Can you remember a time when you were happy? I mean truly happy with bugger all to worry about in those halcyon days before acquiring children or career-based employment and you felt the world was your crustacean of choice?
I’ve only really enjoyed one period like that in my life which turned out to be that glorious summer of 1976. I’d just left school and was working more or less full-time at the Bald Faced Stag in Buckhurst Hill for my mate, Bobby N. It was laugh-a-minute stuff at a time when those bolts on the back door never seemed to draw together too readily. On many an occasion, I would have seen night turn into day in that famous old pub, such were the depths of what felt like the depravity we enjoyed at the time. 😀
Nights off meant a trip to my two clubs [which sounds more regal than it was in reality, we’re not talking White’s or the Groucho here] the Marquee in the West End or Dagenham Roundhouse in the East to see bands like Thin Lizzy, the Groundhogs or the Pink Fairies as well as stumbling on some stars of the future such as Dire Straits, The Clash and The Jam.
I had a car, earned good money as I rarely paid for a drink and the female company I enjoyed from time to time was of the highest quality. Looking back after 50 years it seems like it was anyway, although the Capri and the MGB droptop probably played a huge part in my post-adolescent recruitment drive.
Songs like Blowin’ Free, Sunny Afternoon and Grantchester Meadows became a soundtrack to that wonderful time because for four sweltering, cider-cooled days I lived them, alternating between cornfields, woodlands and the saloon bar of the Greyhound with the lovely Caroline, which constituted my first serious relationship and, indeed, holiday as an adult.
So when I read Gary’s article [and MFW regular Dan Rear‘s poignant comment thereon] yesterday I too felt the nostalgia, no I’ll go one step beyond that, the hiraeth, of the days of Paul Lambert and then slightly later Daniel Farke in his full pomp and circumstance.
Dan said: “I reckon Lambo in 2009-12 was the best period we’ve had [since the early 90s]. Being the underdog, getting great results across three leagues with mainly League One and Chump players, last-minute and Fergie-time points gained. That was a fantastic era.”
Wednesday evening presented what it was: two poor teams needing a win for very different reasons. Neither could beat their inner demons to achieve this, although the stats ended with us well ahead on points at the end of the day with possession 32%-68% in our favour and shots 7-18 it counted for nothing at the final whistle. Random observations from yet another awful evening include:
- Andrew Omobamidele was lucky to stay on the field after hauling back Tim Iroegbunam, only being out wide saved him from a Red;
- We aren’t keeping any players up on the halfway line when we’re defending so there’s no out-ball to take the pressure off;
- Some 2,200 Canaries travelled to Loftus Road. Special late train notwithstanding, this was another fine away presence from us Yellows;
- Isaac Hayden somehow got away with an awful tackle on young Aaron Drewe, showing what can happen when you haven’t played in ages;
- QPR Manager Gareth Ainsworth and City Coach Andy Hughes were booked after a touchline *conversation* turned a bit tasty;
- Rangers’ high press was constantly hassling our defence with our tiki-taka passing around at the back – we’ve been caught out that way before!
- We were allowed six subs as Dimi Giannoulis clearly suffered a concussion when he was bundled head-first into the hoarding by Lyndon Dykes;
- That’s a sensible new rule to me as concussion is an *under-rated threat* and can do a lot of damage if not properly assessed and quickly;
- Idah was aware of his chance and took it which was good all round, and we did produce a few bright spots, mainly at the end of each half!
Ainsworth said of his reeling West London outfit before the match:
“They’re very damaged and they’re quite fragile, and I’ve got to make sure that they are up for the games when the games come around, because it can only come from within now and that’s really important.”
I don’t think it’s OTT of me to suggest the very same thing applies to us in equal quantity. David Wagner, surely limited in what he could reasonably be expected to say, was as honest as the day is long afterwards as he did his best to provide some perspective on yet another poor result:
“We go again. Swansea [Norwich’s opponents on Saturday] are a team in great form at the minute, as everybody knows when you see their recent results. But I’ve seen the strangest things in football. Not a lot of things speak for us, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not possible. We have a chance, and as long as we have a chance we will try it, like we have done today.
“We should have done better in possession, and this is exactly what we have to ask ourselves, and keep the workload and fighting spirit as high as it is.”
Those halcyon days seem a long way off now. Days without care, enjoying the seemingly never-ending sunshine in a field with a flagon or two of cider have gone forever, but speaking purely personally early retirement has brought its own rewards – of a similar-but-different kind whenever possible!
