There’s something very Norwich City about going 20 games without a Premier League win and then when it finally arrives, after immeasurable amounts of heartache, we sack the head coach and his assistants within an hour of the final whistle.
That’s not to say it was the wrong decision but it was certainly brutal in its execution.
It was during the second half when, with City winning, the camera panned to the visitors’ section of the Brentford directors’ box. It was only for a few seconds but enough time to see that most, if not all, of the Board were present and were anything but happy.
On the far corner of the stadium, the travelling Y’Army were noisy, boisterous and readying themselves for a celebration befitting the first win of the season, but among that small group of board members and club officials, there was not even the slightest hint of a smile.
At the front of that group sat Delia and Michael, as stony-faced as I’ve ever seen them. They clearly knew.
I guess the logical thinking behind where and when to pull the trigger was based on the club giving the players the best chance of beating Brentford – ie. a disruption-free week of training at Colney – while also giving the club a two-week window to find and appoint a successor. Logical but still brutal.
From directing and orchestrating the City faithful in the traditional way after a huge win to collecting your P45 in the space of an hour with a massive round of press interviews sandwiched in between.
Stuart Webber, by the sounds of it, came to the conclusion that change was needed after the Leeds defeat and did what sporting directors are paid to do: acted decisively. It’s not something this club has been particularly good at in the past few decades, especially when it involves parting company with someone who is thoroughly decent and who has been responsible for taking this club on an extraordinary journey.
The timing of the trigger action was, however, based purely on what, in Webber’s view, is best for Norwich City. He had to put aside the relationship he had built with Daniel Farke and act accordingly. I’d imagine Delia and Michael would have been devastated at having to sanction such a move.
The hard part of any sacking or dismissal is that at its heart is a human being. And in Daniel Farke we had one of the best. A man who personified calmness and class and who was at the heart of one of the biggest transformations this club has ever undergone.
The journey has been more fun than we could ever have imagined with silverware to boot, and until the last few weeks, the bond between a City manager and the club’s supporters has rarely been stronger.
We loved him for the beautiful, silky football he introduced but also for being different to 95 percent of managers in English football. A manager who trusted brain over brawn, who preferred a pass to a hoof and who understood precisely what Norwich City and its supporters were all about.
And let’s not forget his team – Eddie Riemer, Christopher John and ChrisDomogalla. Again, all thoroughly decent men who bought wholeheartedly into what this club is all about and who all played their part in the successes of the last four-and-a-bit seasons.
In terms of tackling the second tier of English football, they absolutely cracked it. Smashed it out of the park. It may have taken them a season to come to terms with the idiosyncrasies of the Championship but once they had there was no stopping them.
They built two Championship winning teams, both of whom ripped up the division playing some of the best football ever seen in the second tier. For all of the brickbats, jibes and jokes we have endured this season, those two title wins attracted the polar opposite – admiration, compliments and warmth.
Alas, what makes a very good Championship team is very different from what makes even a half-decent Premier League team. And the qualities needed to set a course for promotion are very different from those needed to set a team up for a relegation scrap.
And I believe that, deep down, Daniel understood this.
In his interview on the club’s official channels following the disappointment of Project Restart and the subsequent relegation, he spoke of the difficulty in translating a passing, attacking ethos from second to top tier. He also spoke of how the transition, in the first season at least, was less tricky for teams whose game was based on not conceding – like Sheffield United.
But that was never going to be us. Our new DNA was around passing and attacking. When, in recent weeks, we tried to be more defensive it only served to hinder, almost completely, any attacking impetus. It didn’t work because Daniel didn’t really believe in it and the makeup of his squad was based on the needs of Farkeball.
The fact we were able to out-pass every team in the Championship was what made us so good and so effective. We were the master technicians. But in the Premier League, we were asking our players to do the same against teams with better players, whose technicians were better than our technicians. It didn’t work and despite Daniel tweaking it every which way, it never looked like working.
And within the financial straitjacket he had been placed, Farke was unable to arm his team with enough good technicians who could also withstand the extra physicality needed to compete in the Premier League.
After the Leeds game, he cut a sorrowful figure who, almost for the first time, sounded like he had no answers. He looked broken even though he maintained his usual composure and dignity. Those two qualities never ever wavered.
