I’m pretty sure that not many Norwich City supporters would immediately associate themselves with the customs and history of the Royal Welsh Regiment. Except myself of course who for some inexplicable reason knows the connection between the regiment and the Canaries: the Goat.
For any MFW readers interested in regimental mascots. for some incomprehensible reason please see the link at the end of this article because I must hasten on to our own favourite caprine, one Teemu Pukki.
I knew it would be his day on Saturday when I read an exclusive interview with him that very morning in [go on then, sling some muck at me] the Sun. How Teemu loves it here, why he wants to stay and with a fair bit of praise for Daniel Farke and his squadmates thrown in for good measure. Teemu was as humble and polite as we have come to expect.
That was one heck of a game at Ewood Park and our Norwich City talisman rather than mascot, the Goat, more than played his part.
A wonderful turn on an Alex Tettey [more of him later] cross and there we were, 1-0 up and in control until half time. It was buried in the bottom corner and Blackburn keeper Thomas Kaminski was left clutching at the foggy Lancashire air.
We were not quite cruising, but well on the way at that point.
However a Tony Mowbray side never lies down as we were reminded with a relentless barrage of pressure from Blackburn at the start of the second half from which the extremely impressive Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott [are you sure that lad’s still only 17?] profited with a fine burst and the nutmegging of Grant Hanley before driving confidently past Michael McGovern to peg it back to 1-1.
No, I’m not blaming McGovern as some folks elsewhere have – that left paw to keep out a Blackburn header from a corner in the first half proved his worth alone.
Back to the main man. Emi Buendia collected a fine pass from Josh Martin and decided to have a go from outside the box. One delicate flick from Pukki and there was the ball nestling beautifully in the back of Kaminski’s net for what proved to be the winner.
I cannot think of any other Norwich City players who have managed to score his 50th goal on his 100th appearance, which is probably because nobody has ever done it before. Considering Pukki’s spell at the club coincided with a remarkably unsuccessful season in the Premier League that is one hell of an achievement.
Pukki was not alone in his capacity as Mr Milestone Man though. The evergreen Alex Tettey notched his 250th NCFC appearance as well – again not many Canaries have managed that, particularly in the modern era.
All it needed to complete a memorable afternoon was to negotiate the final quarter of the match and with the help of a presence from the bench, we did just that, although a week ago that option was unavailable to us.
It was very satisfying to see more minutes for Todd Cantwell and Kenny McLean and Jordan Hugill got a brief entrance, allowing him to set up fellow late entry Marco Stiepermann for what could and maybe should have been a third.
So we remain three points clear of the unstoppable scoring machine that is AFC Bournemouth at the top, players are coming back from injury and for the vindictive amongst us poor old Paul Lambert will soon be giving tabloid journos the headline *Lamb Chopped*.
And if Teemu is slightly miffed about references to goats, I’m in the same byre me ole Finnish friend. Penney is old Irish for a swans’ nest, although I’m not worth googling so nobody but myself and my children know that.
‘Legendary’ Royal Welsh mascot goat Shenkin dies – BBC News
Excellent read!
The difference 18 games make to the mood in Norfolk!!
Unfortunately, the link to the BBC article regarding the Royal Welsh mascot is about Shenkin the goat’s demise!!🤷♂️😂 (Perhaps I’m just making a point for the sake of it….but!!)
What the last couple of weeks have shown is the ridiculous depth we have in our squad for this campaign compared with last season and the even the promotion season. Me thinks Mr W has leant his lesson!
Really good game of football to watch, credit to Blackburn for at least setting out to give us a game and boy did they do that in the first 20mins or so in the 2nd half! We were hanging on there until Teamu’s goal.
Alex Tettey what can I say about this guy? Has he morphed in the ‘Norfolk Pirlo’ since DF has been in charge? 😂
Another tough game on Wednesday I think I would take a point??
Cheers
John
Hi John
Yes I thought that about Shenkin myself – I should have picked the one abut his replacement, Llewellyn [no reference to Chris], but I liked the pics in the one I chose 🙂
It certainly was a cracking game to watch and Mowbray’s Blackburn had a right good go at us, as I’m sure Reading will also do on Wednesday night. Probably the first game I can remember in ages when we were second best in the possession stats.
