Friday night’s official Carrow Road attendance was promptly announced as 26,218 and by every account I’ve heard, the occasion was very much enjoyed by one and all.
Yellows supporters enjoyed the sight of their team getting the ball forward a little earlier than of late, Max Aarons rediscovered his ability to cross the halfway line and there was a kind of low-level feelgood factor inside the ground which had been absent for such a long, long time.
Given a fair wind and a more, erm, aware referee than David Webb we might even be sitting in fourth place this morning but so tight is the table we are seventh – albeit that Burnley and Sheffield United have bolted and are surely in the top two to stay and we are only three points ahead of QPR in 13th.
Interim bosses Alan Russell and Steve Weaver have made all the right noises and certainly have reintroduced some confidence into our shrinking violets from what we saw the other night.
It’s too early to tell but there seems to be a groundswell of opinion that Russell and Weaver might be worth a punt between now and the end of the season, not least here on MFW where Steve Cook and Gary G [together with many of you lovely readers] have raised no objection to this at the first opportunity, and I’d like to add my name to the list herewith.
We won’t spend Jack in January, the playoffs would now be a bit of a bonus, and Russell and Weaver have shown more personality in 48 hours than those who shall not be named exhibited in over 12 months.
Give ’em a go, says I. Particularly when I see the links to people such as Scott Parker, David Wagner, and that retired Swiss furniture maker who coaches Old Boys of Bern every other Tuesday morning and also sells programmes in French, German and Italian at the Wankdorf Stadium*** every matchday.
Is my real reason for taking this stance Bruceophobia?
While suffering from this nasty condition in a very severe manner, I honestly wouldn’t mind giving Allan and Steve a chance. I’m kind of channeling Dave Stringer and Mike Walker here rather than Gunny Snr or Peter Grant, of course.
It was great to hear heartfelt tributes to Pele from both Alan Russell and Royals’ manager Paul Ince. Russell said he was lucky enough to spend a whole day with the great man and said: “Most people who are real legends are kind and humble. He [Pele] definitely was.”
Ince added: “When I think of Pele I think of Gordon Banks and that header. It is the most iconic moment in football.”
Christoph Zimmermann was also warmly welcomed back to Carrow Road. Wish I’d been there Zimbo, you were bleedin’ marvellous for us!
So there are lots of reasons to be cheerful – over to MFW regular Don Harold for his thoughts from the Upper Barclay:
“Everything felt better last night. On the way to the ground, everyone was upbeat and looking forward to the match, which was the opposite of how it had been for quite some time.
“The attacking team picked by the previously anonymous coaches suggested different things were going to happen, but the first-minute opening up of the midfield culminating in Grant Hanley fouling on the edge of the box gave me a familiar feeling of pessimism.
“However, we were more attacking and at least we gave the ball away in their half rather than the edge of our penalty area [Ha! – Martin].
“The second half was good, sometimes very good. We always looked to get forward and dominated throughout. Adam Idah scored a cracker and we looked as though the long-awaited home win would come. However, something clumsy happened too far away for me to see [a refereeing error with Kieran Dowell the unfortunate victim – Martin] and Andy Carroll scored the penalty to give Reading a draw.
“Everything was better. The crowd were buoyant throughout [kudos to the drummer) and the players played with more confidence than they had for a while. However, the fact that Angus was kept quite busy suggests there is a long road ahead.”
Being NCFC there has to be a little sting in the tale, in this case these somewhat hypocritical musings in Zoe Webber’s programme notes:
“Their [Russell and Weaver’s] goal will be to unite the fanbase and give the team a vital lift in the remaining months of the season.
“We believe that this can be done.
“With your total support, we are convinced that our objectives can still be achieved this season.
“We have a passionate and loyal fanbase, and we want to reward this by asserting ourselves and dominating matches, particularly at Carrow Road.”
If that’s an olive branch, you can bet the folding in Mark Attanasio’s moneyclip that it’s thickly coated in birdlime.
I will leave you good MFW readers and writers with my best wishes to one and all for a Happy New Year. We need one.
I shall also leave you with a word conundrum.
I don’t use an ad blocker and have been followed everywhere for the last six weeks by enticements to sample Delia’s Canary Catering.
One of the headline catchphrases used repeatedly is:
Book a 3-course meal at Delia’s. Fine dining at the heart of Norwich City Football Club.
Does this refer to the physical location of Delia’s Bar and Restaurant or does it describe the raison d’etre of Norwich City Football Club for at least one prominent individual for more than 20 years?
*** Don’t even think of complaining to the management about profanity – Young Boys of Bern really do play at a stadium of that name.
Happy new year Martin.
How much thinking did it take Webber to come up with David Wagner about as much as Dean Smith I say 🙈🙈.
Hi Jim
Yes I referenced Wagner before he had gone to the *top of the charts*.
Uninspiring or what?
Cheers
Morning MrP and very happy new year for us all lays ahead. Re the stalking by the Cooks adverts. Delete the history and cookies in your settings of the browser. May help , the buggars using trackers , nippy little things they get past the defences bit like Kenny Foggo once use to.
