I’ve enjoyed a very chequered career when it comes to pub games.
When it comes to Pool I was pretty decent and played regularly for a couple of pub teams over the years. I was no Maltese Joe but handy enough I’d like to think.
My ideal wasted afternoon, after I’d retired, was spent in Coltishall’s Railway Tavern with a group of mates, and sometimes Will and Richard from the pub’s team would join us. It was great to play against either of them – beating Richard was like winning the World Cup as in it didn’t happen very often.
Darts? No. I could play obviously [as could seemingly all of my generation] but I was never very good.
But the one that always mystified me was Cribbage. The old boys who played had a language all of their own with phrases such as *one for his nob* and *he’s gone nap!*
And that’s what our magnificent boys in Yellow did on Saturday – they went nap. No, it doesn’t mean falling asleep, it means adding a fifth card to your four to make some kind of winning sequence.
Well, five wins in a row means we’ve done just that – gone nap. Fifteen from 15 in points terms, which leaves us five points clear of second-placed Bournemouth at Christmas, so high fives all round.
Now we all know this will not be a normal Christmas for most of us but my level of cheer remains buoyed by the current situation at Carrow Road. We’re on fire.
In a world where I won’t be able to see my son or daughter for the first time in 30 years [they were both separately dumped into tier four on Saturday] that’s a little boost to the jolly old morale.
And what a performance it was from the boys on Saturday. Was there a weak link on display? I don’t think so. Emi Buendia and Todd Cantwell will quite rightly grab all the headlines but can anybody honestly suggest any City player had a bad – or even average – game? I sure can’t think of anybody myself.
From Michael McGovern, who has looked increasingly confident with every game – it’s probably because of his worldies, ask Sean Morrison – through to Teemu Pukki who really has been the Daddy. It looked like everyone in Yellow was trying to set him up for a goal to celebrate the birth of baby Ella in the early hours of matchday.
Teemu must have been knackered before he started but it certainly didn’t stop him joining in the press and on another day he could have had two or three.
Gary pointed out yesterday that McGovern’s save from the aforementioned Morrison was basically Cardiff’s only real effort on target. We had our usual dominance of possession and what I really appreciated is the shooting from the edge of the box. If Emi’s goal was class then Todd’s even managed to trump it.
Towards the end Cardiff [frustration is no real excuse] showed their nasty side which disappointed me. Curtis Nelson was bad enough earlier but the brutality of Harry Wilson on Cantwell was not required as the game was up for them at that stage. It was pretty poor.
Luckily Max Aarons appears to have rolled an ankle and for Daniel Farke to come out and say that so soon after the game was reassuring.
It was cool of Morrison – he crops up yet again – to congratulate most of our lads and shake/bump almost all of them off the pitch.
So off to under-new-management Watford on Boxing Day where I am sure we will exhibit no fear.
The January window? I’m going to give it the Christmas off and worry about it later.
What a thoroughly satisfying win and how nice to hear our masked, socially distanced supporters giving it *we are top of the League* and getting rewarded with oles from a beaming Farke.
And if any MFW reader or writer fancies a best of seven on the pool table for a tenner to the winner, just ask.
Oh hang on, that’s not really going to happen just now is it, but the thought is there nonetheless.
I’ll sign off by wishing everybody within the MFW fraternity a very happy Christmas under these unusual circumstances in strange times and particularly everybody who kindly comments on my ramblings. It’s much appreciated.
And Emi, my short-statured but lion-hearted star, Feliz Navidad. You know you love it here 
Good morning Martin and an excellent read on this damp and thoroughly miserable Monday morning – at least the boys in yellow and green have given us a boost in these dreadful times. What a show the players put on for the lucky 2,000 fans who were at CR in the sunshine (well the pitch was!!).
I’m not sure that I’d rate any of the players below 7 and I’d be surprised if there is a keeper anywhere that could have stopped TC’s shot – he hit it SOOOO hard.
I see Dean Ashton (formerly of this Parish) posted a tweet – ‘Cardiff were given a footballing lesson by Canaries’
I know I’ve only had na ST for around 12 years, but that has to be one of the best (if not THE best) complete displays I’ve seen. I know Cardiff had a couple of clear attempts at goal, but McGovern repaid DF’s faith in him by the bucketful with 2 outstanding saves to get his first clean sheet.