As for Tettey the man is a legend. He’s often quoted as saying he doesn’t want a testimonial but if he ever changes his mind I’m sure most of the MFW crowd would be part of a very large crowd that evening.
Yes I’d settle for a point at the Mad Stad too.
Cheers
Good morning Martin and how pivotal could that win be come May?? Great headline from Gary as usual.
As DF said in his post-match interview – Pukki really had ‘the bit between his teeth’ from the first whistle until he was replaced by Hugill. He most definitely has his entire ‘mojo’ back and I think it was Connor Southwell said in his post-match review that Lenihan would be having nightmares, as he was completely unable to mark Pukki.
How the score was only 1-2, goodness knows, as both teams hit the bar and Stieperman had an excellent chance from Hugill’s cross to make it 1-3. He had time and space to have taken a touch, but opted to hit it first time.
IMO, one of the most pleasing aspects of the team, is that it doesn’t matter which player comes on, the tactics change very slightly, as the entire squad has totally ‘bought in’ to what DF and his coaches are trying to do.
I’ve a hunch that the ‘new JM’ is going to develop to become an exceptional player and as his confidence improves, I can see him adding to his goals tally. Mind you, it’s possible that as ‘matron’ becomes less busy, that his involvement may be limited to coming as a sub – but what an option to have on the bench.
I must give a word of appreciation for McGovern, for his save from Gallagher’s heafer and had that gone in, the result could have been so different.
Also, it would be remiss of me not to mention the incredible Alex Tettey and the part he has played in NCFC’s success over the years. 250 appearances is some achievement and I’m sure you remember that he received a yellow card most games – now I can’t remember the last time he got one!!
Finally, 3 VERY tough games in front of the Sky cameras coming up and ‘I’d snap your hand off’ for 4 points out of those games.
PS – GREAT comment – ‘Lamb chopped!!’ 😀
Morning Ed
Yes Connor S was certainly right about that one concerning Lenihan but in all fairness B’burn have a couple of CBs out themselves – a couple of their fansites I’ve checked out reckon they didn’t get the rub of the green but are largely accepting of what a good side we are at this level, and still with nine or ten first teamers out of course.
You’re spot on too when you say it could have been 4-3 or something and it was so refreshing to see such an open [ish] match. Fair play to Blackburn for their contribution to the entertainment.
I think Ollie Skipp has inherited the Yellow Card King title from Tetts!
As for the next three Reading will be tough, not so sure about Cardiff and Watford away will be the sternest of tests. 4 points from those 3 would do me just fine too!
Thanks as ever
Marty, being an old git and a bit slow on the uptake these days I’d long puzzled on why Teemu was called goat? A recent Christmas card from a pal who’s lived in Finland for many years gave me the answer, Pukki means goat in that lingo. A unique lingo apparently, nothing else like it anywhere. A bit like Teemu himself.
Hiya Cutty
When ma was alive her neighbour Pia was Finnish and I once asked her to describe what Christmas was like in her home country.
She was so enthused that she fell into her native tongue during her reply – I didn’t understand a word of it but it sounded wonderful.
An old mate, Raymond C of Hornng home-made smokehouse fame, had a Finnish wife too and she used to take the juice out of us all in Coltishall Kings Head because none of us could pronounce her name. She would call me Martino, Martini or sometimes even Marion in gentle revenge.
As for Pukki, whoever would have guessed that Teemu should be pronounced as TAMU? I’m just glad he’s enjoying life with us and putting the scheisses up oppo defenders!
Cheers pal
Another tremendous win. I wasn’t surprised to see Skipp and Tettey paired for this one, and guess it will be the same in midweek. I see we’ve fallen foul of the playing late Wednesday and then early Saturday nonsense. I think the same happened to one of our previous opponents (Bristol City?) so what’s goes round comes round, but it’s poor scheduling. 13 games in 39 days is tough enough; in between times every second helps.
I wonder how many games Tettey has missed over the years. He could probably have played nearer 350 if he had been as fortunate to stay as injury free as Gary Holt was.
One interesting piece of news that caught my eye is that Dortmund are looking for a new manager (although they have put a caretaker team in place until the summer). How high up their list of possible candidates Farke might be is hard to guess – they probably want someone with Champions League experience and/or a higher profile. But he must be on their radar, and however much he likes Norwich that is surely one club he could not resist.
