Private Frazer of Dad’s Army fame [as portrayed by Shakespearian actor John Laurie] had a couple of catchphrases on the memorable TV comedy show, the best known of which was “we’re doomed”.
Frazer’s prophecy never came to pass, but then again he wasn’t, at least to my knowledge, a Norwich City supporter.
Those of a positive disposition might say that we ground out a draw, defying Brighton’s 31 shots with a response of six of our own. We even managed a possession ratio of slightly more than one-third over the 90 plus minutes. Hmm…
Tim Krul won his psychological spot-kick battle with a clearly spooked Neal Maupay and made a terrific reaction save from fellow Dutchman Joel Veltman’s header. Grant Hanley effectively marshalled what was a relatively untried backline. If there are any other positives I can’t find them.
Dean Smith kind of agrees as he said afterwards:
“Off the ball, I thought we showed our spirit and doggedness at times. [Particularly] our captain and goalkeeper who I thought was excellent today”.
Sure Dean, but how about on the ball on the rare occasions we have it, hey?
No way has this current motley crew ever resembled a Premier League outfit. And more importantly, neither Daniel Farke nor Dean Smith have been able to do anything with them except to ensure they turn up for training [except TC] and drop into some local schools on goodwill visits.
But we have no identity anymore.
I cannot see for the life of me what we are trying to do and if we have the same frazzled approach next season we will not be coming back up – it already looks like we can forget about that.
Whether we lump it up to Teemu Pukki from the back or try to stitch some positive forward movement from midfield it just does not work. We don’t even have anybody capable of taking a corner and as for striking a free kick from 25 yards forget it. That ability disappeared when the powers that be decided Mario Vrancic was past his sell-by date.
Will anybody in open play shoot from outside the box? No need to answer that question as we all know nobody will.
This is the most disconnected midfield ‘unit’ I can remember since the days of Roeder and Gunny.
My mailbox pick of the weekend arrived courtesy of MFW posse member Alex Alexander, aka ‘Ed’, who said:
“We are a complete shambles and it gets more embarrassing with each game. I’m almost tempted to put a bet on that we won’t get more than 21 points. No way will Dean Smith get us anywhere near the top six next season”.
On top of that, another mate told me we (apparently) could have attracted Steve Cooper but weren’t interested in paying compensation. He’s not doing too badly at Forest is he, as anybody who saw the Reds demolish Blackpool with flair and ruthlessness in front of goal would agree.
A comment from John F on Gary’s article yesterday is also worthy of repetition for anyone who hasn’t already seen it:
“I’m afraid our owners must be totally deluded if they can’t see that the For Sale board has never been more essential than it is now!”
To cap it all we’ve only got Todd Cantwell and Max Aarons to sell and if we get anything north of £20million for the pair I’ll be surprised. Along with the parachute money, that will disappear into the black hole that is known as self-funding.
Pukki and Krul might decide to move on for a last hurrah and if they do I wouldn’t blame them one iota. But we’re unlikely to get much for either, even if only because of their age.
There are several in this squad I would be delighted to show the door, but who would come in for Pierre Lees-Melou or the failed expensive gambles that were Christos Tzolis and Josh Sargent? I doubt St Mirren would want Kenny McLean, let alone Rangers.
I can’t see Pep and Jurgen fighting over any of them, let’s put it that way.
To me, this season was written off well before Christmas, so I’m not panicking about our inevitable relegation. It is 2022-23 and the seasons thereafter that concern me as we are rudderless and even if Smith and Shakespeare stay they will be given next to no funds to build their own squad in the summer.
If Stuart Webber descends from any given mountain to oversee the process then I can see a disaster, darlings.
Dad’s Army’s Corporal Jones’s catchphrases were “they don’t like it up ’em” and “don’t panic”.
This current squad don’t like it up ’em and those rainy, windswept nights in Stoke, Blackpool and Preston will prove that – as if any further proof were needed.
I’m starting to panic about next season already, which I really shouldn’t be doing in the first week of April.
I feel obliged to leave you with this from Aussie group Midnight Oil. Although written by band leader and political activist Peter Garrett about the plight of the Aborigines towards the end of the last century, it sums up the state of Norwich City Football Club perfectly:
The only saving grace this season is that we have overtaken most of the stats required for the worst Premier League team in history. I think we need 3 more goals to not beat the levels achieved by Derby (2008) and Sheff United (2021) although that is still a worryingly close call.