Watching that game, it’s really hard to believe that Cardiff’s stats over the last 6 games were better than ours. Which only goes to prove that there are lies, da** lies and statistics!!! Talking of stats, DDF’s article ‘6 things etc’ – the 6th item is excellent at explaining the stats so far this season.
The triumvirate that is Pukki, Buendia and TC in that form would terrify most defences and Neil Harris said that his defenders were ‘off the pace’ against us, but IMO, nearly every defence in the Championship would have struggled on Saturday, the three of them were THAT good and ALL the players played their part in the victory.
As you so rightly say – on any other day, Pukki would have been taking home the Match Ball, but who can blame him given the circumstances?
We now head to Vicarage Road on Boxing Day to play managerless Watford (this will be their 4th manager since Sep 2019!!) and dare we hope for 9 points from this run of 3 games, when I’m fairly confident most people in the Canary Nation would have happily settled for 4.?
I’m sure I’m not alone in being amazed at how DF has reintegrated both Emi and TC and got them playing better than ever. If I was a betting man, I’d have had a wager that neither would eve play in yellow and green again. How wrong I was!!! We are certainly very lucky in having both SW and DF in charge of footballing matters.
SW is on record as saying that he sent DF ‘to war without a gun last’ season. By contrast, I think he has given him an entire army this season. Skipp is a sensation and just looks so composed on the ball. I wonder if we had a full stadium if some witty fan would come up with a version of – ‘Skippy. Skippy the Bush Kangaroo’ (apologies to younger readers!!)
DF is quite rightly stating that NCFC are in an excellent position to be back in the PL next season, but I’m certain that their agents are putting pressure on them to move, just so they can get their share. I’m going to ‘stick my head above the parapet’ and say that NONE of them will leave.
I see that the transfer rumours are surfacing already and it’s still 10 days until the window opens. Some of the rumours that I’ve (and I’m sure you have) seen are both Buendia and Aarons at somewhere above £30M each. I saw a tweet from Jack Reeve yesterday taunting Arsenal that if they want Buendia, the bidding starts at £50M!!!
Likewise Martin, Xmas and New Year Wishes to one and all, especially MFW article writers, posters, lurkers etc and please abide by the rules, so that we can hopefully start seeing ‘light and the end of the tunnel’ and we can VERY slowly return to a better and healthier 2021 and welcome all the fans back to CR!!
Match Report.
If any MFW readers are considering going to CR under the current restrictions, I can safely say that the club has done everything possible to ensure fans’ safety.
My seat was exactly in line with the Barclay End goal and whilst I wasn’t particularly looking forward to it – I really enjoyed sitting there and IF I get the chance to go to another game, I’d choose to sit there and the number of spectators there was quite sparse, so that there was a lot of space in between groups of fans.
The only complaint I have is that there was a lone fan who kept shouting – ‘Get rid of it!!’ every time we played out from the back. I guess that he hasn’t been to many NCFC games recently. He even left before DF came over for his obligatory olés!!
Overall the fans were superb as they were when I was at the game V the Owls and we had several renditions of ‘We’re just too good for You!!/We are top of the League/Follow, Follow, Follow etc ’ and all were spot on. 😀
Morning Ed
Glad you enjoyed the game – and don’t worry about the fan who was yelling *get rid of it*, I think there’s always one, wherever you sit. We’ve got one in my block of the UB and has a voice louder than Noddy Holder.
I was so pleased we got a clean sheet as well. Two headers from set pieces all match shows just how offensively limited Cardiff were. I can’t recall even an off-target effort in open play.
At one point I wasn’t bothered if Cantwell stayed or not, although I’ve never felt like that about Emi. Now I’ve changed my mind. To see an obviously happy Todd is a joy.
If a loanee were to get his own song that would be a novelty. I’m pretty sure *O Huckerby* became a staple during his original loan period but I can’t be sure. Olly Skipp would then become only the second if I’m right – but as you say it would probably take members of the Barclay collective to compose it 🙂
Cheers
Jordan Rhodes had his own song and he rarely started for us, but he was one of us and hated Ipswich!
Yep, true and a good spot, A Canary.
Trouble is I can’t remember the bit before *he hates 1p5wich* at the end.
Its a pity he didn’t stay on in many ways but £££ and que sera I guess.