I am all up for our two stand in’s to take us to end of the season, it will lessen the need to spend any monies on Compensation. but it looks like Webber will renew his working relationship with Wagner, who has not really lit any fireworks since departing our shores. Another cheap available option.
If lightening strikes twice we could do well, but I would prefer to stay as we are with who we have got, and take some space and time to sort the next coach out. But that might stop the training for the mountains. which we all know is vital for him, as he was prepared to walk away his his employ. looking back if it wasn,t for two old dears not wanting to deal with day today running, he would have gone. The place might have been a tad better off. who knows.
That quote comes from Mrs Webber, a sudden turn round of views, as the saying goes the proof of the pudding etc .
Hi Lad
It’s not just the Cook – I also get ads from people I’ve bought from that I like to see, but heavy metal merch outlets like hmi.com and otherwise the Nike Store are useful!
Age does seem to be a factor in Delia chucking everything – and I mean everything – at the Webbers to deal with. Tom Smith isn’t ostensibly doing very much anyway, not that we’d know under the news blackout of course.
The idea of hiring somebody just because they are available really doesn’t much appeal to me I’m afraid.
Dean Smith anybody?
Cheers
Looks like its Wagner coming in to replace Smudger,wonder if Webber really had a list of replacement’s or has taken the easy route again.Could be worse i suppose,alot worse,given the names on the bookies list! Happy new year.
Hi Tony
Yes, it could be worse than Wagner. Of course it could.
Probably a bit too lacking in the *young and hungry* category for my liking though.
Cheers
Happy New Year Martin and all MFW contributors.
New coach hopefully announced very soon. David Wagner seems to be a far better choice than some of the dinosaurs and pundits mates mentioned in the betting stakes. If he can replicate some of the football played by Huddersfield in their promotion season that will do for me. I can’t change what the club hierarchy does or doesn’t do. So give me a style of football I can enjoy, talk to us once in a while Stuart and Delia and we can have a better end to a horrible season. Will we go up. Probably not. It’s not the end of the world.
Hi Andy
*Will we go up? Probably not. It’s not the end of the world.*
I tend to agree with you there and from what I remember Wagner did try to play some decent stuff with what he had at his disposal, so that at least would be a decent fit.
While the status quo remains with the hierarchy I find it very difficult to muster much enthusiasm any which way but I agree that we could do a lot worse.
Cheers
With Wagner we might get the Ride of the Valkyrie.
And the less said about his Ring Cycle the better.
Happy New Year to you and all MFW readers and writers.
I saw Ian Dury on the Stiff Records Tour in 1977 or 78 at the UEA. As well as playing his own set, he played drums for Wreckless Eric. Brilliant gig, Elvis Costello was superb.
I wonder if Watford will have a new manager before us.
Hi Don
Watford being Watford all bets are off on that one!
One of the news reporters on the Harlow Gazette was Brendan Munro and he was a cousin [or even familial brother, can’t remember] of Norman and Garth Watt-Roy who I met a few times.
Nice folks, all three of them. I never met Ian Dury.
Here’s hoping I don’t have to use *What a Waste* at season’s end.
Cheers
Friday night, the choice between a convivial you’re getting Brucie as a manager from the usual suspects in the local or watch the Reading game .
Tonight’s the night I do different, sloped off to the pub with 2/3 chi’s and missed the first half. Returned to see Pukkis class headed pass and Idah score..
The second half performance was , I thought bitty, but at that fork in the road we looked to have turned towards a brighter future.
I’m not going to comment on the ref except that radio Berkshires football summariser for the night ,Ady Williams,( ex pro Wales international) who said ‘ we got away with one there. There was more contact on Pukki than there was on Guinness – Walker for our penalty. But we’ll take it.
Hi Bernie
That’s one of the perils of the local when you’re out on the weekend, is that.
Hopefully the Brucie banter didn’t become too severe. It really is time that guy didn’t just give up but also make a public declaration of retirement so football supporters everywhere could sleep a little easier at night.
Cheers
Hi Martin
A happy new year to you and all that use this site.
Wagner I suppose as Canarylad say better than some on the bookies list but will it be The Ride of the Valkeries or more like a re-run of his time at Shalka04 and Young Boys both big flops 40 games at both with nothing to show for it, the big question is with Brexit and his recent history would he get a work permit ??
Delia will be jumping for glee no compo to pay just a signing on fee, if this appointment happen I think it should be put into the same box with Smith, Wilder, Big Sam and Brucie as a pension builder for old friends with no ambition or future planning.
Scott Parker goes to Brugge so unemployed to Belgium Champions and last 16 of the Champions League so he has got a great start for 2023.
Russel and Weaver will have another audition tomorrow V Watford to show what they can do unless Wagner is in the Stadium or the Club makes an early announcement.
Webber just might be nervous of taking on this appointment and hopefully has second or even third thoughts or could it be just media or agent talk time will tell.
Godfrey got lots of praise for his Everton role yesterday in handling Haarland one headline called him the Ex Norwich hard man good to see he is slowly getting back from his injuries.
Spurs today V Villa 2pm on sky should be entertaining just hope Martinellie leaves his Gloves on his hands.