Along with ‘project restart’ I’ve never seen a Norwich side at this level look so devoid of absolutely everything. Bear in mind I’m including relegated teams with Naismith, Van Wolfswinkel, Charlton, Stuart, Wisdom, Bamford, Milligan, Mulumbu and Jonson to name several, and that gives you an idea how bad this lot are.
Hi Jason
Your second paragraph makes sobering reading – especially when you could easily add the likes of Thomas Helveg, Patrick Roberts and the lad from Spurs who never played a first team game from us during a season-long loan to the list plus many more we’ve both [fortunately] long forgotten!
Cheers
Well Mr P, at least the weather matches my mood regarding my thoughts on our insipid display on Saturday.
I think it was 5 shots at goal and NONE of them on target!!!
Your comment about neither DF or DS being able to get the NCFC players even looking as though they have a glimmer of hope of staying in the PL sums up my thoughts exactly. We all know who is largely responsible for this shambles of a squad and he suddenly seems to have lost his voice, preferring instead to talk endlessly on his attempt at Everest!
Yes, SW repeatedly said 2 seasons ago that he ‘sent DF to war without a gun’, but this season he gave him air guns instead of machine guns.
At the start of the season, whilst I had some optimism about our chances of survival, I was also concerned at the number of new signings and that has proved to be our downfall. I can’t see any of the summer signings being sold for a profit and in any other business SW would have been sacked months ago.
All the incredible work done by DF and his coaches in the 4 or so years that he was at CR has been flushed away and I’ve yet to find anyone who believes that DS is the manager to revive our fortunes.
I’ll end by saying how much I enjoyed watching our Under 23s on Friday night at the Carr’s and they were fired the most part playing ‘Farkeball!’
It was BRILLIANT to watch !! 😃
Hi Ed
It’s a right old mugger’s buddle, it really is.
I guess it’s a but unreasonable to right Smith off until he’s had the chance to build his own squad but like you, folks I speak to have very little expectation of anything good happening any time soon.
Trouble is he won’t get any funds to fashion that squad, although that would be the same for any head coach at NCFC. Stuart Webber wasted what money we did have available in the summer I’m afraid with not a single signing holding his value let alone increasing it – nobody bought in then would sell at a profit now.
It seems like Emi was the only one of so many player gambles to have worked out for Webber – Maddison, Lewis, Godfrey and the Murphy bros. predate his arrival.
Cheers
And on that sale of Cantwell he’s either first to be subbed or warming the bench. Could be some choppy water off the south coast ahead.
He’s making the right noises in the local Bournemouth papers, but it’ll be intriguing to see if they sign him or not if/when they’re promoted.
Brilliantly put as always Martin;
The current group (Hanley and Krul aside) have nothing about them, absolutely nothing.
We took a trip to the Suffolk coast on Saturday afternoon, didn’t listen to the radio, and you know what?? We didn’t miss the “NCFC” updates at all.
After 60 years, I really thought I would miss it, but I don’t, and for me, that’s the hardest part to accept. Only the 4 more home games to put ourselves through!!!
At least Wes kept up his record against the Binners, so we’ll avoid them next season….but unless there is wholesale change at The Carra, the only way we’ll escape the Championship next season will be downwards!
O T B C
Hi John
Yes I agree with all of that.
Wessi hits 40 sometime this year and while I can’t be certain this might well prove to be his last season, but you never know.
I can remember Paul Lambert saying that Wes would still be playing when he was 40 – and he would have said that in around 2010 🙂
Cheers
I have to agree that this season is all over. But I’m not so ready to write off next season just yet. All of the players will find the championship more their level. keep hold of Krul, Hanley, McLean, Pukki and you have a spin of a team that knows how to get out of that division. Add in Gibson, Giannoulis, Byram and Omobamidele (Arrons I would expect to go, but hope not) and we have a good defense to build on.
I agree we lack creativity especially if as expected Todd has played his last game for city. But in the Championship I think Lees-Melou, Dowell, Sorenson, Rupp with Kenny can certainly give it a go.