Thanks
“Jordan Rhodes is one of us, one of us
Jordan Rhodes is one us
He hates Ipswich”
To the tune of
London Bridge is falling down – or Stamford Bridge, if you prefer!
Thanks Jim – I remember it now 🙂
I now think we have reached the point where Emi Buendia is irreplaceable, he is now playing that well. He is our equivalent of Jack Grealish. Despite Villa having assembled some quality players, take Jack ( you’ll never get the ball off me without committing a foul ) Freakish ( well that’s what predictive text wants me to put ) out of the side and you will probably be left with a team fighting at the wrong end of the table. Emi must realise that with the quality players that now surround him there is every likelihood that there is a very good chance he is on the way to the premiership. It would make no sense for him to jump ship during the January transfer window. I can only see him leaving if Norwich decide to accept a ridiculous offer for him which would also make no sense under the current circumstances. I am glad my pessimistic banana skin prediction against Cardiff was not forthcoming so now it’s off to the next banana skin at Watford. Avoid defeat there and even my pessimism may have to be shelved for the remainder of this season. OTBC and a Merry Xmas one and all 🤗
Hi Tim
I think we can all remember that period a couple of seasons ago when Emi was injured for a few weeks and we almost literally couldn’t win without him.
The only concern I have is that he is so good and playing so well that the likes of Atletico Madrid might well make a hefty offer but so far both player and manager are making all the right noises.
Of course, like Teemu, Emi is scheduled to be a second-time father quite soon and nobody wants to travel too far with a toddler and a newborn so maybe that might be in his mindset too – I hope so!
It’s only a gut feeling but I think Max, Todd and Emi are likely to stay until the summer and decide where there futures lie then. And hopefully that’s with us for their collective second season in the Premier League.
Cheers
Please don’t think Emi is our equivalent of Grealish. He’s so much better, just look at his stats for last season. In a side in a relegation battle, he still created more goal scoring opportunities than Grealish, and even De Bruyne. In fact, he had the best stats for that in the entire Premier League.
Hi Jim
Well said – and I’d bet Emi is a far more responsible driver too.
Good morning, Martin.
What a great performance! A couple more goals would have made for more comfortable viewing but we all know you don’t get that with Norwich City! My elder son, grandson and I had tickets but, sadly, they were moved into Tier 4 and I decided not to go on my own.
Like yours, our Christmas has effectively been cancelled. With our younger son in Spain and our daughter in Scotland, my wife and I won’t be seeing any family this year. In my case, I think it will be the first time in 78 years!
Like Ed, I can’t see any of our players going during the January window. Surely they will want to stay till the end of the season at least? With the injury situation seemingly getting better, I doubt we’ll bring anyone in either.
At the risk of getting ahead of events, I read a quote the other day saying the journey towards the Premier League was better than arriving there. I shall try to just enjoy that journey.
Happy Christmas to all at MFW and thank you for all the articles, even Gary’s political stuff!
Buenos dias John, as Emi might say.
As I said to Tim [above] it’s only a gut feeling but I think Max, Todd and Emi are likely to stay until the summer and decide where there futures lie then. And hopefully that’s with us for their collective second season in the Premier League.
The quote about the journey being better than the arrival was one of Gary’s non-political statements from yesterday I believe 😉
Muchos gracias
Hi Martin
As you say Cisco Munoz is the new Watford manager so not much time to get his plans or system over to the team also does he and his staff have to selk isolate for a set period.
Harris was full of praise for city according to the papers but his supporters are less happy calling for the board to sack him, they even went do far as asking for Colin to come back.
These latest restrictions and Tier4 could should be rolled out all over the UK 🇬🇧 and Europe 🇪🇺 has already stopped trucks and cars entering for the next few days all we need now is for haggisland to close their border and we will be in isolation on all sides.
I mentioned earlier last week 5 points would be a good return but can we dream of a full 9pts from these 3 games and that would be a great ending to a crappy year.
We now need an excellent start in January and no unwanted transfers out the SW can start planning a survival for next season.
I read somewhere that all the stats are meaningless unless they are turned into points and city have done that this season but they are bottom of the stats for conversion rates.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy 🙏
Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 to one and all and a Happy New year 🎉
Hi Alex
Yes, the Valley Boys were not happy with that performance from Cardiff but at least Neil Harris acknowledged how well we had played – not every oppo manager does that.
