Yes, I did it again – as in I left at halftime for the second time this season, on this occasion against West Ham. Apportion blame in my direction and even shame me dear reader if you choose, because that is your prerogative.
But in no way was I alone. Many people did the same as me as we collectively couldn’t bear to watch any more.
There was no serious anger or vitriol on the way out beyond a general sense of disgruntlement. Collectively we were weary, tired and fed up to the point whereby a serious clean of the kitchen sink was more appealing than watching the second half of Norwich City versus West Ham United.
On my self-ordained early release for good behaviour, I took a slightly different route on the way home that took me past the Directors Entrance. Some of the NCFC staff had quite rightly taken the opportunity to emerge for a half-time cigarette, which as a regular smoker myself I heartily concur with.
Shame about us in the stands, we’re not allowed out to do the same. Workers’ privilege I guess and why not make the most of it?
But what surprised me is that these good folks who were enjoying a minor but doubtless necessary hit from a B&H or a GV rolly-roll were cackling with laughter and looked like they were having a high old time.
Just for the sheer heck of it, I photographed them enjoying themselves. They could be heard from the other side of the road.
We were 3-0 down before half time and these folks all appeared not to have a single concern amongst them. Sure you don’t have to support the club in order to work for it but a couple of folks around me became a little irate about their behaviour, as in: “why should we care when you don’t”.
You know the kind of issue I’m referring to, I’m sure.
Two heavy private security types hopped out of shot as I took my pictures but nobody else gave a monkey’s about me and my phone except the police officer next to me on my side of the road who said: “You won’t get a picture of Messi here” which I must admit made me laugh. Policemen with a sense of humour are increasingly rare so please appreciate them if you meet one.
The Club were not expecting any protests at halftime and got that one right as there weren’t any – just a bit of hang-dog attitude from those of us who witnessed what we had seen on the pitch really.
My purpose in harping on about this is because normally I wouldn’t have seen this but when I did I was very much less than impressed by the demeanour of what I can only loosely describe as some NCFC “office staff”.
They ostensibly could not have cared less about our predicament, which in itself is dire. I was shocked at what I observed and for a 64-year old who’s had the odd petrol bomb chucked at him that’s quite something and I really didn’t appreciate what I observed on Sunday afternoon from the all-too visible “staff”.
There’s a deep desire from all of us to get behind the Club and support Norwich in a heartfelt bid to get us back to the Premier League.
It’s by no means our divine right to be there but we must give it the most serious shot we can next season.
With no disrespect to either of these teas and I seriously mean that, it’s quite possible that we could be replaced by either Luton Town or Huddersfield Town next season.
Personally, my money’s on Forest if they get past Sheffield United in the play-offs and I hope they do because I’ve got a lot of time for the guys in Garibaldi red.
Somebody should have a serious word with some of the NCFC admin foot soldiers, methinks.
***
One thing I will definitely miss next season is EFL on Quest. The franchise has gone somewhere else, although just now I cannot recall who is picking up the tab for 2022-23.
Being an old git with a couple of dogs I am kind of early to bed and early to rise, so to watch the repeat of Colin Murray’s programme at 10am every Sunday has been an absolute delight for me. Jobi MacAnuff, Clinton Morrison, Sam Parkin, Dean Ashton and the rest of the crew were terrific to see on a totally unbiased – in every sense – programme that I have thoroughly enjoyed watching over the past few years.
After the Sunday morning repeat of Match of the Day with Captain Smug it really tended to cheer me up.
Alas and alack:
Morning Martin. We left early too but I live in Derby so was a lovely 45 mins to endure having set off at 8am, drove over 2 and a half hours to witness a totally inept first have showing, drive back 2 and a half hours having spent the best part of £200 on tickets, fuel and food & drink…..Least I got home an hour earlier which was some comfort I suppose…..
Hi Mark
I used to go to Alfreton for work every now and then so I know what a pig of a drive your journey must have been.
The cost isn’t prohibitive yet for most of us but it’s becoming that way – it’s not going to get any cheaper and that’s for sure.
At least I could walk home so I didn’t have to endure the full force of your futile day – it hasn’t been fun all season.
Cheers
Mark
That much money for a performance like that is a disgrace. Performances this season have made a mockery of the fans and their loyalty.
At least you got to enjoy the Norfolk sunshine.