All that’s missing is the pleasure often associated with being part of Norwich City Football Club which currently appears to be collapsing all around us.
Surely somebody somewhere must do something to arrest this process. The ones who want to see some positive action the most of course are us, the sequestrated supporters who are currently considered to be nothing but a necessary nuisance by the powers that be, who are quietly relieved that they have received over 20,000 season ticket renewals.
Although we would all like the Club to be the best it can, it would appear that thought has been dismissed in certain quarters along with Soccerbot 360.
Ainsworth is not alone in this column as a to-the-core hard rocker, cos I’m one too. Today’s featured artist might never have bothered the UK charts as much as he did those in the States but nevertheless came up with Harvest, the soft, west coast-styled million-selling album of the same name at the dawn of the 1970s. It seemed like every student owned or had access to a copy back in the day.
And here, some fifty years on, Neil Young and his original band Crazy Horse continue to show how it’s done***, with the bonus for the writer that the title of this track sums up the Norwich City of 2022-23 to perfection:
*** Suggested and submitted by B. Owen, Wivenhoe, Essex.
I said the other day in a comment, that of the better chances this ownership has had to try and establish this club in the premiership, came and went with Paul Lambert and crew. From L1 to Premiership and getting a second season go at it. A very impatient man was what we heard when speaking of Lambert, I heard from more than one person, that Lambert was keen to get the players he wanted to give the others a hand in quickly, giving time to gell, and fit into the way he wanted to play.
Dillying around, dragging their heels, Lambert possibly saw this investment was not going to be forthcoming, Villa we knocking on his door, and who would not jump at the chance? A club with money and a willingness to spend, against one who lacked the ambition and gonads to take the chance on the coaching team that oversaw one of the most successful periods. He assembled a squad of players who would run into brick walls for him, players who wanted above anything else to succeed and did to that point. A no brainer for me
Lambert has had limited success in all the positions he has held since leaving Norfolk. the time was right for him, also for Norwich City, but was allowed to pass by. Now back to the mess, we are no strangers to, I expect much the same response we have seen before, except there is no Roger Munby or Neil Doncaster to be shown the door. Only a husband & wife team who hold far too much authority in the club. the real problem lay with the other husband & wife team, who will not let go of their plaything and limelight, holding the club back because of a lack of finance along with a pie-in-the-sky notion.
Hi Lad
I believe it was Alan Bowkett who called Lambert *the most impatient man I have ever met* and the rumour at the time was that he was after both Michu and Benteke.
As you say, he quite understandably moved on for the West Midlands dollar and has never been on the radar since at any subsequent club but oh boy, did he leave his mark on us!
Docaster was known as *Doomcaster* for a reason and he was deeply unpopular with much of the support, although I don’t feel the same can be said for Munby, who quite openly left of his own accord.
Whatever you might think of them the elderly husband and wife team are doing nothing wrong in owning their shares equally between them, but the same cannot be said for the Webbers.
Only somebody such as Delia would have sanctioned such a move. What she felt at the time were much-needed golden handcuffs has led to absolute power, and we all know what that does. Absolutely.
Cheers
Good days indeed Martin but I believe culverhouse and karsa were as important as lambert he’s achieved nothing since without them .expecting to lose again tomorrow that’s how grim its hot keep well mate .
Hi Kev
I agree about Cully and Karsa although I was never quite sure what the latter did – whatever it was, it worked!
I have been toying with the idea of going to Blackpool for weeks but I don’t think it’s gonna happen. There’s too much of a risk of falling over sober, which would probably put me back in the N&N and that ain’t happening 🙂
If we get a home early Cup game next season I’ll go then as it’s a much more viable option for me.
Hopefully see you next season
Cheers
👍
It’s a sign of how bad our season has been that the only positive from our current dilemma has shown us what a good centre back Hanley is. Why some fans criticise him is beyond me.
To a lesser extent it also demonstrates how we miss the competitiveness of the mayor.
The saddest thing in all this is the fact that our owners probably still think they’re the best thing that’s happened to the club.
Regarding personal happiness, being blessed with lively grandchildren late in life is unbeatable. Although the grandson is now eight and starting to get the better of me at football.
Hi John
I am another supporter who is pro-Hanley for what it’a worth. I’ve often stood up for the Mayor on MFW too as I think he’s very handy at Championship level.
As for what Delia thinks of herself it is time for everybody to move on.