In attack, will anyone tempt Pukki away? Can DS play to his strengths in a weaker division? But can Idah at this level finally deliver on the promise? these are the big doubts.
But in the championship we have for me enviable options out wide. Rowe looks a prospect even in a struggling PL side, Rashica if he were to stay could be special at that level, even Tzolis and Sargent may be able to thrive at this reduced level. Tzolis if he can only regain his confidence, I’m sure there is a player in there.
Lots of if’s, but’s and maybe’s of course, but I am not going to write off a squad with such qualities before a championship ball has been kicked.
I guess the great unknow is can Deano get a tune out of them? That I can’t answer.
Hi M+o+O
You are absolutely right not to right next season off already for exactly the reasons you reference. I haven’t actually written it off myself either, although I’m fearful for it.
The most pertinent point you make to me concerns Jon Rowe and the return of Andrew Omobamidele. Those young lads should have a very big part to play next season and are certainly the focal point of any hope I can muster.
Cheers
Brilliant song.
The character of Frazer came from the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. My mum also came from Barra and I go there most years. I can assure you that the population of Barra are of a far sunnier disposition than Frazer, and as the overwhelming majority of the islanders are Celtic fans, today will be particularly happy after the Bhoys overcame the forces of darkness yesterday.
The Celtic result, little 1p5wich losing at home to Wessi’s U’s and Norwich getting an away point and a clean sheet should have me in the best of moods. However, City’s performance was so bad that my football related mood is dark. What passes(!) for our midfield is surely the worst the EPL has ever seen. The last two points we have achieved have been because of missed penalties and pretty much any team but Brighton would have scored 4 or 5 on Saturday. Burnley will have no problem beating us on Sunday.
I share your concerns for next season, I have no idea what direction the club even thinks it is moving in.
Hi Don
I had no idea where the characterisation of Frazer came from – thanks for that,
Great result from the Bhoys too – can’t pretend I didn’t enjoy that one. Six points clear and the GD makes it seven so at least we’ll have something to smile about at season’s end.
Many of us have already accepted we won’t get a result against Burnley, which kind of shows where we stand, really.
At least you’ll get my ticket for the increased number of night matches 🙂
Cheers
Moring Mr P. I honestly do not know what to say, I have not witnessed such a shambles (that doesn’t really hit the mark) since 2007 and Roeder era, followed by the Leg End that is Gunn.
I turned to an online dictionary to see if my feelings were correct. Doom & Gloom = a feeling that a situation is very bad and without hope
Despite all the doom and gloom about City, there is one bright spot, this season is nearly over!
When we can have a holiday from the anger and frustration we feel. But wonder how many of us will ? This is our club many of us have invested more into the coffers, than the stowmarket duo have, without the bonus of having that investment paid back in shares.
I could be a lot less angry if this was the first time we have had this bridge before us, but we all know only to bloody well this isn’t. We have come to this point several times in thelast 25 years, looking back nothing has been learned or gained.
Yes we have had some good seasons,all followed by the same mistakes and results. Nothing has been done to keep the better times rolling, it would have been the right time and beneficial to do this when the club was on the up. Instead of progressing and doing nothing. I am not a businessman of any kind, but common sense says growth should never stand still, it needs to added to and nutured.
Where has that happened maybe off the field ? But this is a football club the one area that doesn’t get what it really needs is on the field of play. Are we going to have just the business/offices left ?
This was once a football club
The club boasts about business awards it either wins or nominated for, don’t get me wrong it is good, but not the only thing that is important in this particular situation. It is the playing side that draws and keeps us supporters sitting bums on seats. Not the business expertise. although needed, nor is the cooking demonstrations were plastered around the ground.
This is a football club not for personal advertising and events for a career that is over. My 15yo son said to me on friday when effing shivering watching the U23, Is this a football centre or a chef school?
I replied that has always struck me that this is her main thrust, Delia’s Cookery
Roll on the to end of this debacle, hopefully the embaressment will cease a little out if the glare of the eliteness of the premiership. Well hope is all many of us have regards to the game and the club we love .
Hi Lad
There’s a pub in Tunstead called the Horse & Groom [since renamed] and everybody called it the Doom & Gloom as nobody ever went in there.
*This was once a football club* is just about right and it’s soul destroying to witness the demise – Delia’s a bit like Nero I would suggest.