Jamie
Hi Jamie
Yes at least the weather was indeed kind. Heavy rain might have been more apt in this case I would imagine.
Pathetic fallacy and all that Uni stuff.
Cheers
I know how you feel Martin. The wife and I lasted until the seventy fifth minute and as we left I wondered why I’d renewed my season ticket as afternoons at Carrow Road are now joyless occasions and I can’t see things getting any better next year.
We are now witnessing the sad decline of our club due to the fact the owner cannot afford to operate it in the higher divisions of professional football.
In truth the last few years have been due to a great deal of luck. Who had heard of Alex Neil or Daniel Farke? Who would believe that between them they would achieve three promotions to the premiership.
Unfortunately due to our owners financial short comings all has been wasted and the big gamble of finding a Maddison each year has definitely hit the buffers last summer.
The question now is can Delia afford to pump upwards of £5M into the club each year as was the case with Marcus Evans just to keep it ticking over?
I’m afraid Delia the time has finally arrived to put the for sale sign up while you still have a degree of control over the situation.
*Good* morning John
I very much doubt Delia will be putting anything into the Club on a personal level as everything she originally invested has been repaid.
With or without interest I don’t know.
After Mick Dennis’s excellent article [from the other side of my fence] produced well over 100 comments last week I’m personally going to avoid writing anything about the ownership for now.
But watch this MFW space during the close season 🙂
Cheers
Hi Martin, great read – I lasted until the 50th minute before heading back west to Nottingham. I did seriously think about heading for the exit door as the half time whistle blew but managed to get 5 mins into the second half before thinking that my mental health comes first and trudging along the A47 through the Fens would be more fun.
What is clear is that whilst we all want the best for our club, I don’t think I have ever known a time when supporters have been at such odds about how this should be achieved. Ok so we have been through the whole ‘relegation at the first attempt’ numerous times before and we are all aware of the various views over club ownership, finances and transfer successes all of which are very relevant. But in my humble opinion, the main issue which has polarised views and made this season that much more painful is the ‘missed year’ due to Covid where as fans we weren’t really able to engage in the successes last season. It’s effectively meant two seasons of back-to-back misery watching us be out performed and out competed by pretty much everybody. More than anything the fans need something to cheer about!
Hi Jon
Yes I know your journey well too as my company bought much of the Boots complex in Beeston and it’s not an easy one. I hate the A17 with a vengeance!
We are a fractious group of supporters, particularly when things are not going well.
I didn’t find last season too bad as I had the gift of iFollow but I would agree that with *us lot* actively behind them that squad could have achieved even more.
Tbh, right now i don’t see much joy forthcoming next season.
Cheers
I wonder if one of those you photographed was the female employee who took my phone call when I rang to cancel my 2 season tickets recently?
Having expressed my sadness in doing so after 20+ years (and a lifelong fan) and explained that it was the club’s apparent lack of ambition which grieved me so, this wholly unsympathetic person just replied ‘Oh yeah’?
I subsequently received an email from someone who signed himself/herself/itself as ‘Ticket’, acknowledging my decision.
Sadly, I think the club is currently just like a fish of out water – rotting from top to bottom.
Shocking response from the club Bertie
And unlikely to improve.
Hi Bertie
That was a comment from the heart and thank you for it.
As for the circs of the picture the young lady on the left with either a sheaf of papers or a clipboard was certainly on the loud side of quiet.
I wouldn’t have thought any of them were ticket office staff though.
Cheers
Had much the same response a couple of years ago was told on the phone someone will take your ticket .. no thanks – no asking why – nothing . I felt like saying eff you then after 50+ years . Bollards to them
It’s about time the penny dropped for NC fans. I cringed with fear last season when we got promoted – another season of humiliation at the top table would be inevitable with The Smiffs at the helm. Another stream of ‘self-financing’ lies would justify our complete ineptitude in running a football club other than as a social facility and pension plan for Del, Mike and cronies. All football teams are self financing – and the owners in most cases make a very handsome return from their initial investment – that’s why Ted Boehly has just invested over £4 Billion buying Chelsea. The rich don’t buy football clubs to run at a loss, they buy them to make money – fact. Our Delia has, for many years, similarly made great profits out of NCFC. That’s why she’s shooed away many suitors over the years. Loyal fans pay extortionate amounts to watch an underachieving football club lurch aimlessly between the divisions. Luck gets us promotion and the ‘self-financing’ model is blamed when things go wrong. All because Delia refuses to sell up which stops us moving in the circles that our Fine City deserves. For the future of this club, please sell up, Delia. Come and watch your beloved Norwich play from the stands; buy a season ticket like the rest of us; and stop treating us as gullible fools paying into your ample pension pot.