I won’t go down Chris’s unfortunate [or was it] terminology of yesterday by suggesting somebody sticks a knife in her to show that she’s done, but it really made me laugh 🙂
As for the grandchildren we have four eligible candidates between us to begin the production line but there’s no chance of anything happening right now which suits me as I share at least one trait in common with Paul Lambert in that I’m fecking impatient!
Cheers
He gets critism as we have twice as many unforced errors as anyone else he Gibson and McLean 80pc of them needs yo change been mistake ridden last 3 seasons .
That unforced error FACT is shameful.
The wind of change needs to blow through this club ,like a hurricane.
Hi Bernie
From where I’m standing a few gentle zephyrs would be a start.
Cheers
Hi Martin
I suppose my halcyon days were 9 years in the RAF got to travel to varied locations free, great friends and a brilliant social life especially 30months in Gib early 70’s
Clough and Taylor a great management team but never hit the same heights when they went their separate ways.
Clough once said Taylor could recognise a good player from a 100yards away, looking at PL I think he was going nowhere till he was paired at Wycombe with Culverhouse and that took off at City and started to turn Villa around till PL decided that the rumour of bullying some players wasCulverhouse and the first team coaches fault so sacked both, his career and the other two have never recovered sadly for Culverhouse who I would love to see back at city.
Optomist or pessimist I’m not sure will Mark-A take control this summer and make changes or will he hang fire till he can snap up the controlling interest for peanuts.
Mark-A is reputed to be worth north of £800m but for me he would use that for the club he has an investment portfolio reputed to be worth £2.5billion so that could come into play at some stage.
Has the Webbers and other senior members of the management endeared themselves to our new board members enough that if a change happen they stay in place I just hope not, who would trust our FD and Webber with their cash ? I would I raven go to Las Vegas and I’m not a gambler.
Rus Martin can end all dreams of a late playoff trip to Wembley is that a good or bad thing your decision my friend.
Spurs are looking for a new DoF maybe Webber might apply but not sure Levy would stomach him but then again Levy has a track record of taking people who have interested Chelsea 🤔🤔🤔
Mark Attanasio should have read £25billion not £2.5bill
So a proven investor over many years
Todd Boehly probably wouldn’t even have noticed!
Hi Alex
For you and I the sight of Webber rolling up at Spurs would be especially unpalatable I would imagine, as in lightning striking twice and all that.
I have said this before but Russ Martin seems to have got the Swans playing well just as it counts for nothing and I’m not too sure what to make of that tbh.
There were certainly rumours surrounding Culverhouse at the time but I guess that’s a topic best left where it belongs – in the past.
Such is the nature of the table, it might not all be settled by tomorrow evening!
Cheers
It seemed that when Lambert first arrived he signed players who were captains of their clubs (maybe my mind is playing tricks). What I know for sure is that his teams were full of leaders, horrible to play against and relentless. The team we have now is the polar opposite, as limp as the lettuce that outlasted Truss.
I know that by the end of June I’ll be desperate for the beginning of a new season, but this term of redefining mediocrity can’t end soon enough.
Hi Don
No, your mind isn’t playing tricks – Michael Nelson probably being the best remembered, at least by yours truly.
We all want this wretched season over, none more than most of the players from what I have seen on display.
Limp is the word. Truss should not be given then oxygen of a mention, but it made me smile so you are absolved – this time!
Cheers
There’s a track on Neil Young’s Ragged Glory album: (Why do I keep) F#*#in Up
Worth a listen .
Hi Gil
Yes, Bernie sent me that one too, once more live with Crazy Hose and this time Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam at his inauguration into the R ‘n’ R Hall of Fame.
Given the title we fought shy of it but it was under serious consideration 🙂
Cheers
Your writing here is pretty fabulous Martin, most enjoyable!
Best Neil Young performance by far is ‘Like a Hurricane’, which Young recorded with Crazy Horse in ’77 on ‘American Stars ‘n Bars’ – did not believe Young was that good as a lead guitarist until I heard that, in fact I thought at one point it was his guitarist buddy Frank ‘Poncho’ Sampedro until I researched it a bit. Young tweaks his guitar with the foot-pedals all the way through almost pushing the sounds and tones off a cliff. Massive lead break!
Ye season art almost over, prithee pass me a paper hankie for what might hath transpired.
Cheers,
Kev
COYYs !
Hi Kev
Thanks for the compliment – much appreciated.
It seems like I’m the same as you with Neil Young. Bernie Owen is a massive fan and sends me tracks every now and again and it’s only recently that I have learned to appreciate his guitar work which can be so raw live that it hurts!