Of course it’s going well and giving Canaries everywhere a much-needed boost during this god-awful time in our lives but I guess that we should remember that our parents [and for the younger ones grandparents] had things much, much worse of course.
We ARE close to the bottom in terms of chance conversion stats but as long as those chances keep coming I don’t mind very much really. OK I do mind really but when everything is going so well on the pitch it would seem churlish to complain.
Cheers mate
And a very Happy Christmas to you too!
“haggisland” as you so indecorously describe my adopted home of Scotland has already closed its border, while this is for now to keep out the new English strain of COVID-19 we can but hope that this is extended to a more permanent arrangement to keep out those Little Englanders who think that such casual abuse is acceptable in today’s society.
Merry Christmas! Emi is worth £170m to us, and £30m to Arsenal. That will make the January decision easier for us, and I suspect the player and head coach have already had that chat. If we’re promoted, the player has to decide if he wants a payday; if not we’ll have to cash in anyway. Enjoy what’s left of Christmas
Hi Dave
Nail hit on head there with those figures – it’s the only way to look at it. And as pi$$ poor as the Gunners are right now there is no guarantee that Emi would stroll into their side – and our Che loves to play, not butt-warm the bench.
As for enjoying what’s left of a strange Christmas that hasn’t even started, I’m sure we’ll all do the very best we can – whatever that is!
Thanks
I am also father to an Ella. Teemu’s performance the day after his daughter’s birth was impressive-the post birth head wetting made me unavailable for selection the day after the birth of mine!
Another excellent team performance, the result could justifiably have been 6-0. Cardiff didn’t offer much for a team that was in great form, they had no answer to our brilliant individuals and coherent team.
The last few times we’ve played Watford I have been concerned about the men against boys performances. However, our boys have shown themselves capable of outgunning even the most physical teams this season-they really don’t look as though they’re going to be intimidated by anyone.
I’m not one usually given to wild dreams, but our league position, points tally and performance levels this season have definitely exceeded them.
Merry Christmas, Martin, and all the MFW writers and contributors. I don’t think we’ll be allowed full houses at Carrow Road this season, but we can (and will) celebrate and venerate all things yellow and green.
Hi Don
I’m not proud of this, but my eldest, Rachel, was born in Harlow Hospital on Christmas morning 1988. I was too kaylined to drive at 0300 so good old Dad stepped in.
In typical ex-Copper style he sniffed out the nurses’ party – really, it happened in those days – and we emerged about 0730 to see the ward board reading: Penney. Delivered. I’d missed the whole event and quite possibly felt worse than my ex. Probably because of large further consumption of free-flowing alcohol.
Yes we could have had six and I feel that some side in the not too distant future will feel the full force – particularly a team that tries to trade blows with us, as Barnsley might.
Quite what the effect of Cisco Munoz at Watford will be in just a week I don’t know but as you say it won’t be men against boys this time around.
I seem to grouch about Delia less and less every week [in fact I haven’t moaned all season] and looking at clubs like Watford I think I know why.
Thanks mate – have a good one
Crikey. At least I waited till after the birth to go on the pop. I don’t know the nature of your split with the previous Mrs P. but…..
The self-funded club owned by a passionate fan model looks more and more attractive compared to many others….we only have to look down the A140 to see how things might have been.
Ha!
Rachel was unexpectedly early so I selfishly thought I had a few days leeway, not a couple of hours. My bad and hands up to it, but Dad did twist my arm more than a little bit on the occasion itself 😉
I’m starting to come around to the *maybe Delia’s not so bad after all* view in a way I never thought I would as this crazy season develops.
You’re so right about that lot down the road. Check out the EADT comments section if you’re ever bored enough – they are not happy Suffolk Punches by any manner of means.
Anyone got a clue who Xisco Munoz is except he was a Vallencia winger and has just won the Georgia 🇬🇪 League.
Will he have to self isolate prior to taking training or is he exempt
I vaguely remember Munoz as a player but as for his managerial career I really don’t have a scooby apart from he won some league I’ve never heard of with Dynamo Tbilisi.
We’ll discover the cut of his jib on Boxing Day.
Conversion rates are a concern because a display of football like that should have produced a more comfortable margin. But for that super save the game may have taken a different turn. Having said that, the sign of a good team is getting the job done and so far we are doing that.