I’ve heard what I hope is a tongue in cheek rumour that they are subversively planning to sell Carrow Road for yet another Riverside development of Partsmissing shoeboxes and high rises.
Probably nothing in it but I’d believe anything just now.
The cookery-related promos on the NCFC official website are bordering on the nauseating from my point of view, although others might differ of course.
This whole scenario takes me back to the days of *No Reeves, no Fans, no Future* I am afraid. And I don’t see anything improving any time soon.
Cheers
Hi Lad
There is a pub in Tunstead called the Horse & Groom that us locals called the *Doom & Gloom* as nobody seemed to use it.
*This was once a football club* – too right mate.
I find the NCFC Official announcements about Delia’s culinary events quite nauseating myself but I’m sure some folks enjoy them and fair play to them.
Sidelines and moneyspinners are all very well but what should count is what we put on the pitch on a matchday. Delia has no regard for that I am afraid.
Prost!
Morning Martin a shambles indeed worst football I’ve seen since Houghton days but we had better players then just bad set up it’s depressing going to cr at moment just looking forward to couple of beers and a chat that’s it see you Sunday 😀
Hi Kev
Yeah I’ll be there on Sunday – but will the *team*?
Cheers mate
A pertinent musical choice Martin. The time certainly has come.
Having listened to the game and seen the brief “highlights” on Saturday night I was quite surprised to read and hear the sheer volume of criticism and backlash that followed.
It certainly sounded awful, our passing and pressing would struggle to reach Sunday league levels. But that’s nothing new.
After a brief dead cat bounce, Dean Smith appears to have improved us not one iota.
That a football club can progress through a season with such an inadequate playing squad defies belief. It begs the question just exactly what does delia Smith get out of this? It’s putrid and embarrassing.
As I said earlier, the amount of criticism, coming as it did after one of our few positive results this season took me by surprise. Perhaps this proved tge last straw for many.
What next?
Hi Chris
Yes that track seemed apposite – there were a couple of others I thought of too!
What next? is a great question that I for one cannot easily answer.
It could get a bit tasty on Sunday when the inevitable happens. But Delia will shrug it off as she always does so nothing will effectively change.
To me it’s a bit like buying a car on the cheap and failing to maintain the mechanics but now the bodywork has a few scrapes and dents as well.
At least the back seats and mobile bar [think 60s Bentleys] are comfortable and working. At this rate the SatNav will be set for Hartlepool and Walsall. But while there’s drinks in the Directors’ box, godd ole Delia won’t care.
Cheers
What’s with the “warning” messages at the top of this page today? (Or is it just my iPad?). I thought at first it might be related to Martin’s article (and maybe it is!), but that was just his usual despondent self! Cheer up, Martin, even Peaky Blinders had an unexpected ending last night!
I’ve been resigned to relegation for a while now, but to paraphrase another saying, “if relegation is inevitable, lay back and enjoy it”. Next season will be what it will be, and after over 60 years of supporting City, nothing will surprise me – but I’ll still be here.
Hi Jim
There’s always a Hazchem warning on my articles – they can be toxic.
Never seen Peaky Blinders but I know the real life story behind it.
The trouble is that just like you and so VERY many others we’ll all be here.
We can’t appear to live without tis particular addiction unfortunately, which Delia knows full well and trades on.
Cheers
Hi Martin
Sadly I must agree about next season from how we currently look but I do hold out hope that some of the miss firing players that are fully paid up squad members can come good.
Tzolis is 20 and at international level shows what he can do and he looks like he has the build mot to get bullied so a season in the championship could be good for him.
Sargent similar to Tzolis likes a battle so could firm a front pairing with Idah or Pukki.
Placheta we haven’t seen the best of him yet Poland still picks him in their squad so he is another that has promise.
Rashica a little wayward with some if his shooting did well on his international duty so we know he can score just might be the pressure of cities predicament that is getting to him.
Lees-Melou the conundrum in the pack what’s his best position, Farke said when signing him he has a powerful engine and likes to take shot a goal we have seen he can hit the net yet spends more time covering other Midfielders when they go forward so maybe next season he might get more chances.
Sorensen the second conundrum why isn’t he getting game time injuries is one reason but lack of games, played out of position hasn’t helped him settle next season has to be his make or break with city.