And I’m glad that his final act as coach of our football club was played out amidst cheers, singing, raucous applause and some thunderous choruses of On the Ball City. I’m happy that will be how he remembers us
For his final memory to have been the sound of Carrow Road echoing with boos, as it did after the Leeds game, would not have been a fitting way to end such a wonderful spell. So maybe, in that respect, we should be thankful for the timing.
Webber may have a name in mind. The much-vaunted succession planning almost demands it, so I suspect the wait for a new face in the City dugout will not be a long one. But that’s for tomorrow.
Today is about remembering one of the most exhilarating spells in the history of Norwich City Football Club and two of the best seasons ever; one of which was sadly witnessed through a TV screen.
He gave us thrills and spills but, most of all, he gave us a football team of which to be proud. All while remaining decent, loyal and kind.
Thank you, Daniel. we’ll not forget you.
Auf wiedersehen my friend.
What a perfect way to sum up the end of a wonderful few years. Thank you Gary.
I’m loath to praise my boss in public but that was brilliantly put, Gary.
Auf wiedersehen from me too Daniel, you entertaining, idiosyncratic and totally lovely guy.
I think your last two sentences sum up the feelings of every NCFC fan wherever they are in the world.
Yes, Df built two teams capable of beating almost any Championship team, but practically every defensive frailty was ruthlessly exposed in the PL and his attempts at implementing different tactics failed miserably.
SW is on record for future-proofing the club and I expect DF’s successor to be announced before we entertain Saints.
DF’ leaves behind some wonderful memories for everyone in the ‘Canary Nation’ and we will always be grateful to him and his backroom staff. 😀
Thank you, Daniel Farke, for two wonderful promotions, and for still trying to play football the “right” way. I’ve enjoyed every minute of the promotion seasons, and some of the Premier League games. I’m really sad it hasn’t worked out for a really decent man, and I wish you all the best for the future.
Nice piece, I’ve seen countless managers come and go in my life and even Martin O’Neils departure didn’t make me feel this sad. My half century of support is broken and I can’t help but point the finger squarely at those in charge. If Webber left Farke without a gun last time he’s hidden all the knives this time. I feel foolish that I bought into the concept of doing things differently when what they really meant was more cheaply.
All except the knife he decided to plunge right between his shoulders!
Danny has given us a roller coaster ride that’s for sure, two brilliant Championship winning seasons and two terrible Prem (well one and a bit) seasons during his tenure. He had to go. I was dreading the remainder of this season but now, hopefully we’ll see what this squad is really capable of? I wish him well but most importantly I wish the Club well in selecting a new manager, and may the new man be lucky as well as skilful.
A good and honest man who gave us some great moments. Thank you Daniel.
I called for Mr Webber to pull the trigger after the Leeds match and so he has as any good DoF would have done. So onto the next chapter and the next coach needs to instill a pragmatic view to premier league survival. It’s certainly going to feel strange without all the Germans.
For the last two games my son (5) asked me “is our boss never happy”. I’m hoping, despite the disappointment of being let go, that Daniel is now happier with the pressure removed from him. I’m certain he’ll walk into a top tier European club in good time.
I enjoyed Daniel’s football and for the most part I enjoyed the man. He frustrated me with his late subs, ability to fall out with players, and sometimes defeatist attitude.
Still, I don’t believe he was ever given the tools to succeed at this level. Webber’s signings don’t look the quality that we paid for them and we’re always hamstrung by our financials. So I believe he did his best with the cards he was dealt.
I wish him all the best, but I hope we never have to play against him.
They need experience for the next 2-3 years. There is NOTHING at U23 level,
Hanley, McLean and Pukki are gone this summer unless they are inspired to stay, Krul is 33. All MFW enthusiasts know where this season leads.
It is realistic to think that at the start of next season, Gibson and PLM will be the only senior pros contracted to the club,
Aarons and Todd will go for pennies to the pound, Andy O the only likely big transfer fee.
There is an eclectic mix in the squad who are all fresh signings on longer contracts than those that were already here, most foreigners whom will be uninspired so far this season….. and possibly looking for an exit plan already.
Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Norwegian, Turkish, Kosovan…. All in the starting 11. Our squad is made up, in the majority, of new signings expecting Premier League and probably apprehensive of their unfolding social lives in Little Old Norfolk.