Hi Cyprus [in Hull?]
You’re spot on when you say we’re getting the job done. And consistently too. Keep those digits latticed that it continues.
Thanks
What’s interesting is that if we increase that conversion rate by 5-10%, we would be scoring comfortably. Small margins, but I would rather be in our position with that to look forward to.
Hi Daniel
Yes that’s a good way to look at it. And it might well come to fruition sometime soon. I’d hate to be the team on the receiving end of the type of beating that will, without doubt, be coming down the tracks.
I’m that confident!
Excellent article Martin, thank you.
2020 has been a terrible year. In the last few weeks this expression of Farkeball has lifted my spirits. After the first lockdown I could not stomach the soulless football in soulless stadiums. My love of football died and I even stopped reading MFW for a while. Farke and his talented group of footballers and backroom staff have resurrected by love of football.
Saturday’s game was yet another tonic. It was a complete performance, a dominant performance that brought home 3 thoroughly deserved. The only slight disappointment was that it was only 2-0.
Everyone in the team was at least 7 out of 10. I too am surprised and pleased that Cantwell has been deservedly brought back into the team with him being very positive. Emi is even better this season. In my opinion he is the best player in the Championship by a country mile. He must be worth £50 million and lots of add ons. It is not just his talent it is his work rate too. He is a special player and I feel very privileged to have seen him live. If he leaves in January he should only go to a top 6 team as that is his level, so that rules out Arsenal.
I hope everyone involved with MFW stays safe and enjoys whatever Christmas they have lined up. Let’s hope that 2021 sees us get back to a new normal that allows us to celebrate this team’s performances with full houses at Carrow Road. It would make my day if the Board could persuade Webber and Farke to sign new contracts that would see them stay at Carrow Road for many years to come. They are crucial to delivering the long term plan for NCFC.
The interesting thing to ponder is, if we had stayed up last season, would we be enjoying being a bottom half team in the Premier League more than an automatic promotion contender in the Championship. I know what I prefer.
Hi Colin
You make some great points as always. I’m sure most of the MFW community were as disillusioned as your goodself but NCFC has indeed experienced a resurrection of Biblical proportions and I guess we’re all grateful for that.
Emi’s workrate is indeed incredible even though it gets him into trouble now and again with a certain type of referee.
I love your snipe at Arsenal but I would as Spurs are my second team. Of course the Gunners will finish mid-table at worst but maybe it’s not the right set-up for Emi? Fishes and ponds, that kind of thing?
We have a couple of writers on MFW who know more about the staffing/political side of things than I do but from what I can gather Stuart Webber is committed for another 18 months [as is Daniel Farke] and like you I would hate him to move on in order to advance his career because of lack of suitable remuneration from ourselves but we all know what these self-motivated types can be like. As far as I’m concerned SW is an honourable man and will consider all options when the time comes.
To me it’s the original wait and see I’m afraid.
Thanks a lot.
Hi Martin. While, like you, I’m not thinking too much about the January window, there is one aspect of it that we might have to consider. Given the current pandemic situation, there is not going to be too much cash for clubs to splash out on transfers, so while we might value the likes of Emi and Todd around or above £30M, others might be re-evaluating what they may have paid for them under normal circumstances. The lack of spectator revenue may be a factor, but it may also force us into accepting a price below our valuation to make up for our own shortfall.
Hopefully, Emi’s impending addition to his family may encourage him to hang on to see how the season pans out. Arsenal may even be in relegation trouble!
Hi Jim
Judging by today’s comments you are spot on [see above].
My spin on this is simply that it is surely only the Atleticos or PSGs of this world who could pay what we would require to let Emi go.
Leeds? A big Santa-style Ho-Ho-Ho to that 🙂
Cheers
Thanks for all your articulations Martin, good fun to read and always with a little ‘titbit’ thrown in for good measure!
I continually find myself whining at the TV commentary, yesterday it was Leeds V Man U and all the plaudits for Bielsa’s brand of footy and how wonderfully refreshing Leeds Utd are. Sky have no interest in anything yellow & green. Leeds basically play in a similar style to us. Last season it was said, “Could Norwich be the best footballing side ever to get relegated”, Sky obviously short term memory loss too.