And if you think we’ll bounce straight back up next season, having pocketed the para payments and cut the wage bill in half, think again. Each relegation we get worse: the spine of the team gets weaker and older, and the fans get more hacked off. My money’s on an Old Farm Derby in 23/24 season – and it won’t be in the Championship!
Delia was a Bluenose maybe she hankers for those Derby Days to return so she can watch her team in blue
Quite right but we’re not supposed to mention it 🙂
Hi OY
I agree with you at almost every turn and nobody wants to see the back of Delia more than I do but I’ll mention this in the sake of fairness,
Financially I don’t think she does take much for herself. What she needs as her lifeblood is the kudos of owning a football club without which her defunct career would have descended into everlasting nothingness.
Those post-match [and indeed pre-match] drinks in the boardroom are probably what drives her on to continue in her own stubborn way. Throw in a bit of politics and religion along the way and you’d be forgiven for thinking that, at least in her own mind, she knows best.
I certainly don’t expect us to be promoted next season.
Thanks – good post.
We endured the full 90+ Martin, but why anyone bothered after 30 I do wonder.
Every week we just seem to get worse and worse which means we may not have hit the bottom yet.
I’m not sure that Dean Smith is any upgrade whatsoever on Farke. His selections continue to baffle me, although some Danish guy came in yesterday, and was no worse than any of our “regular” starters. If we were rolling the dice at half-time, and given that he had had the odd 10 or 20 minutes here and there, why was Springett given the nod ahead of Jon Rowe? What sort of message does that give to Rowe, and indeed, where were our Greek internationals?
What’s really frustrating is that the guys on the pitch appear to have the same responsibility as those you saw at half time. Does no one there realise that if we finish above Watford, it’s an extra £2 – £4 million we can waste on unknowns for next season?
Only one more humiliation at home to go; I wonder what Kane and Son will do to us in a couple of weeks?
Oh; and finally for you, next season the EFL is on ITV. I think the plan is that Saturday evenings’ programme will be on ITV4, with the Sunday repeat on ITV1.
O T B C
Hi John
Did you glue yourself to your seat or something? There’s no way I could have sat through a second 45 minutes of what I was unfortunate enough to witness!
As for Dimi I’d guess he’ll be off. I’d have put a request in weeks ago if I were him.
Tzolis? Probably flogged off in the summer for maybe 33% of what we paid for him.
Thanks for the info on the EFL TV situation and I hope ITV find a way to keep Colin Murray and his team, but they’ll probably want to put their own version together.
Cheers
Come on guys pull yourselves together. These are hard times indeed for our football team but they are our team and they need us now more than ever.
If the fans want Delia and co out then it’s time they did something about it. Protesting loudly every week will make life very uncomfortable for her but it needs coordinated action not sulks.
As for next year I would like to see a complete rebuild of the team removing Webber and his purchases from the scene to start a rebuilding process which will take some effort but could work if started now. Keep the Webber dross and we go nowhere.
These are indeed humiliating times but together we could turn the ship around.
Hi Cyprus
*Doctor I feel like a pair of curtains*, I said.
*Pull yourself together man* he replied.
But it’s not like that at NCFC I’m afraid.
You’re spot on regarding the *Webber dross* but there is none as blind as those who will not see so what in heaven’s name can we effectively do about it?
By no means all, but many football clubs have people at the top who understand the basic principles of football.
We are not blessed in that respect with Delia & MWJ in situ.
Cheers
Manged 85 martin mainly prolonged by arrival of Mr springett who whipped in more crosses than placenta had all season in a matter of minutes looked very promising .don’t worry only one to go see it changed to 40clock now see you there 🤣
Morning Kev
I hope *placenta* was a typo 🙂
Yeah I’ll be there like the mad eejit that I am.
See you then!