David Moyes walking on thin Ice and Smith has been mentioned as a replacement he could get confused as the strip is similar to his Villa’s
Last thought I just wonder if Mark-A has any input or say in what’s happening all quiet from Milwaukee
Marty, may the new year bring you good news on the health front and many reasons to be cheerful. As to City I‘m not Inspired by the so called favourites and I‘m more inclined towards seeing what our in-House duo can achieve, I guess the next couple of games will decide the matter.
Hi Cutty
When it comes to Russell and Weaver I like the cut of their jib – and think of the money Delia could save!
Two weeks off now – apart from Blackburn in the Cup for what that’s worth.
Cheers
Happy new year Martin and a happy carrow Rd Friday like a big lead balloon had been lifted . If memory serves me right many norwich fans wanted wagner here before an unknown farke came in so a little bit surprised at the negativity towards him at the mo I know it’s not worked at last club for him farke was on way out until the ipshite equaliser and remember lambert done Jack shte since he left us but wagner did turn a poor Huddersfield side into something decent so open minded to him coming if that’s the case . Predicting 10 win tomorrow.
Hi Kev
I guess you point out one of the best things about Wagner in that the got a lot out of seemingly a little at Huddersfield.
My negativity comes mainly from the fact that people are usually out of work for a reason, but we can’t afford compensation so I guess what will be will be.
Watford have quite a few injuries, so let’s hope it’s not an ACN moment!
Cheers
Just a note to wish you Martin and the rest of the MFW writers a Happy New Year and thank you all for keeping me in touch with all things yellow in deepest Dorset.
I can’t help thinking though that without Webber and Webber things will improve!
Hi Dorset
I bet there are some compensations to living in your neck of the woods – the parts I’ve been to are beautiful, but beware – if you lend Harry Redknapp a cup of sugar you might never see it back!
Cheers
Hi Alex
*Webber just might be nervous of taking on this appointment*.
I doubt it.
He possesses the dubious gifts of absolute authority and elephant hide which together form an unholy alliance as in he genuinely seems to believe he can do no wrong.
I sometimes wonder if the Attanasio stake is high enough for him to be allowed to speak without permission, although optimistically I cannot imagine a guy like that being told what to think by the likes of Delia and Webber, let alone what to say.
Maybe he’s sitting back and waiting for the right moment to pounce.
I’d like to think so, although I nevertheless have pretty strong doubts.
Cheers
Average win Rates
David Wagner 34.9%
Dean Smith 35.5%
Russell Martin 36.5%
Daniel Farke 43.8%
In hindsight I’d have Daniel back in a flash and get rid of the main problem Stuart Webber and Hire a new director of football and a new recruitment team . The figures speak for themselves and he has 41.2% in the Bundesliga so he can do it at the Top level just needed the Funds and most importantly Recruitment something Webber surely must realise he is way out of his depth at . A groundsman who became a coach to then become director of football and to now pretend he can recruit with other peoples valuable money and has put the club in trouble financially . He got lucky with Daniel sadly it wasn’t a two way thing .
Putting that aside I think if we could afford it we should go with Russell Martin up and coming not a has been .
Hi Tommy
Fair points about Webber all.
A quick reality check would indicate that we couldn’t afford Russell Martin, as unlikely as that might sound on first hearing.
The small matter of some £55 million lost partly on player trading on Webber’s watch comes into play here of course.
Cheers
Hi Dorset, I grew up in that wonderful county. It seems to be one of the places that the rest of the UK seems to overlook. Top two is surely out of our reach now. A play-off spot is certainly possible. It is just a shame the powers that be did not do this prior to the World Cup break. A lot of wasted time, well, wasted!.
Hi Tim
*It seems to be one of the places that the rest of the UK seems to overlook.*
And that certainly contributes to its wonder.
Cheers
Good evening Martin.
Well Friday nights game was a rum ol’ do as my dad would have said in broad Norfolk.
I watched from the comfort of my living room and thought we were pretty poor. But I was gently chided by my mate Marty who agreed with the general census that it was an improvement.
As Marty goes home and away and as I have always said you get a much better idea of things if you are there watching live, I accept totally his opinion.
I wasn’t the only one who thought we were poor to be rebuked to the effect that this was a lot better than the last few home games. This lovely fella who was rebuked at the match knows more about football than I ever will.. No name dropping.
I agreed with Marty, from small acorns.
I would also have agreed to give Russell and Weaver a chance until the end of the season but events have overtaken that with David Wagner strongly rumoured to be in the City.
We need now to get behind the lads on the pitch, like on Friday, and whoever the new coach is.
However we can still make constructive criticisms about the Boards hostility towards us fans.
Hi Tim
They won’t have invited Wagner here to look at the Castle Museum or City Hall [perish the thought of the latter] so things must be more advanced than I was aware of.
I’m firmly with everybody else on this – there are a few ripples of pleasure and slightly more of *not the best choice* but nobody seems too worked up about Wagner one way or the other.
Still Webber’s a past master at this, as in put it out there that Steve Bruce is coming in and the fans would willingly accept anybody else!
Cheers