We’ll, the only pressie I want for Christmas /Easter is for Leeds Utd & Sheffield Utd to be relegated and for us to stick two fingers up at them on the way past.
All scored 10/10 on Saturday as far as I was concerned apart from D F he gets my bonus point and he’s priceless!
Hi Colin
Yes I totally agree with your praise for Farke. I think just about every MFW contributor has been consistently happy with him despite a slightly dodgy start when he first arrived.
It seems there have been a few eejits complaining on social media [which I don’t follow] but even they’ve had to crawl into the long grass recently.
I had no dislike of Sheffield United whatsoever until Wilder arrived but it looks as if he’ll get bitten on the bum come May. I’d even lend our dogs out for free to do the business and it’s a big target our Terriers couldn’t miss – a Patterdale and a Russell are a good combination in that respect.
Leeds? Sorry, I don’t think they’re destined for the hangman’s drop. Not this season anyway, but I can always hope.
Cheers
A great performance indeed. Without wishing to sound over-confident, if we go up I wouldn’t be too unhappy to see Sean Morrison add to our centre back ranks. He’d be 30 by then and probably aching for another shot at the EPL on a decent 2 or 3 year deal, and whilst he is very much a head it, kick it centre back (bit like another Grant Hanley) he does offer a major threat at set pieces which we don’t have and which we didn’t have last season.
Watford can be a good side, but I think our game will come too quickly for their new manager to do too much – hopefully he’s never heard of us and has no idea how we play.
Hi Stephen
I must say I was pretty convinced by Sean Morrison too, and his gesture at full time towards our players stood out as the rest of the Bluebirds understandably just wanted their warm shower and a safe trip home.
The question for Farke would be: can he play out from the back with his feet? And under a Neil Harris side we won’t know the answer to that.
I’d take him for the right fee, deffo.
Thanks
Hi martin good read as normal we are a pleasure to watch at the moment our game management is improving each game hardly any squeaky moments bum moments.but still feel if we go up need to get stronger dm not rely on McLean who’s decent in more forward role but isn’t strong enough in prem for that role well all the best for you and your family at Xmas 🎅😊
Hi Kev
I think we’re okay at DM at the moment with Skippy, Lukas, Tettey and the Mayor. And Sorensen too when we eventually get a fit LB back into action.
As much as I’d love to say I’ll see you next year it’s down to our blessed Government so I’m not actually holding out too much hope of that. I’ll be there when we all are!
Have a good holiday mate.
Morning Martin and Happy Christmas to you and everyone at MFW.
Saturday’s performance really brought some light among all the darkness, following news that where I live (Peterborough) is now in Tier 4 and a family bereavement.
So for what it’s worth I’d like to thank Mr Farke for his sterling work, I know we’ve achieved nothing yet this season but we’ve hit a great rhythm and with the quality of players still to come back, it’s all looking pretty good (that defeat to Derby and the growling that followed it certainly seems a long time ago!)
Will Emi and Todd still be here post January? I guess no one knows for sure, although from Emi’s point of view why join a team we could be swapping places with next season!?
Hi Segura
Sorry to hear you’ve been tier 4’d and more so about your bereavement. For what it’s worth I’m pretty sure it won’t be too long until Norfolk will be in tier 4 too – early January?
Yes Derby seems a long way away now and even then we should have got something from that game. We didn’t but we’ve progressed SO well from there.
And yes I’m not sure that Emi would swap us for Leeds with his sensible head on. As I’ve said [above] I don’t think they’ll go down but I’d have a good old laugh if they did.
Thanks and take care.
I watched the game on the computer as i have since the beginning of the season. it has been enjoyable for the better part, but no substitute for being at the match. When Norwich played Cardiff on Saturday I felt it was their best football since the beginning of the season. The players who have joined Norwich this season have all blended well into the team. Of course, Todd, Emi and Max are outstanding also Hanley has been invaluable in defence. Teemu of course, is a priceless Norwich City asset. If I have any concerns it is the giving away of soft goals and the length of time the ball is passed to and fro in our area in front of our goal. My thoughts are that it would be good to see Gibson back (when he is fit) in the defence alongside Hanley and Zimmerman. To help defend set pieces especially. A plea from the heart .. so hoping we do not lose Max or Emi or Todd in the January transfer window.. they bring skill and flare to the team which would so be drastically missed.