Its very difficult to get motivation especially right after relegation. Your club owners and stuff knows and believes that you are happy next season when level drops significantly and Norwich starts winning games again. If you get promoted back to premier league, then you start dreaming again and have high hopes of premier league success. It will not happen, you are in the circle which premier league made. If I would be a fan, I think I would not want to see promotion again next season. You already know how is it. I would like to see a squad which is made of local Norwich area players.
First time at least this season I see Teemu Pukki smiling happily and waving to fans before the game starts. He played bad game and even went to Callum Wilson level in 1 vs 1 situation and just shot headless shot. Before that he dived and because referee didnt give him free kick he made nonsense foul which actually should have been yellow card. Fenerbahce is now linked with him, It has massive fan base, they can offer champions league football or at least european cup football and realistic chance to win turkish league. Can they cover his wage demand is question. There is several clubs after him, Fenerbahce is realistic transfer just like Celta.
Hi 1×2
The only prominent local player we have in the squad is Todd Cantwell, and he appears to have let both NCFC and himself down big time.
There are a few local lads in the under 23s of course but our catchment area is nothing compared to London, Manchester or Birmingham. We are not a big City at all.
As you and I always agree I would be surprised if Teemu is still at Norwich City come the end of the summer transfer window.
Kiitos
Wow, that looks some party, I suppose if you smoke, you have to enjoy what little is left of your life. Better than stalking and abusing players though. How can anybody smile with what is going on in the world?” The whole thing’s wrong,I don’t know why, You have to laugh. Or else you’d cry”
Hi Gil
Of course it wasn’t any kind of party but it did kind of grate to listen to them more than actually watching them if you know what I mean.
If you’re referring to the Brandon Williams incident it was truly disgusting on any level and the perps should be dealt with, but we all know they won’t be.
Cheers
How anyone could sit there for the full ninety minutes watching that shambles in a dire atmosphere is beyond me,i wasnt there but had the misfortune of finding a stream to watch it.,No passion,no fight,no anything.Something is seriously wrong at the club that even the players dont give a s##t,If the board and happy clappers cant see that then god help us!I suppose the owners know they only have one more home game to take some stick from,then a summer break and it will all blow over.While all the season tickets get sold they wont give a damn about a few protesters.
Hi Tonyb
I’m too old to protest now but I was pretty active during *Chase Out*.
Had I realised what was incoming I might not have made so much effort.
A coat of sugar hides many unpalatable things.
Cheers
Depressing times Martin and those of us who love the club are hurting. I am no Delia apologist, but the comment, ‘Our Delia has, for many years, similarly made great profits out of NCFC. ‘ has to be challenged. Delia Smith could be said to be a lot of things: naive, obstinate, nepotistic, blinkered etc but she is not at Norwich for the money. She genuinely believes in what she is doing and the approach she is taking. She and her husband have not enriched themselves, and to suggest otherwise dilutes any genuine points critics might make about the direction the club is taking.
Hi Andy
I’ve not got a clue where your quote comes from but as I said above I believe Delia is in this not for the money but her ego.
As much as I wish she’d immediately take a slow boat to China any type of financial impropriety is an accusation I would never level against her.
Apart from her bar tab, of course 🙂
Cheers
The only way that Delia and her husband could take money out of the Club is through dividends from her shares and there have been none. As a retired accountant I study the annual accounts with interest and am certain there has been no other flow of cash in her direction.
However what has happened over the years is that the value of her shareholding has increased dramatically. It’s difficult to put a value on the Club as much of its real estate is included at cost rather than current value but any sale of her shareholding would realise a significant profit which would be taxable. It’s fair to say that she has built up a significant pension pot,although it is higher in the Premier League than the Championship.
As I mentioned when commenting on Mick Dennis’ article recently I think self funding shouldn’t mean just relying on player sales to supplement supporters contributions such as ticket sales. merchandise, food and drink in the ground etc. While I recognising that Delia’s well deserved reputation in catering generates some income to the Club I invited any of her advocates to justify why she didn’t contribute more to the self funding concept. Up to now no one has taken up that offer.
Hi Barry
I have never been one to suggest that Deila is ripping us off in financial terms, although occasionally other folks get a bit carried away and say I’m wrong.
I’m no accountant but I understand the basic principles of the profession – I have to say that as my son is part qualified!
To my financially ignorant eyes Delia takes very little out but equally puts a big, fat zilch in. I wouldn’t expect to hear from her inner circle soon if I were you.
Thanks for an interesting comment.
