interest in and not in a year of sundays would the Smith’s want to lose they last vestage of celebrity status.
In is a sad state of affairs for both club and them that an honourable slit can’t be found to end this predicament for both parties
That infamous interview with Henry Winter in the Times caught the Smiths with their trousers down in terms of some of their responses.
Especially the line about “investment? we don’t even consider it” or words to that effect.
However much they love the club – and I don’t dispute that they do – they should prove it by allowing us to be the best we can be.
When mediocrity is considered not only acceptable but indeed preferable, the majority of us supporters are entitled to feel extremely shortchanged.
Oh no…we lose to Brighton. But even before the game started, Farke looked like he had already gave up on survival. When you have two top players that combine to have scored 20 of your 25 season goals, and you put them on the bench, if that’s not giving up, I don’t know what is.
During the game, I had no idea what Norwich’s plan (if they even had one) was supposed to be. Drimic was invisible, all the passes were wrong, everything was wrong. And when Farke finally came to his senses and put in Pukki and Cantwell, it was still disaster class in A major. Pukki had clearly given up already. And Cantwell?
If whoever reads this can find a picture of Cantwell after the match, you could see NORWICH City in his face.
All the despair, the sadness, the hopelessness of this situation. He just sat there for a good about 15 minutes, went to the locker room, and came back onto the field, sitting in the middle of it, all alone.
That is a team demolished, disheartened, and ruined. If NORWICH was a real team, the whole team would be with Cantwell on that pitch, talking to him, being a team, planning what to do next. Not giving up and leaving one player sitting alone, suffering on the pitch. No other diagnosis.
The one other diagnosis I can offer Norwich is this.
Heartbreak. 💔💔
Hi Lisa.
A fine speech and I agree that picture of Todd Cantwell [I’ve only seen a still] tells a very poignant story. What makes it worse is the core of this unit showed such spirit last season and that continued into the New Year before, well, fading away.
I can’t immediately think of a particular turning point tbh. There’s been a steady decline in morale for some time with the shutdown making it starkly obvious to the few of us who hadn’t seen signs of it before.
It’s going to be an interesting [and quite possibly uninspiring] close season.
Thank you.