Hi Keith
Yes I learned of the BVB dismissal of Lucien Favre this very morning and the clapper hit the bell with myself just as it did with you.
I doubt Daniel’s ever left the Dortmund radar so you never know. As for profiles, that’s not the way Herr Farke works if I’m honest. He’ll know that they know and all that. As you say he would surely not be able to resist such an approach but it’s one very big gig and I agree with you once again when you say they will probably go for somebody with CL experience.
As for the late Wednesday/lunchtime Saturday kick-off scenario it just sums up the modern game for me: money, money money and b0llox to the physical integrity of the players. We might of course have a fresh Lukas Rupp and Tim Krul back for Cardiff which could only prove to be a bonus. Another interesting DF fitness bulletin awaits tomorrow.
Thanks a lot
Good stuff as always Martin. A nice jaunty start to the week – and things are going well. One goal in two is an exceptional return.
Cheers Chris – things are indeed going well.
This incarnation of City are proving to be pretty damn effective if nothing else as the grinder keeps milling – now let’s get the cavalry back and see where we can go from here.
You can see that a couple of our guys could do with a brief respite but the terrific thing is I don’t think any of them would voluntarily take a break!
Viasat Finland finally was able to show Norwich game. In my opinion Norwich win or draw would have been fair results. Pukkis second goal was brilliant, goals like that are very rare because difficulty rate is so high. Josh Martin looks good prospect, Arsenal does not know how to make a team but their academy system produce very good players, which they also does not use themselves. He has nice ball touch and could very well be regular starter. Oliver Skipp has made Norwich midfield better, if/when Norwich gets promoted back to premier league it would be strange if he would leave back to Spurs. Harvey Elliott was really impressive on Blackburn side, his goal was brilliant one player show.
Norwich plays next against Reading. Reading has obvious project going on, they have contacts to Portugal and have loaned players there. Their manager has won under 17 years world championships. They seems to have injury problems right now. I think people underestimate Reading, they underestimated Wolves when they started similar project.
Hi 1×2
Yes I think Blackburn might have felt aggrieved not to get a draw but sometimes stuff goes our way and after Pukki’s fortuitous [or instinctive, as I believe] second we managed the game pretty well. Elliott’s goal was individual brilliance really – you’re not on Liverpool’s books if you’ve no talent and that’s for sure.
You make a very good and timely point about Arsenal – they have a 19-y-o CB called Balisa who cannot break into the first team squad even though they paid St Etienne over €20million for him. There’s a chance he could be coming here on loan in January until the end of the season but it might not work out if we cannot guarantee him regular minutes.
Fair point about both Reading and Wolves but I don’t think Daniel Farke underestimates anybody.
Kiitos
Hi Martin
Well the sad note is Gérard Houllier has died aged 73 so condolences to his family 👪
Mowbray gave a good after match interview not moaning about any decisions and just said his forwards missed chances and city took theirs, he has twice turned down Ipshites offer of manager once at Celtic and again at Hibs yet their supporters still would have him tomorrow.
Like you Tettey must be convinced to have a testimonial possibly V Celtic even if he donates the money 💰 to a city cause.
The interview from Pukki showed real class I would like Buendia to do a similar interview and say he would look at his options at the end of the season, as for Cantwell not so sure if he goes in January then I think JM could fill that gap so wouldn’t be a big miss.
Farke will have some big decisions to make sooner than later and one could be a left back does he recall Mccullum or hope Xavi and his long standing hip problems can be over come especially as their us a buy clause in the loan if we get promoted.
I still think city needs another CB and was hoping that Famewo could be that man but he is injury prone at Charlton this season but when fit Bowyer says he has potential as a premiership CB so only time will tell.
3 tough games to come I can see a return of 5 points from these 2 away draws and a home win.
Bournemouth scoring for the fun of it but they haven’t had an injury crisis or a bad run as yet similar as Watford so how will either cope if and when it happens.
Dean Ashton was disappointing on Quest his only comment on Saturday was City are getting very lucky and Murray counted with they have major injuries, so Aston joins the league of ex players pundits that don’t give city much credit for how they have coped during this pandemic and injury crisis.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy 🙏
Hi Alex
Yes, respects to Houllier from me too. And indeed Paulo Rossi – what a striker.