Hi Martin
As you know I am of similar view as yourself on the ownership of our club but can we do anything to change that no so will be suffering way into old age and being closer to 72 than 71 I get told I am past my sell by date.
I watched the full game via a streaming service and was baffled by the selection.
why use Sorensen as a midfielder when you needed strengthen in defence
Byram is a good defender as a full back but never a CB
Gilmour was as much use as chocolate fireguard
Gibson looks like he has no future unless he can prove to DS that he can play championship football next season so will we cut our loses but who will be interested maybe Hartlepool.
To thoughts came to mind after this game
1 Does our current team management give a toss and are ready to walk
2 is our current team management trying to tell his bosses he needs a complete rebuild so find the money.
Mick alluded to how much our so called owners were the rich boys on the block when they got their hands on the club but we stagnated for a few years till the Worthington promotion and glorified in that success but since that and other promotions nothing has changed in their out look and that sadly has crept into the fabric of the club a complete lack of respect from the top down and no patience further paying customer.
I see Williams has blotted his copy book on Twitter not sure why but is the one finger salute to the club, supporters or something else.
Police videod the after game protests no disturbance so I read a bit heavy handed or is it so the club can ban them for life now that would be breaking news
I disagree on Ben Gibson. Whilst yes, he’s out of Dean Smith’s plans, he’s still been part of 2 EPL promotion-winning squads and there’s surely some interest in him.
No doubt we’ll make a loss on him though.
I’m with you on Gibson. He will perform in the Championship.
Hi Alex
The trouble here as I see it is that we’re just a complete mess both on and off the pitch – I have no idea if it’s true or not but a friend told me Stuart Webber wasn’t even at the game.
The PR operation is rank and that is driven from the top.as It has to be. But after 20 years in that industry it’s impossible for me not to notice the constant failures, which have escalated to an ever increasing degree this season.
And if the PR is pathetic what does that say about the club?
Cheers
Got to half time and “virtually” walked out.
It was Mother’s Day here and felt it was better for everyone to stop watching before I got too angry and ruined the day.
Fingers crossed for a better performance against Leicester.
Hi Dave
You Stateside guys have to do everything same as but different!
Leicester will probably rip us apart.
Cheers
Interesting to read what you witnessed regarding staff having a laugh, let’s assume they hate football but were employed because they desperately needed a zero hour contract job paying minimum wage, in which case I’m pleased they’re allowed a fag break.
Not for the first time I witnessed the shockingly poor treatment of bar staff at the weekend by what I can only assume was management, just shocking it really was. I probed further to find staff working 7-8 hour shifts without being allowed any break whatsoever, the mantra seems to be “Delia does not allow club lounge, bar and restaurant staff to have breaks”. It is a problem that’s been bubbling for sometime and is far from their only gripe it seems.
Now, that’s little to do with football but made me wonder what sort of mentality is being encouraged within the club because it seems to me it’s turned toxic. I no longer wish to appear compliant so won’t renew.
Seemingly we have an unhappy football club from top to bottom. How proud we all felt just a very short time ago. Max, Marco, Mario, Emi, Teemu, Onel, Oli, Ben, Alex, Tim, Ivo, Jamal, Jordan, Christoph, Grant, etc, all players we got behind who gave their all for our beloved club, May 2022 WGAF?
As far as I know all employees are entitled to a 20 minute break on a 8 hour shift Colin.
Another example of dreadful behaviour by Delia.
I truly am shocked.
I worked for a while as a chef and the entire brigade knew there were times during prep when we could escape for a fag and even a sneaky can if we fancied one – but times have changed since.
During service you forgot you smoked and did the job. It could be quite fraught as our Alex B would be happy to confirm I am sure.
An eight-hour shift without a break is indeed illegal and shame on Delia if this is true.
Tony our head Chef always insisted that 10am was tea break time, He would say no job was important enough to have a 10min break,
Once it was service time all hand to the pump and anyone caught slacking would soon be told
He even allowed 11am to 11-20am as alp staff to pop over to the Mariners pub f9r a pre service pint the pub was at the back of the Star Hotel great times
🙂 🙂 🙂
Hi Colin
Yes, like you, I know what it’s like for concourse staff at Carrow Road. Rumour has it that one or two chefs get a bit of respect but that’s where the respect ends.
I never use the UB bars but I feel really sorry for the poor souls who work them.