Maybe some of our under used loaned out players can come in and impress who ever is in the hot seat and let’s hope that Adams can influence the player recruitment while SW is yodelling sweet nothings in the abominable Snowmans ears.
As for our loaned in players:
Kabak not lived up to expectations due to injuries and illness.
Gilmour sadly not proved the hype that came with him
Normann a confusing one in one press release he says he is gappy to stay and fight the cause but then says it has to be premiership or nothing sadly as we signed him with a long term injury we never got the best out if him early doors and now he is recovering he is taking time to get up to speed.
Williams the best of the 4 but for me would have been more useful as a DM maybe replacing Skipp he has the ability, where ever he lands next should be pleased that city gave him a chance, a move away from OT is looking on the cards if recent comments are to go by.
Hi Alex
We couldn’t afford Brandon Williams even if he might become available but apart from that I largely agree with you about the rest of the bunch – but we surely must question where the heart and fight will come from.
I know Emi wouldn’t stay and Skipp had to go back to Tottenham but in all honesty I’ve seen more fight from a sponge, whether alive or dead, ever since the loss of them – and Tetts too of course.
As for Stuart Webber and the yetis that’s not something I really want to contemplate. Mind you, if the pick of the bunch only requires a few Nepalese rupees a month and has a sherpa for an agent we might get one yet.
Cheers
Hi Martin
Sadly I must agree about next season from how we currently look but I do hold out hope that some of the miss firing players that are fully paid up squad members can come good.
Tzolis is 20 and at international level shows what he can do and he looks like he has the build mot to get bullied so a season in the championship could be good for him.
Sargent similar to Tzolis likes a battle so could firm a front pairing with Idah or Pukki.
Placheta we haven’t seen the best of him yet Poland still picks him in their squad so he is another that has promise.
Rashica a little wayward with some if his shooting did well on his international duty so we know he can score just might be the pressure of cities predicament that is getting to him.
Lees-Melou the conundrum in the pack what’s his best position, Farke said when signing him he has a powerful engine and likes to take shot a goal we have seen he can hit the net yet spends more time covering other Midfielders when they go forward so maybe next season he might get more chances.
Sorensen the second conundrum why isn’t he getting game time injuries is one reason but lack of games, played out of position hasn’t helped him settle next season has to be his make or break with city.
Maybe some of our under used loaned out players can come in and impress who ever is in the hot seat and let’s hope that Adams can influence the player recruitment while SW is yodelling sweet nothings in the abominable Snowmans ears.
As for our loaned in players:
Kabak not lived up to expectations due to injuries and illness.
Gilmour sadly not proved the hype that came with him
Normann a confusing one in one press release he says he is gappy to stay and fight the cause but then says it has to be premiership or nothing sadly as we signed him with a long term injury we never got the best out if him early doors and now he is recovering he is taking time to get up to speed.
Williams the best of the 4 but for me would have been more useful as a DM maybe replacing Skipp he has the ability, where ever he lands next should be pleased that city gave him a chance, a move away from OT is looking on the cards if recent comments are to go by.
That was sort of my point yesterday on Gary’s article then this morning I thought what really is the point in giving Dean Smith any money for players he wants when he clearly doesn’t know how he wants to play . It seems maybe it’s him who doesn’t have an identity .
Sack Stuart Webber and Dean Smith and start a fresh next season but this time focus more on a professional director of football .
Hi Jim
Good point about the *professional* DoF.
I welcomed Webber with open arms and was really impressed with the manner in which he blew a few cobwebs away.
It’s now crystal that the emperor has no clothes and if it were possible I would welcome David McNally back in an instant.
That can never happen for a varity of reasons which is a shame.
Cheers
Why Martin? McNasty I mean.
Hi Dan
Probably because I met him a couple of times and liked the fella!
More than that I think he had less self-interest about him than his successors, but that was based on conversations more than certainty.
All these guys at the top are ambitious but I saw slightly less of the Machiavelli in him than those who followed afterwards.
One of them would put Alistair Campbell to shame 🙂
Cheers
Cheers Martin, but I meant why can he never come back? Like you I think he did a great job
A couple of issues that led to burned bridges I’m afraid.
Dan I’ve just had a thought.