Josh Martin possibly could fill the Cantwell gap if he’s sold but they might not cash in on young Todd just now as he has left himself in a situation whereby his value has diminished. But then again had I been brought up in Dereham I think the bright lights would have attracted me too when I was younger. No disrespect to Dereham itself intended, obviously.
Colin Murray is a joy in that he is fair to all and also game for a laugh by agreeing to share a *stage* with Ian Holloway in the past – I wouldn’t be up for that!
As for CB my money would be on the young Arsenal lad Balisa on loan until season’s end. My mate who works in our local store in Mundesley says it’s a real possibility.
But then again there’s a man down the chip shop who swears he’s Elvis…….
Cheers mate
Excellent as usual Martin.
I’m eating rather humble pie following my comments about Mr McGovern post Stoke, and am only too pleased to do so!. His save early on from Gallagher was superb, and I guess his only major fault is that he’s not Tim Krul.
How this squad keep going is quite amazing given their schedule and I guess they are all looking forward to the final whistle on Saturday for a whole week off!! Given how Tettey has flourished under the current regime, and improved so much, I guess it says a lot for the sports science we have nowadays.
I’d have been happy with 2 points from Blackburn and Reading, but we’re already ahead of that.
Given the GOAT’s performance on Saturday I cannot think that the Reading defence will be looking forward to it too much….and I see that their main front 2 of Joao and Meite were both missing for them on Saturday.
More of the squad are returning; we’re 3 points clear at the top, and 1p5wich appear to be in a muddle again………………what’s not to like!!!
O T B C
Hi John
I was a tad cruel with my 1p5wich comment but sometimes a man’s gotta do…..
I’m guessing it will be McGovern again for Reading and so very hopefully TK will be back for Cardiff. That seems to be DF’s thinking anyway.
There’ll be very little time off for the squad between 19/12 and 26/12 as they’ll still be in for training almost every day. I know it’s a *job* we’d all love to do and no real hardship but it must be tough for them in its way – they know no other way of life!
Well both the G Holt’s did but I can’t think of many others – if any, tbh.
Thanks as usual
Great article Martin.
GOAT or greatest of all time, I bet Chris Sutton, Dixie, Iwan, Flecky and Holty may disagree with that but he is up there with those guys.
I would have taken a point any day at Blackburn so the 3 points were fantastic.
Just how good has Alexander Tettey been for us. He seems to have improved under Daniel Farke.
He is so funny when interviewed, no “it was a game of two halves” or “the boys dug in” tripe. He actually said he was pleased he wasn’t playing every game with this Sat-Wed situation on Radio Norfolk the other day.
I remember at home to Preston in the championship winning season he was having a mare of a game but then scored a great goal. In the interview he admitted he was awful, how many players would do that?
And all this time he has been here we still haven’t found his successor. A Norwich City Great.
Finally what a save that was by Michael McGovern at 0-0. It will be nice to have Tim back but I think McGovern come in for some unfair stick, I know his distribution isn’t the greatest but even Tim has had his moments with this like Arsenal away.
Loved the picture of Lance Corporal Shenkin. I was amazed he had a rank !!!
Hi Tim
I like the selection of strikers you proffer – the only one Teemu has anything in common with at all is Flecky, who I feel could have played Farkeball himself. Jeez he was quick over 10 metres was our Robert.
Yes Alex Tettey comes across as a very warm-hearted guy – I’ll never forget the impromptu jig with Kei Kamara after the latter scored against [?] Everton.
If Dad were still alive he’d have laughed his socks off at Shenkin the goat’s rank – the old man was a lance-Corp in the RE from 1942-46. Actually I discovered Shenkin’s successor Llewellyn has the title of Fuselier – I’m not sure if that’s an actual rank or not!
And even the police dog section’s charges have their own rank now as in PD Fido, PD Bonzo or whatever. Geezer our Patterdale terrier applied to join but failed on height regulations.
Cheers
Things are certainly going well and we will only get better as players come off the injury list.
Pukki’s name is a constant source of amusement in Malaysia Martin, and no it does not translate as goat!
Hi Andy
Good one about Pukki’s name in Malaysia – I’m guessing but it’s probably something a bit like Stefan Kuntz is to us?
Good one 🙂