Should Health & Safety ever enter the bar/toilet area in D block on a matchday it would be closed down immediately. Too many people, too little space for them.
Too much risk for the kids and infirm.. And I’m no shrinking violet, believe me.
Cheers
Ah it’s not all doom and gloom though is it , we got one point more than the last attempt and still 3 games left to improve even more.
What’s that nurse, time for my medication .
Hi Bernie
I recommend mandrax.
Cheers
Martin all I can say and you know this from old is instead of leaving early leave at the end and go to the directors corner and protest because nothing is gonna change unless we get more and more people protesting make them see and feel the anger at what is going on it’s time for chase out 2 lol .
A mantra from the Delia happy clappers brigade say becareful what you ask for I’m not sure the majority of true city supporters wished or asked for the last 25yrs of rubbish.
They roll out the other that they save the club which they didn’t Geoffrey Watling did.
Absolutely.
Sir Geoffrey Watling effecively saved us but many younger folks don’t even realise that which is a great shame.
Hi Jim
I gave a lot to *Chase Out* but I’m too old to physically repeat the process.
Leave it to the youngsters to see through the Smiths – they’re starting to!
Cheers
I am notoriously terrible with money. It goes through my hands like water. I have given this plenty of thought, but I can’t remember spending £48 in a worse way than buying a ticket for Norwich v West Ham
Hi Don
£48 would have bought me many bottles of cider, 40 fags and a decent takeaway from the Kam Lee on the roundabout so I know exactly where you’re coming from.
I’m just waiting for the right time to use *Clampdown* as a musical sign-off 🙂
Cheers
Perhaps we’ll have a blue and brown change kit!
Could be – you grow up and you calm down after all 🙂
Marty, only two away games to ignore and one home game to endure. If you leave at half-time again that‘s just 45 mins and you will avoid the lap of shame. Maybe D&S are experimenting with what will be available next season and they are not as hopeless as it seems at the mo. Vanilla fans rated them.
Hi Cutty
Yes, S&S were highly rated by Villa fans but I doubt they had restrictions put on them in quite this draconian way.
Lap of shame?
Surely they wouldn’t have the sheer cheek to even attempt it.
Cheers
The thing that concerns me the most is that hardly anyone seems to care. We gifted them at least a couple of goals yesterday, which was met with a near shrug of the shoulders from most in the ground. Some are content with us as a club, but I’m in a second camp whereby I think what we are seeing on the pitch is utterly unacceptable (bordering on a disgrace), but I don’t quite know what to do about it. In the short term, I will probably skip the Spurs game. From my viewpoint there seems to be a complete acceptance of failure and mediocrity at this level verging on apathy. I know the finances are an issue, and some fans have gripes with VAR, the league etc, but there needs to be drive to at least compete. We just don’t. For me, the majority shareholders and BOD show no desire to stay in the Premier League but ironically use the TV money to prop up the ‘model’ Nothing will ever change under this ownership and worryingly the sellable assets are drying up, which again as a selling club, could see us fail to even compete in the second tier. Please Delia and Michael, listen to outside investment.
Hello, another Chris?
I’ve got a cousin called Chris if that helps 🙂
There is simply no consequence for failure within our club.
Webber has shown he can do what he like, perform how he likes, act how he likes. Managers are backed long past their ability to secure a win. Players continue to get picked despite howlers, or are shunted off on loan, only for us to recruit another batch of failures. Delia and Michael offer nothing. There’s no corporate governance. We bring in celebrities and Politians onto the board instead of footballing experience. No one speaks to the press unless contractually forced to.
Yet somehow this shambles of a setup still receives support from swathes of the fan base.
Hi Dave
Spot on.
I really, really don’t understand why many people continue to back the Smiths – poor old Deano has been shouldered with all press duties right now, Webber has refused to speak with Archant and it’s all going belly up.
It’s nice for me to realise that I can be polite when I try 🙂
Cheers
Hi Chris2
Nothing to disagree with there so I won’t.
The trouble with the current ownership, in my mind, is that they are too dyed in the wool to ever change their attitude and absolutely nobody will convince them otherwise.
Or, more succinctly, while they are in situ we are stuffed.
Cheers
Oh dear Martin definitely shades of Project Crapstart.