All these new signings are expecting continental coaching methods and detailing commensurate with a Premier League team, which is what they joined in the summer.
I expect the reality is not matching their expectations, which will be very significant looking forward.
If SW adds an inexperienced coach and hopes for chemistry with that group coupled with the few seniors ready for their final career moves, Hanley, McLean, Krul and Pukki, who probably likely want to move on in the summer….. finally mixed with no academy potential this time around…. 😬
But we highlighted this sequence 2 years ago would come about this season so it shouldn’t be a surprise.
So for me, they need to go with a known character who will encourage rebuilding a backbone as a priority because that, triage wise, is going to be the most pressing issue in the next 6 months. We can’t start next season with peripheral players before we know the spine, and any managerial appointment needs to know these details before they even apply….. which really limits the field of applicants.
Lastly, this team is really lacking in many fundamental aspects in the starting 11, so a new appointment needs to inspire potential transfers in January too.
Would CW work with SW? I don’t know…. Strangers things have happened, could I see him working with Neil Adams though, emphatically yes.
Despite the win yesterday we are closer to being a Forest or Sheff Wed than a Brighton or Burnley, both of whom put pragmatic British managers into their teams and both of whom have kept their teams promoted…… there is a lesson in there somewhere.
This is excellent. You are so right about the U23 squad, with nothing there that could replace the many senior places that will soon be vacant. The players need to take their share of the blame though. It has been a shambles from many of them also this season. Some, as we know, have been on a sulk. They would rather diminish themselves than stand up. This is a last roll of the dice from Webber.
sorry you should change you handle to Know it all midfielder if you are so knowledgeable put your name forward for the job.
As a keyboard warrior we can all sprout out what went wrong but none of us are in a position to change things and a continuous barrage of how you would set up a team isn’t interesting reading anymore.
Sorry that you feel that way Alex. I’ll always respect the contributors on MFW whether I agree or not. But my nature is to call a spade a spade and not to tiptoe or drip feed negative comments over a prolonged period. My feelings and writing reflect diligent, obsessive watching of every single thing associated with NCFC and a consequence is that I’ll sadly divide opinion as is clear from all the comments I debate with other fans on here,
I am happy with my opinion. We are on a knife edge and there are those that pussy foot around it, those rhat sit on a fence. Those oblivious to it, those that don’t care, those that are right and those that are wrong.
I would rather upset you, respectfully, if it means other fans have a think about what my waffles are based upon. Gary, Martin, they’ve all eluded t0 a minefield next season if this goes tits up, it isn’t just me.
Why rail Road other peoples articles …. why take people’s in another direction? This was about a manager getting Dismissed not about his style of play or what system he used.
I don’t think anybody could have put it better than that, Gary, so I’m not even going to try.
Same here.
Absolutely beautifully written, Gary. The away supporters were loud and proud yesterday and it was a fitting farewell, even though we didn’t have a clue what was about to happen.
We’ll said Gary, I will miss Daniel’s intelligence and honesty in an industry that’s short of both.
Hi Gary, I agree with most of your piece but surprised you made no mention of the impact that DF had on our young players. He was never afraid to trust in our young players, I’ll never forget when Max Aarons got his debut at Portman Road. Let’s hope the new man continues this trend.
Very good point, Mark. An omission on my part. His ability and willingness to play and nurture young players was one of his great strengths. Cheers.
Great piece Gary. As your article and all comments so far have said, a thoroughly decent and dignified man who I’m sure will be given a new opportunity with another club very soon.
I feel desperately sorry for Daniel. A decent bloke and a brilliant coach in the second tier. Unfortunately I don’t think he ever had a chance in the Premier League as he never had the players capable of delivering consistently at that level.
I understand what Webber has done and the timing but I think he needs to look at himself. He has assembled the squad and the managerial staff/ coaches.
I wanted him gone after the mauling at Chelsea but am surprised it happened after a win!.Apparently the decision was decided on thursday by Webber,suppose he didnt expect a win yesterday,which made it a bit embarrassing. Am sure Farke will get a top job soon but he had to go in the end.
Gary
Fabulous writing. Daniel Farke has departed before it all became toxic and hideous. I am glad of that. It may yet be a very different story for Stuart Webber.
He who never makes a mistake, never does anything. Daniel made a few and he would be the first to acknowledge that.