Ask MFW editor Gary to send you my email address, write to me from yours and I’ll explain – but I’m not doing it via a public forum 🙂
Another good article. Pity the local football press are not more outspoken and critical. Do Delia and Michael see these pieces, I wonder? No doubt they ignore all bar the sycophantic comments.
Hi Lionel
The hands of the local Press are tied – I was in that job for a while over 40 years ago and it’s got increasingly worse for them in that respect ever since.
Does Delia take any notice of criticism? I don’t know -can’t know – but I doubt it.
Thank you.
Really good read Martin and I think a very fair appraisal of where NCFC are currently at. For me, the number one concern is the complete lack of identity that the club appears to have at the moment. When SW came in we were told that the model, vision and quest for attractive football would stay regardless of who was the Sporting Director and Head Coach. Effective leadership is about having a clear strategy and vision that people can understand and buy into and I simply don’t see that either on and off the pitch currently. One Head Coach and seemingly the whole stack of cards comes tumbling down. Leadership comes from the top and ultimately whilst our recruitment has not worked, it really comes down to the Board to demonstrate leadership, take responsibility and accountability and COMMUNICATE what they are trying to do.
The Brighton performance at the weekend was for me by far the most sobering and depressing result this season. For all that was said about Brighton’s form on the run up to this game, they were on a completely different level to Norwich in literally every aspect of the game. With a more clinical edge in front of goal they could have easily put five past us. It was a thoroughly depressing reality-check of exactly where we are at.
My overriding feeling is a sense of sadness and despondency because apart from the calamitous Glenn Roeder spell, I can’t think of a time when I have felt more disengaged from the club that I love. I still remember attending my first game at Carrow Road with my dad against Sheffield Wednesday back in 1988 (a 1-1 draw with Trevor Putney scoring) and NCFC have always been such an important part of my life. Having always lived outside of Norfolk, a season ticket has never really been a practical option for me, but I have always held a membership and attended home and away games whenever I could. Unless the powers-that-be actually come out and clearly state what their vision and strategy for the club is then I won’t be renewing my membership or buying the shirt or going to games etc next season. Very sadly, it just feels a waste of my time and money investing in the club when I really don’t know what the club stands for.
Hi Notts
Very well said and I agree with all of it.
When I lived in London I found it easier and cheaper to go to White Hart Lane for my football fix, which is exactly what I did. Occasionally In the late 70s and early 80s I would come up for a game or two every season but that was about it until 1988/9 and I’ve only missed around a dozen home games since then.
It is incredibly difficult when you live miles away – particularly if you’re skint.
These days I generally walk to the ground but even so my enthusiasm levels are rock bottom and I don’t see any upturn onthe horizon.
Thanks for a great comment.
Hi Martin,
I used to live in London when I was growing up so with the exception of the annual pilgrimage to Carrow Road via a trek across London and the lottery of the Liverpool Street to London train route – always a real adventure. Most of my match-days were in the capital – West Ham, Arsenal, Wimbledon and QPR being favourites.
Probably the best memories have to be getting into to watch the 4-2 win at Arsenal, Mike Walker’s first game in charge and of course Mark Robins fabulous debut. Me and my dad arrived at Highbury to find out the game was all-ticket for away fans and ended up in the home end muffling those second half cheers!!
I’ve only had that *in the away end* three times and I can clearly remember every single one of them!
Boro at the old Ayresome Park with workmates from Seal Sands – I knew the drill beforehand but we easily capitulated 2-0 so was very quiet!
The last match at the standing version of the Kop, again with workmates. An absolutely terrific atmosphere I’ll never forget, especially when the Scousers sparked up with *You’re Supposed to let us Win* 🙂
Bradford away in the 90s with John B from work – he shared a box with some of his customer mates and that’s the only time I’ve watched a game from behind glass in my life!
Part 2
We can’t write next season off with the returning
McCallum, Mumba, Adhead, McAlear,Barden, Martin, Denis and Dickson-Peters.
Possibilities
Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Charlton, may not take up the buying options and Aaron gets no offers
Would Krul go back to Holland as a firstchoice or take a backup in the premiership and then he might want another championship medal.
Pukki could be the big miss if he left but he might fancy another season and get closer to the 100 goal mark for city.