Where do we start ? Well I suppose not all NCFC employees are actual supporters but standing outside the directors entrance laughing and joking when we are 3-0 down is just unacceptable. It reminds me of the scene in Naked Gun 2 when Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley come out of a cinema laughing hysterically and then you see they had just watched “Platoon”
Perhaps not quite so bad.
Then it seems some bar staff are not being allowed a 20 minute break during their shifts, possibly against employment law.
Then Brandon Williams instagram post with his middle finger directed at Norwich City fans. Now in fairness if some “fans” really did follow him home, then I suppose had I felt threatened then I may have done the same. It still doesn’t look good though.
But on the pitch, to me it seemed like the EPL had banned any team in yellow and green from tackling on Sunday. It was absolutely awful.
I thought Sam Byram’s interview was telling “all players should give their all for NCFC whatever their contractual situation” perhaps not verbatim but close enough. Was he unhappy with some of his team mates efforts ? I very much think so.
Chris Goreham made another excellent point after the game ( sorry rout ) he quoted Dean Smith saying he took off Rashica and Lees-Melou because we need more character and athleticism on the pitch, as Chris pointed our Pierre and Milot were bought in the summer for these very reasons. Or so we were told.
The sad truth is there were 5-6, maybe more, players on that pitch on Sunday knowing that they will not be here next season, and that is why I wanted no loan players on the pitch.
I had some enthusiasm for next season after the Burnley and United games but it has been hit hard by recent performances. Will we now lose Teemu and Grant ? And that will be pretty much promotion gone for next season.
I can see why supporters want someone to blame and with the powers-that-be being quieter than Sooty it seems Dean Smith is now getting it in the neck. Now in my opinion a dream team of Klopp and Pep wouldn’t get much more out of these players in the present circumstances. If any.
Dean has produced forward looking and exciting teams at Walsall, Brentford and Villa he must be given time to put his stamp on the squad. Is there another Daniel Farke out there ? Maybe but I wouldn’t count on it. Paul Warne maybe a possible but it is a big step up with all due respect to Rotherham.
The truth of the matter is when things are all decided at the end of the season teams do ease off Fulham for instance losing
4-0 at Sheffield United and Southampton already on the beach among other. The worst Manchester United team since 1973. Or us at home to Watford last season, I could go on.
I agree with so much Alex B writes, especially on where I think the problems lie and that is with the ownership and finances. And the two go hand in hand. I said the other day that some EPL clubs shop in Harrods others in Tesco or Sainsburys and poor old Stuart Webber in Lidl, after Sunday I think it is Netto or Happy Bl**dy Shopper.
But I don’t agree when Alex said the last 25 years have been all bad, the Culverhouse/Lambert era, Nigel’s team with Hucks, Alex Neil at Wembley and all the super football played by Daniel Farke’s teams. But he has a point because nearly all of that has been in the Championship, so there is a case to be made for that belief.
Finally I was asked yesterday who is second top scorer at Carrow Road in the last 2 EPL seasons after Teemu ? Kenny I thought …. no, Todd ? again no… it is Michael Antonio🤬 jeez that says it all.
I think you maybe leaving at 3.30pm on 22nd May Martin😂
Sorry my post above ended up in the wrong place. (Old age)
It was a general comment not a reply to John’s post.
None of us are getting any younger – even the young ones 🙂
Hi Tim
I always enjoy reading and replying to all the comments because it shows how much we care for our Club, which looks like becoming a train wreck yet again.
You make many good points as always – maybe you should contact MFW editor Gary and provide us with a guest blog during the close season.
It’s a painless process I can assure you!
Cheers
Hi Tim
My ref to 25yrs was really ment but poorly explained.
Worthington, Alex Neil, Lambert and Daniel Farke all had short term success but the club never once built on that.
Every time we are prompted instead of getting investment in to take the club forward or build on the team that’s got us up we rip it apart and start again.
Vrancic is better than Gilmour at a free kick, Steiperman better than McLean or Rupp.
Maybe my brain is addled by to much Fundador 🤣🤣🤣🤣 but it is really a change we need, will they decide to go or will a mob drive them out only time will tell
It made me think Alex, and I can see your reasoning.
I suppose I have become accustomed to Championship success and Premier League failure.
I have loved the great Championship promotion campaigns, even the League One season but it has to be said staying up in the EPL only one season out of five promotions in the last 20 years is poor by any reckoning.