He’s also a great guy who seems to do anything for free for a genuinely good cause.
As for the paper hankie, we’re running out of duvets where we live 🙂
Cheers
So … THAT’S what having teeth pulled without anaesthetic is like!
🙂
When was I last truly happy Martin ? A very good question.
I was lucky in the sense the only two places I worked for a salary (CAB as much as I enjoyed my years there, doesn’t count) were Hotel Norwich and UEA Catering Department and both were brilliant places to work. What the experienced Chef’s thought of me at 16, all shyness, naivety god only knows but I do sense it wasn’t love at first sight 🤣 I was like a chocolate teapot.
Now I was bit of a a worrier in those days, but other than that, Living in a picture perfect cottage with more animals than I can remember, Scamps, Cromwells, Tudor Hall, great mates I still have today, Gigs in the LCR at UEA free, plenty of great pubs, playing local football and of course regular attendance at Carrow Road, and occasionally away trips in the seventies.
Like us all having children and grand-children who are all amazing people makes me the most happiest it has to be said.
They were as you say Martin, Halcyon days. And I was very happy. The time I was born was lucky as I got to experience the awful days of second division football until we got a new manager… Ron Saunders, he had more in common with Dominic Raab than Mother Teresa in today’s world, but boy did he change the culture at NCFC. He was as tough as they come, but as he proved later at Aston Villa a fantastic manager.
So all these years I have witnessed some of my happiest time supporting my💛💚 team. So many occasions stick out, the whole of 1971/72 season, the Wembley’s in the seventies etc. Beating Villa and realising for the first time that we could win the Premier League… wow, but perhaps the most standouts ….. the draw at Watford wining the Second Division Title in 1972, winning over two legs against Bayern Munich with that 1-1 draw at Carrow Road in the UEFA Cup and beating Middlesborough in the playoff final in 2015.
I really feel for you Martin in not being able to go back to Carrow Road due to your health, my disabilities and illness have heavily curtailed my visits over the years that’s for sure. And it stinks.
But I am going tomorrow for the first time in over a year, with great thanks to Nick for my ticket, but me and my wife have to plan it extensively as I can only walk a few steps before the accursed angina strikes. Something you once did with great health is a bloody buggar when that health goes.
But I am excited to get a look to see with my own eyes how good or bad we really are. TV, RedButton and Wifi are okay but it will be nice to be there.
QPR was poor, very poor. But I am certain a lot of our problems on top of the injuries are the players confidence, which too me is lower than a snakes belly.
We need a reset, keep who we want, let go anyone who wants away and give DW as much support as the club can in the transfer market.
And then 🤞🟢🟡
All the best Tim.
Hi Tim
Both Alex B and myself have worked as chefs over the years, with Alex probably far outstripping myself in terms of skill and achievement as he was full-time salaried and i just helped friends out over two holiday seasons at a well-known Bureside hotel & restaurant.
As you will know well the kitchen takes on a life – and indeed language – all of its own and I kind of enjoyed it too. The UEA has a very good name within the catering industry to this very day, as somewhat surprisingly does City College.
I’m getting slightly worried as a second Tory minister has been referenced in an article that was supposed to focus on our *Happy Days* but I let Don H off so I must therefore do the same with you 🙂
It would be churlish beyond belief to deny having good memories of NCFC too – there’s no getting away from it because we have had some – very – good times too.
It’s such a shame that we are approaching another nadir comparable to 2008-2009 as I don’t see where the money is coming from to back Wagner significantly and this *gambling on buying for resale potential only* malarkey instigated by Webber has to stop right now.
To counter that our generation is privileged to have seen enough of our football before £££ or $$$ conspired to ruin most of those things the game used to stand for.
Enjoy the game tomorrow and thereby send the angina the message that it cannot be permitted to win every single day of the year.
Cheers
Love the re-writing of history re Lambert, who was always going to jump ship to a bigger club. A Colchester fan told me that early on. I call this the ‘gonads and lack of ambition’ interpretation of history. I really enjoyed mid table 2nd Tier mid 90s, with a few young players coming through, maybe another era approaches.
Hi Mike
Every good operator in all walks of life is ambitious enough to want to continuously improve their reputation and lot in life – I’ve done it, I know several of the MFW community who have done it and you’ve quite probably done it yourself for all i know 🙂
There are few Dario Gradis in football and Lambert certainly was not one of them.
One thing we can agree on is that another era approaches.
Whether we enjoy it or not is unwritten.
Cheers