He put together a team that played the best football I’ve ever seen from Norwich City . It didn’t work in the PL , so time to move on .
But let’s not diminish the work of a great man . I will miss him and wish him all the very best for the future.
Thankyou Daniel
Gary,
Another superb article mixing the qualities of the man with his skills as a coach. He was part of a team that shared the same philosophy and approach to the game and the team (owners through to young players given their chance) created the most exciting football I have seen from a set of Norwich players.
It will be interesting to see if Farke’s departure marks the end of that period or a transition.
Mention is made by other contributors to the role Farke played in developing youngsters and I can’t help but wonder if two of our younger players who can’t get game time, indirectly contributed to the decision to sack him. I also agree with the comments that player acquisition had more of an eye to bouncing back than staying in the Premier League. We do not have the money to buy proven Premier League players which puts a lot of pressure on to the coach to turn them into that. It takes time which Premier League managers rarely get.
I also wonder if Webber has paved the way for his own departure at the end of the season. So many unknown and imponderables.
Mention is made as well of the practical approach of clubs like Burnley. My final wonder is whether we would prefer that practicality to the flowing football we have enjoyed in the last few years.
I echo all the compliments awarded to Farke for the quality and class of the man and the joy he has brought all of us and wish him well for the future.
And thanks again Gary.
Hi Gary
An excellent read this sad unexpected morning.
Some pundits have jumped on this by saying that Webber had made up his mind prior to his last interview and that Farke and his team were made aware that no matter the result yesterdays game would be his last in charge.
Others picked up on his last pre-matched interview with ref to the coach driver hopefully they are wrong and it came out of the blue but we will never know.
Many will say and I agree that now more than ever the club is in need of major changes starting at the very top and we know that isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
The list of potential replacements has started but I think that the individual has already been interviewed and just waiting for the flack to subside and it will be announced will it be a firefighter to try and keep us up or someone that could build a side for next season but if that is the case haven’t we just dismissed that man
I believe that media pressure was reason to that decision. In premier league, managers looks to be getting sacked all the time. This idiotic culture has been coming to english football too.
Very difficult to understand decision especially after season first win, when finally also something started to click. Farke has proved this season that he is better manager than many thought, he has changed tactical systems and that is todays football.
Brentford likely would had deserved a draw, their problem is that they are missing their scoring chances no matter how close they are. Krul gifted once again goal, but surely saved 1 too. Normann have taken leader role, it fits perfectly to him. His goal was partly goalkeeper goal, but most important is that he used same way as Buendia Pukkis run and that run took 1 defender away and gave more space to him to try instead of passing trying to shoot. It was right decision. Second goal he passed nicely. Teemu is brilliant penalty taker. All his higher pressure penalties have resulted goal (premier league and Finland qualification games). Teemu has revealed that he felt mental pressure in penalty against Liechtenstein. Basically it tells everything. Brandon Williams played especially well too.
Norwich foreign players surely would like next manager to be foreigner too. Newcastles decision was laughable as they are trying to get towards absolute top. Foreign manager is must not only tactically, but to have realistic chance to attract foreign players.
Hi 1×2. I think Newcastle will attract foreign players, simply because they will have the money to pay the wages (though whether they will be able to do it within fair play rules we’ll have to wait and see).
Hi Jim, Newcastle should get top class players to be able to challenge Premier league top clubs. Covid surely gives more chances, outside britain attendances have been less than half they were before covid so there is plenty of economical problems going on. Interesting to see, it would not be any surprise if Howe would get sacked even Newcastle avoid relegation. Top players in Europe have high salaries, it sounds strange if money would be only or clearly main factor.
It certainly looks as though that initial selection (no recognised left back) and the last half hour against Leeds – no reaction at all to going behind for a second time – were the final nails in the coffin.
Whilst I think it is probably a decision that had to be taken, I do think Farke has been very unlucky. Upgrading half the team in one summer, even if funds are available, is a tough ask. Integrating new players gets even tougher when you have 2 international breaks early in the season, one immediately after the transfer window closes. And on top of that he was trying to build a side in between playing 5 of the first 6 games against top sides – but not including the current basket-case team from Old Trafford.
For this club to progress any manager must surely have the ability to over-achieve with the budgets he’s given. Think back to Ramsey and Robson down the road, Ferguson at Aberdeen, Walker with us come to that. I cannot see how the supposedly odds-on favourite, Mr Lampard, fits that bill.