Hi Michael
There IS no substitute for being at the match, surrounded by friends close or casual. We all know that and I cannot wait to get back to that scenario.
I’m not sure how much Daniel Farke would fancy a back three from kick off but we’ve played that way late in some games when Sorensen has dropped back so who am I to say it wouldn’t work?
I think we all fervently hope that Max, Emi & Todd will stay. I’m quietly confident but in reality that’s in Stuart Webber’s in-tray not mine.
Thanks a lot
Hi Martin,
Cardiff were fortunate the score line was only 2-0. With a properly rested Pukki it could/should have been at least 5 -0 and the match ball to Teemu.
I was a tad disappointed with the Cardiff that turned up on Saturday with 5 wins in the last 6 games (or something like that) I thought we were in for a real game. However, apart from the 2 Morrison chances (superbly stopped by MMcG) and a couple of really poor hopeful shots from Harry (I know I’m far too good for this team) Wilson that was pretty much it from Cardiff. That boy was kept in his box by Jacob and Max (I think he tried his luck on both wings) and and didn’t show much of note. He was met by a chorus of .’.he’s just too good for you’ after being shown a clean pair of heels by our Emi!! He was really lucky to not see a red card for the late challenge on TC, comparing that with the Sheff. U sending off yesterday he’s even luckier that good old VAR wasn’t watching!
After this game, Reading, and Blackburn I know its still a long way to go, but it feels like we are well on our way….!! OTBC
With whatever Christmas you end up with here’s wishing you and the MFW crew all the very best👍
John
Hi John
I dunno how Teemu could have got the required rest on Saturday, but at least his children will be heirs to joint UK/Finnish passports which ain’t no bad thing just now!
Rarely am I this subjective but Wilson in close-up looked like a baby with a slapped ar$e and even worse played like one. I was NOT impressed.
Yes he switched but got little change on either side as you so rightly say. That late challenge on TC when the Cardiff course had been ran was unforgivable and deserved a Red.
Thanks for the Crimbo wishes and see you again soon.
Cheers
All true, but imagine a keen Harry Wilson in this Norwich team……….
No thanks Stephen. I know he plays a different role but I’d rather stick with Olly Skipp as our loanee – the best since Hucks!
I know there are loan clauses surrounding Quintilla & Gibson but I still class Olly as our only one. Pity we can’t keep him for next season too but I see no way forward with that one. Jose will say no!
No thanks! We’ve got Przemysław Płacheta and Argos!!😉
I gest slightly, he is a player with great potential. I’m sure having a few weeks under the tutelage of our head coach would provide the necessary attitude adjustment needed to fit in with our boys. And DF would definitely improve him as a player so that could be quite a prospect if we lured into the yellow and green camp!!
Cheers
Marty, you’re mixing up the card games, one for his nob is cribbage but going nap is Napoleon. Both regular pub card games back in the day. I played darts and cribbage for the Dun Cow in Oak Street, we used wooden arras’ with a straight start and a double or bull finish, and a peg board was used to keep score with cribbage. Napoleon was gambling not a team game and NAP was normally the highest call but could be over bid by a Napoleon. A vicious game when the the kitty got big. However a good read as ever, maybe we’ll be able to get back to a jar or three in the Ribs next year and I can really bore you and the lads over a hand or two of cards.
Hiya Cutty
Peg board? The Coltishall crowd used matchsticks and as I said I was confused by it all so I’m sure you’re right. I had no idea of the Bonaparte connection.
I would never get involved with spoof or pokey dice – too many bandits about.
I dunno if *games for moderate stakes* would be allowed in the Ribs but if they are I would always go for pontoon. Short & sweet every hand but it’s my favourite.
Cheers pal
As always Martin, that’s very purple prose!
What more can one add, other than given the injuries we’ve had to put up with, and the low confidence we must have begun with…..it’s been a pretty amazing feat.
Saturday was a super performance from everyone; if Teemu hadn’t been so tired he would have had a hat-trick.
As for Emi….I learn that it’s his birthday this Friday the 25th……is it just too much of a coincidence???
Merry Christmas to all Canary fans…what a time to be following this team!!
O T B C
Hi John
Emi’s birthday would appear to be on the same day as my daughter’s. Hmm…
It is indeed a good time to support NCFC but also a strange one, which is why I am appreciating the efforts of Daniel and his squad more and more by the day.