Money will determine the out come of next season before a ball is kicked and we have very little of that
I don’t see too much in the returnees and certainly Sinani and Famewo will be snapped up by the Terriers and Addicks respectively.
As for the levels of £££ in the EFL Championship MFW readers can look forward to your take on it during the close season
Funny how Webber is more interested in climbing a mountain than climbing the premier league.Only at little ol Norwich would that happen. He told us of his adventures the other week,not a word about the football though! Does anyone at the club actually care about the state we are in?
Hi TonB
It really seems, just right now, that nobody cares indeed.
Except us poor, benighted supporters, alas and alack for us all .
Cheers
Burnley play Everton in two days and sadly the best possible outcome we can root for is a Burnley win. When you’re 20th and rooting for 19th to ensure survival doesn’t disappear over the horizon, it may be time to panic.
Hi Dave
I began to panic in May 2021. just as I did in May 2019.
We’ve never been able to hack the PL apart from a couple of wonderful seasons under Mike Walker and later on Paul Lambert.
The ownership do NOT want us in the PL whatever they might say.
Cheers
We were pretty lucky to get a point given the volume of shots against us, Martin.
In Brighton’s case, they were playing really well earlier in the season, so its almost as if we’ve done the double by drawing twice against them in this grotty season.
This game, our goal led a charmed life although fair do’s to Messrs Hanley and Krul for playing an inspired match.
I don’t see a philosophy on the pitch from Dean Smith’s custodian-ship now, yet for several games after S&S took over, the team played quite brightly, as if they had a specified target to work towards so where has that inspiration gone?
Where are the basic tenets of football that we all are aware of? 1 – Get the ball out of our box. 2 – Feed the striker. 3 – Possession denies the enemy opportunities while offering us chances.
I think we need to make more use of the youngsters in the team against Burnley, they will offer something different even allowing for Burnley’s penchant for dirty play, also, if Giannoulis plays, we should give Tzolis some games too, see if he can replicate his Greek form.
Giannoulis would probably be quite a good candidate to take corners and free kicks too!
Most probably, whatever our fate is, this game against Burnley will be a season-defining match.
Don’t be scared of putting the ball in Row Z.
Go toe-to-toe with the teams we play.
Feed the striker.
If you can see their goal, hit it.
COYYs !!
Hi Kev
As for inspiration, I think I only really saw that against Southampton and possibly Man U as at least we had a go in both those matches.
The youngsters against Burnley? Jon Rowe I would, anybody else I probably wouldn’t as that might put them off professional football as a career for life.
Burnley know they are going down too which will make them bark, b0ll0ck and bite even harder – not a game for Springett or Kamara imo.
I agree with your basic principles of football 🙂
Cheers
Sorry mate, I don’t fully agree with your synopsis on results and effort.
You appear to have forgotten beating Brentford away, beating Everton at home, and dismantling Watford away..
We went toe-to-toe with Burnley away, and came away with a very good point.
We also did a very good job of beating Wolves at their place in the FA Cup.
There was quite a lot of inspiration on show in those matches.
Cheers,
COYYs !
Fair do’s Kev.
I was only referencing the home games that I actually attended and not the away ones that I didn’t go to as I think you absolutely have to be in the ground to fully pick up on the mood of the players and their level of commitment to the cause.
I’ll admit Everton was an omission. I’m not trying to put a twist on anything anything but they were the worst team I’ve seen at the Carra this season.
Apart from NCFC of course 🙂
There is no there, there. I’m not sure who was playing in midfield on Saturday, the inability to maintain any possession, and what surprised/shocked me was the number of times we lost possession from a throw-in (it was hard enough to get and maintain possession and just giving the ball back on a throw-in?!?)
Next year…with the quality of the top 6 or 7 clubs in the Championship, plus the two who go down with us, the total lack of playing philosophy , and the need for fresh faces I don’t think bouncing back up is on the cards unless there is some significant improvement across the board in many areas of the club. I would be surprised if DS and CS are around at the start of the season -the ‘project’ of keeping NC up or worst case scenario, getting NC back up seems to have come off the rails. A proper ‘poop’ show…
Hi Ennis
A *proper poop show* is so spot on it’s unbelievable.
I’m not too keen on getting behind a *let’s bring Daniel back* campaign* but I can kind of wish him back in my darkest moments.