There is definitely a case for your assertion that the last 25 years has been a failure.
And I think you are right at the moment Vrancic is better than Gilmour, Hernandez better than Tzolis and Skipp/Tettey better than The Invisible Man !
I think Brentford’s success this years has proven it can be done.
Excellent comparison with Brentford, Tim.
I think Delia’s taken the *Fun* from Fundador for most of us 🙁
Should we make a move for Paul Worne, at least we’d know he cared and he’d create a do or die mentality among the squad and restore some pride?
Yes I’d love Warney here. he’s a great bloke and I’m surprised we didn’t make a move for him when Daniel was scapegoated.
Yesterday was painful – thought about leaving when VAR saw something 25000 others didn’t and gave West Ham another really soft pen.
Yes, we were a not very good looking Sunday division 4 team after a good night out. It was a total shambles – mistake after mistake – I’d been ashamed of 30 years ago at my level
Do I bother with Spurs or enjoy a Sunday in the sunshine!?
Football is on the back-burner now until next season. Time to reflect I guess on what’s been a awful 9 months, spoilt by many things inside and more so outside the game we used to love!
Hi Thomo!
Yes that’s just how I feel too.
If we didn’t train on a Tuesday without a valid *working away* excuse we wouldn’t be in the team for Sunday and that was in the bl00dy Harlow Sunday League.
Sure I’ll go to the Spurs game but h0w long I’ll stay will be up to me.
Could get my hat-trick of halftime departures I s’pose.
Cheers
Hi Martin, wanted to leave it a day or two as still simmering, I follow my team home and away and will be at Leicester on Wednesday night but have decided to send my tickets for Wolves game back to sender. I am angry with that display on Sunday and I’m convinced when you left at half time you probably burned up more calories than 7 or 8 players did during the ninety minutes of the game on your walk home ! It was unacceptable, disgusting and embarrassing , there was no positives in that game for the fans, the players seemed not to care, there was no passion, no fight , very little effort, no marking, no tackling and no respect to the paying fans some I believe paid about £47 for a ticket. We used to be a caring club who acknowledged the time, effort and money fans spent following their team. I take it Micheal, Delia and Mr Webber thought that performance was acceptable as we haven’t heard anything from them ? I urge the fans to get behind Dean Smith as he has had to deal with the awful recruitment by the club in the summer and no money to spend in January. If rumour is true I believe Mr Webber did not address what Daniel Farke identified what we needed to have a chance of staying up. I am sure Dean Smith has the credentials to take us back whether next year or year after but please let him have the say on who he wants to do the job as for the players who don’t care or don’t want to be here please show them where the exit door is and make sure they close the door behind them..
Hi Martin
It’s really a mess, isn’t it?
Much depends on exactly what Dean Smith is allowed to do in the summer but if we bring in half a dozen cheap recruits for the under 23s that will be game over for me.
The problem as I see it is that we will never sign a seasoned professional with Webber at the helm as in *no potential profit, no sign*.
The Championship is a tough environment and we don’t have the players who can get us out of it within the current squad.
I’d love to be a fly on the wall when Webber talks to Smith. The latter might choose to walk if he ends up with a clutch of unproven kids.
Cheers
Can you imagine what Tottenham is going to be like Marty 😱😱😱
It is time you home and away supporters had your voices heard. As you say totally unacceptable.
As I said to you today it actually feels like Stuart and Delia are angry with US the supporters …. almost a “Let them eat cake” attitude.
Incredible really, in what other business and would you get served up dross like that and then you the customer gets made to feels like it is all your fault ?
Hi Tim
Yes, I can imagine exactly what Tottenham is going to be like.
There is an attitudinal resemblence between Delia Smith and Marie Antoinette that isn’t as superficial as it might seem at first glance 🙂
Brilliant Martin, that gave me a really good much needed laugh 🤣🤣🤣
60s/70s cult band Curved Air [as in Back Street Luv] had a single out called Marie Antoinette – needless to say it flopped!
Could be gallows humour from the folk smoking outside. Reckon the staffing budget will be heartily reduced next season…
Hi Trunchy
Yes it could have been black humour, but unfortunately it wasn’t.
If the staff don’t give a rat’s chuff, why should we, the customers?
Trouble is there’s too many at NCFC that don’t care – and it shows on and off the pitch.
Cheers