Yes the news last night must admit shocked me after getting our first win I was quite content that evening . Yes it is sad but underneath the emotion I think the right decision based on his prem record , Is it his fault we will find out later .
Moving forward its exciting times again lets hope .
Gary, a fine piece and a fitting tribute to a thoroughly nice human being. Football is one area where sentimentality cuts very little slack and as such it feels like an “everything comes to an end” kind of moment. Daniel Farke gave us supporters some great memories and he deserves to leave with our thanks and best wishes for his future wherever it takes him.
So for now it’s on to the next chapter and to welcome whoever takes up the reins in an attempt to retain our PL status. I just hope he has as much yellow blood as his predecessor.
Thank you Daniel and team.
I wanted change, but thought that after a mini shoot of revival may have bought another of games . Could have waited until they were home in Colney or Carrow Rd. The fans on a high at 5pm and perhaps on a major low just over 2 hours later, while traveling home no doubt. Timing is everything . but not last night.
What can you say about the last 4 and bit years that hasn’t been said or does not feel adequate enough. He changed football in our team, he was honest, open friendly a total class act. His down fall not being able to change the style of being too easy to play against.
Thank You Mr Farke, some of the best football I have seen in my 60 years (yes 10 when I first went to Carrow) You gave us all hope of being a good prem team. In my view you were on a loser, the trouble still remains in charge at the club.
The players careers you have launched will be forever in your debt that also includes those who you showed the tmost faith in the reignite their careers.
Thank You seems inadequate . but someone has bloody big shoes to fill. perhaps your old coach at Dortmund may be given a go Lucien Favre
Gaz, hope you’re OK buddy?
We got him from day 1 season one – was full of the leftover dross of others; failing players over the hill and who thought they were bigger than the club.
Then that goal at 1p5wich – Leitner – 1-1. The belief was there and how we enjoyed the journey – Millwall, Forest, that free-kick v Sheffield Weds, Emi’s flick in mid-air v Hull, Manchester City, the drama of pens at Spurs, last season from our armchairs.
Then the gods dealt a good man an impossible start, and VAR (let’s not go there).
In the end, he had to go but Daniel, thank you for the joy you gave us for just over 4 seasons. Us who believed will never forget.!!
Cheers Thommo – great comment
Well you got what you wanted just as we were getting somewhere. I think all the momentum will now be lost after we were buzzing from the Bees result. I was there in West London and supporters were ecstatic at being able to show their faces and colours in public again. I cannot emphasise enough what criminally bad timing given that we had 20 losses or draws since February 2010 to sack the manager in more favourable circumstances! Two more weeks is all we would have to have waited if we wanted the axe to fall – I now expect 2 weeks of speculation and rudderless drift as we career to our next defeat. They should have rescinded the decision – no one would have complained if he was sacked after the next defeat – it would have been applauded – but this seems crazy.
Congratulations on a beautifully written obituary for the Farke era. I have been one calling for this change for a few weeks but I feel sad rather than elated today. There will always be that “if only” when looking back if only Daniel could have mastered the ability to use substitutes to change a game etc. Etc.
Thank you Gary you have put this situation into perspective- a sad but inevitable course of events.
Hi Gary, thanks for a great read this bitter-sweet weekend!
Daniel Farke has been a great manager for us, such a phoenix for the club, it is hard to see him go.
I feel Farke has a massive future, I’m sure he’ll get a chance to further develop his skills – Farkeball will be coming soon at another club, and I wish him all the success in the world.
A fabulous win for us at Brentford, the players all looked ‘up’ for the game, two great goals, as our friend 1X2 says Pukki is a great penalty-taker – and Normann’s goal was a delight to watch!
This is the first time I’ve looked forward to an international break assuming we have a manager in place quite soon – my personal choice right now would be Nuno, he did it at Wolves, was briefly unlucky at Spurs. I think the players we have would ‘buy in’ to his methodology quite quickly.
If it were Nuno we have to move quickly, as Villa have apparently just sacked Smith.
Cheers all!
COYY !!