To be blunt I don’t really care if S&S stay or quit.
Cheers
There is no there, there. I’m not sure who was playing in midfield on Saturday, the inability to maintain any possession, and what surprised/shocked me was the number of times we lost possession from a throw-in (it was hard enough to get and maintain possession and just giving the ball back on a throw-in?!?)
Next year…with the quality of the top 6 or 7 clubs in the Championship, plus the two who go down with us, the total lack of playing philosophy , and the need for fresh faces I don’t think bouncing back up is on the cards unless there is some significant improvement across the board in many areas of the club. I would be surprised if DS and CS are around at the start of the season -the ‘project’ of keeping NC up or worst case scenario, getting NC back up seems to have come off the rails.
Afternoon Martin.
Excellently put. And today is not the first time I have said We’re Doomed” 😂 this season.
So all our fears of last October have finally come true. We are truly, absolutely, awful.
Saturday’s match against Brighton should have been a real rabble rousing last chance saloon effort of a game. Just as it should have been against Brentford and Leeds.
These players are trying as hard as they can, some maybe avoiding the ball ( it looks to me that our midfielders are annoyed by the appearance of a football on the pitch, disturbing their lovely afternoon stroll ) but this is good as they are. They are doing their best. And that’s worrying.
Krul, Hanley and Pukki excepted, this team are nowhere near good enough.
I saw things that our players just cannot do in a EPL match on Saturday. But it wasn’t the silky skills of Liverpool or Manchester City, no it was Brentford for goodness sake..
I think this is the worst Top Flight side we have ever had, even if we do get to that magical 22 points.
If I am honest Martin I do not think Klopp or the great Brian Clough let alone Steve Cooper could turn this debacle around in truth. I feel sorry for Dean Smith, it wouldn’t surprise me that he has some regrets for taking this poison chalice.
Stuart Webber must now publicly accept that these signings last summer have been a total failure and what the club is intending to do in future recruitment windows. There is no magic wand to solve this problem especially while we are self-funded, but there is a responsibility to inform us supporters as to the future.
I am sure that Stuart Webber being the kind of person he is will admit that this has just not worked, and perhaps let the fans now if any lessons can or will be learnt from this experience by the club. No one does this purposely but the comments coming from Delia or Stuart are non existent.
I hate to be so negative but as you say Martin it does look like SW is prioritizing his mountain climbing while Delia continues to sit in Smith Towers with a lovely white cat on her lap thinking of even more things to pi** off us supporters like some kind of Ernst Stavro Blofield character.
We certainly do not have ways of making her talk that’s for sure.
Hi Tim
I suspect that if Delia had a cat it would be black rather than white.
As for Stuart Webber, I can understand why he is really quiet just now. It would take a lot more bottle than I have to come out and say that I’ve stuffed up big style.
He’ll have something to say at some point, but I personally am very likely to ignore the statement when it is delivered from Cairngorm Summit or wherever.
It’s the same as Delia for me , although she’s never said anything of any substance since *set your eggtimer to three and a half minutes* in the early 70s.
In the words of The Who, *Won’t Get Fooled Again*.
Cheers
I listened to radio yesterday and a young lady was extolling the pure joy of supporting Hanwell Town a west London side from the Isthmian league. Her account took me back to my childhood and early teens when I was an avid supporter of another Isthmian league side, home & away in all weathers, never won anything, never promoted, just the odd F A Cup run (or, in them days, F A Amateur Cup), but I loved the club, (still do).
We support our sides through thick and thin. Somehow, this season we’ve had our football loving hearts ripped out, for the first time ever I almost feel embarrassed to mention Norwich City, like many others I’ve disengaged, they say it’s the hope that kills you, but there is no hope, no point.
However, do not fear, NCFC will soon rediscover its identity and we will be on our way again. Let’s not fret about what league and who we’re playing, there’s far more serious things going on to worry.
Hi Colin
I really understand what you’re saying there but my real beef is that we, as in NCFC, could have been a little bit better than we have become with a little more thought and a little less selfishness from certain quarters.
I remember the Isthmian League in the days of Corinthian Casuals and they had one particularly eventful run in the FA Cup – long before I was born I’m afraid!
As a League it’s still very much up and running.
Cheers
Cheers