You have a great time too and I’m sure we’ll speak after Watford 🙂
Great piece as always Martin.
I love the cribbage analogy, it brought back great memories of playing for the UEA Staff team.
Though it always made me laugh that some people openly admitted that they thought they were good at it. Not if you have a duff hand your’e not.
And that’s certainly not what Daniel Farke has at the moment. The football to me is getting better. No surprise with all the players now returning. The Stats say we are playing better than the Championship season.
It did make me laugh during the Reading game the commentator and his buddy kept on about Reading’s injuries.
To have Todd and Emi back, really back is fantastic.
I wonder who they really trust more now, their thoroughly honest manager or their over promising, deceitful agents ? I wouldn’t let Emi go for anything less than £50 million.
I think another thing covid has affected and though in the grand scheme of things it is only a small matter, but meeting up with our friends and discussing the team, Delia, formations, our next opponents etc has been greatly missed. It’s just so much more fun with a pint in front of you and great company rather than by text.
I loved telling 2 of the boys one hot summer morning that we had just signed a Scandinavian lad, a bear of a holding midfielder who would add steel to our side called Iorek Byrnison. They were on google in a heartbeat. And yes they did believe me !!!
And at this time of year I think it is time to praise you Martin and all your colleagues here on MYFW for all the great work you have all done to keep so many of us entertained and informed on all things City especially over this terrible year.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.
PS I think President Trump has won The Most Deluded Individual of 2020 hands down.
Hi Tim
I wasn’t too sure about the cribbage theme myself tbh but it really was like a foreign language to me as an initially disinterested observer so when the old lingo kept flying around I was fascinated – these guys knew their stuff, whatever that was.
Like yourself I spent some time at the UEA {History] but we never had a crib team. 6-a-side on the excellent floodlit astro was more appropriate for my generation and if I remember correctly long after I’d left my old Library card was enough to get us a small discount on informal league hire on a Thursday evening.
Todd and Emi seem to be really back as you say. Make the sign of the cross – or the pentangle if you prefer – to ward off agents until February.
*It’s just so much more fun with a pint in front of you and great company rather than by text* Oh yes, that’s so true and with my lifestyle I feel that as much as most.
I’m sure all of us on MFW write because we entertain ourselves by doing so as much as the audience [hopefully] enjoys reading us but thanks for the appreciation.
Who’s this Trump guy?
Cheers
A cracking seasonal read Martin, the article and the 50 odd replies had to be read in stages! All good though.
I attended my second game of the season with family in tow and to a man and woman, we all thoroughly enjoyed the day. The quality of the attacking football and the sheer joy of spending a Saturday in the old place serve to soften the heart of even the most hardened old bugger. Namely myself.
Early fears that farke was going the same way as Neil and worthington appear to be unfounded. The rat-a-tat nature of the positive results stockpiling while the sick room revolving doors rotate furiously is something to behold. Amazing.
Cantwell and Buendia, whose earlier indiscretions were forgotten as they wove their magic appear to have been subjected to some serious man management, for that, farke deserves credit.
McGovern, following a shaky start, has been the ultimate professional. Again, credit.
Add the rejuvenated McLean, superb in midfield to,the mix and, along with the rest of the cast we can have no grumbles.
With the luxury of a nine man bench and a spot of rotation, farke should actually be in a good position to improve output in the coming weeks. I’m sure he values the five substitute rule as it provides a great opportunity for a strong squad such as ours. I for one hope that he uses it ruthlessly and without any cpmpunction.
Buon natale!
Hi Chris
The way you highlight Farke’s man-management skills is something many of us [including me] tend to forget tbh. He’s done remarkably well and apart from an initial comment concerning Todd and Emi early doors he’s done it in a very low-key fashion.
As other folks have said it will be interesting to see how he copes with a full bench of senior professionals, plus a few others who won’t even to be able to make the matchday squad.
I’m quite a McLean fan too – he does an awful lot that is easily overlooked, and could have had a kind of Man Citeh style headed goal on Saturday. If Rangers come a-calling I’m sure we’ll them to go swiv, or something far more polite.
As I said in the original article I’m giving the January window a wide berth over the holiday period – there’s enough trouble around as it is without speculating on speculation!
Thanks for all your comments over the season – have a great holiday.