Apparently the reason for the timing was as you have suggested but it does look strange in the circumstances. One downside with self funding is that there is no room for sentiment, I believe the phrase used has been “every pound is a prisoner” and that means tough decisions have to be made and ultimately correct decisions have to be made. In reality the decisions after the Chelsea match had to be; “is the squad strong enough?” “did we give an adequate budget to build a squad?” “is the manager/coach getting enough from the squad?” As soon as those in charge of those first two questions decided that the answers were yes then it meant that the blame would be passed down to Farke. It will take a while before we know whether this is entirely fair but it probably isn’t entirely unfair. If I was to pick on a couple of recent issues with Farke, the first would be the comments made about Cantwell after the Bournemouth match last season. The second would be his statement that we are not here to develop youngsters for other clubs. That might be correct but is it how Webber would see things? Does he feel that he needs to work with the managers of the big 6? On the whole Farke will go down as one of the most successful coaches that we have had. One interesting point to note was that Farke is only the second manager to take us to the top flight twice. The first was Ken Brown who was sacked 34 years ago to the day. Brown’s last match saw a white flag protest from supporters whereas Farke’s goodbye was far more fitting with the sheer joy in the away end being some of the most incredible that I have witnessed and I’m glad that he had such a good final memory of the fans. By the way does anyone agree that Lees-Melou had his best performance in a Norwich shirt yesterday? He looked the part, at least in the first half
If they sacked him last week fine or in two weeks but we didn’t even have time to have a couple of pints and enjoy it. The relief at getting a victory was etched on everyone’s faces and then do that to the fans, manager and players. Even Sunday morning would have been better. Totally criminal timing.
And I bet no one will be laughing if he turns up at Ipswich and recruits all our (good) ex-Farkeball merchants.
Hopefully he has more respect for the supporters – unlike Mr Lambert.
Why should Farke show any loyalty to us after what we have just done?
Oh, and one final thought. As Daniel explained it could easily have been 3-1, and then possibly 4 or 5-1. Away from home. Are you all seriously saying that if Pukki had got the third and then really turned the Bees over (again) that a sacking that evening was the best way forward.? I am utterly appalled what have you become? Daniel stuck by us on multiple occasions with numerous offers – some reward for loyalty.
This is a poor decision and very unfair on one of our best ever managers. There are many spurious statistics in football but one that rings true every year is that if you draw up a table of the top spenders in terms of wages and fees and then compare it with the actual table the correlation is remarkable year after year.
Given this fact DF was on a hiding to nothing and it is highly unlikely that whoever comes in will keep us up with squad. I hate to state the obvious but no matter what we do 3 teams will get relegated this year – do we seriously think there are three worse teams than us in this league?
Therefore we are left with coming up again next year and we have just sacked the man who has got us promoted as champions twice playing great football.
A really poor decision and a shameful way to treat a loyal, thoughtful and thoroughly decent servant of our club.
I tend to agree. Fact is the recruitment team should have been first out of the door.
Normann apart they dealt Daniel an awful set of new players. Completely wasted Emi transfer funds.
Never has so much been wasted on so many!
Quantity of quality seem to be their aim this last window.
Half the number of new players therefore the same money spent on a higher quality players. But as we know the obsession is get young players in, hopefully to sell for millions ASAP. No thoughts on getting in players ready for the rigours of the PL now. Most of those bought in the last window, if sold, will show us making a loss on them.
The recruitment has been appalling. But DF clearly didn’t pass on a defined template about how he wanted to tackle the season either, because nobody matches up to any obvious plan
Have we just passed on 1 of the best developers of young talent of his generation? In deference to Webber? I suspect we may have done. Summer 2021 was definitive, it would seem, regards this outcome: who we signed/when they arrived as well as who we sold. Has Webber created the mess and now compounded it? We are about to find out. Sorry, but I couldnt give a toss about the Premiership. That league has wrecked football UK – wide & will continue to do so.
Sad day, a true City great.
Lovely piece Gary.
Thank you for a balanced and realistic assessment of City under Daniel Farke. Unlike most of our previous managers, he leaves with most supporters having a sense of regret and gratitude. A gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Let us hope Webber can lead us to the appointment of a worthy successor.
Saturday demonstrated that City can compete against the less good teams in the premier league.. A fitting conclusion to the Farke era.
OTBC
Fantastic piece 👏 summed up exactly what we all felt for this wonderful man, always be a legend at our club and a canary 💛💚😍