Much as I’d like to cling on to a different view, the truth has become inescapable. I’m old. (You didn’t think I was going to turn against our club there, did you? I’ll come back to that, but for now….) The players I now watch in the yellow-and-green could be the grandchildren of those I […]
Not a memorable season on the field. But a historic one, with its share of highs and lows
OK, let’s get this first bit over with. The changes at Norwich City a year ago were far more radical than the club had ever made before; more radical than most clubs will ever make. In the wake of that, an up-and-down first season was inevitable. The good and bad of this season – and […]
Why it’s natural to be apprehensive about next season. And perhaps a few reasons to be cheerful
In turbulent times it’s good to find something to smile about. I’ve come across a couple this week. In the “you couldn’t make it up” category, there was Neil Warnock’s lecture to the Wolves manager on behaving with class and dignity. Hmm… The other was a story that happened a while ago, involving Cross Farm […]
Just a matter of time. But time has its mysteries, in life and football
With the recent death of Stephen Hawking, it’s perhaps an appropriate moment to reflect on the nature of time – and its particular, sometimes downright peculiar, part in our football experience. These musings are prompted not just by Professor Hawking’s passing, but also by a rather haunting little book I’ve just read: Matt Haig’s How […]
We all love a tryer – especially if he’s wearing the yellow and green
I’m writing this column from just outside Tampa Bay. No, I didn’t win the half-time competition at Carrow Road. It’s a mini family reunion, happily in the warmth of Florida. (In part, and somewhat scarily, it’s to celebrate my ‘little’ goddaughter’s 30th birthday.) I don’t know about the players, but I can certainly recommend a […]
The Good, the Bard and the Ugly. Or, Hamlet’s dilemma with a football fans’ forum
In case you missed the news, it’s Shakespeare Week. An idea that would have amused the Bard no end, I suspect. In a way, it’s surprising the authorities are so keen for us to study Shakespeare. His most famous plays involve witchcraft and bumping off the royal family (Macbeth), gang warfare and underage sex (Romeo […]
FOREST PREVIEW: A team striving to be on the up, and the return of a Carrow Road panto villain
Nottingham Forest is one of the clubs where foreign ownership has not fulfilled fans’ expectations or restored former glories. But it’s seen significant developments since City’s visit to the City Ground in November – in particular, sacking Mark Warburton and replacing him in January with a familiar figure, former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka. I caught […]
Norwich City, The Pride of Anglia? In one instance, that and much more
A question. What would you do if you were running a charity that was one of the biggest of its kind, admired by all who come across it, making a real difference to the lives of 38,000 people a year? You might reasonably take a breather and pat yourself on the back. Perhaps dream of […]
The vagaries of the Championship, what it takes to succeed, and a big question: is Dan the Man?
A word of advice for any would-be MFW writer. In a nutshell: go for it! It’s fun, and in Gary Gowers we have an editor who’s unfailingly sympathetic, flexible and supportive. Well, almost unfailingly. You need to know that every year there’s one day of complete embarrassment and ritual humiliation for the writers on this […]
In life, and especially football, we seek the quick fix. But sometimes there’s no alternative to re-building
I’ve contributed less than usual to this forum over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, I’ve been occupied by the serious illness – in one case terminal – of my mum and brother. I mention that not for sympathy (it’s a rare blip in a happy and fortunate life), but because it gives you some different perspectives. […]
You may say that I’m a dreamer. And in this case, very likely the only one…
My university tutor was a pioneer in the field of semiotics. If I’d spent less of my time on extra-curricular activities, I’d perhaps be able to tell you exactly what it is. But it’s something to do with the process of signs and meanings. Highly relevant, then, in considering our win over Sheffield Wednesday. Before […]
Tough times. But if we were going to abandon Norwich City, perhaps it should have been last year
Like many City fans, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting about our club. I’ve seen numerous fans signalling their disillusionment, and/or saying they’ve fallen out of love with the club. Some of them are people I know and for whom I have great respect; all of them I understand. A run of bad results […]
Caller, you’re on the Norwich City phone-in with Stewart Lewis. This had better be good…
Despite my quibbles with Rob Butler, it’s probably good that I don’t host Canary Call. For one thing, it’s not as easy as it looks. You only appreciate the skills involved if you have a go at something similar yourself. Secondly, though, I wouldn’t show the forbearance that Rob does with his callers. Undoubtedly he’s […]
The destination (so far) may be no surprise. But the journey has been dramatic – and it’s only just started
Every season has its twists and turns, but I can’t think of another one quite like this. If I’d somehow been incommunicado for the past two-and-a-half months – say, abducted by aliens for sexual experimentation – the first thing to do on returning would of course be to check the Championship table. Unlike my time […]
How to get a sensible perspective on Norwich City? Keep calm and listen to Stuart Webber
I’m never sure whether travel actually broadens the mind, but I enjoy it. It certainly refreshes the mind to experience new places and people, to take in different cultures. And, inevitably, to find creative ways of following the fortunes of Norwich City. Advances in technology have reduced the need for extreme measures (my efforts during […]
If only age brought wisdom. But I’ll carry on wearing the shirt and working on it
A few days ago we had a personal piece here from one of MFW’s brilliant young writers, Connor Southwell. It made me reflect on my view from the other end of the spectrum. So I’ll get to the Canaries today, if you’ll bear with a few initial observations on “what’s it like to be 60?” […]
In life and football, it’s important to have a plan – and know when to adjust it
I’m not creative. No false modesty there – it’s unquestionably true. Give me the mechanical mental processing tasks that used to be the core of IQ tests, and I’ll do fine. Ask me to name twenty uses for a flowerpot, though, and you can come back an hour later to find my pen stopped at […]
Millwall: the beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning? We’ll see
Seeing my name at the top of today’s column, some may be thinking “Right – it’s Stewart the Optimist. What’s he got to say for himself now?” Well, you deserve for me to say something, and something I can say with honesty. Our editor Gary is always indulgent with his regular writers when situations make […]
Patience under pressure isn’t just a virtue – it’s a way we can tangibly help our club to succeed
Yitzhak Rabin was a tough soldier, rising through the ranks to become Israel’s Chief of the General Staff. When he became Prime Minister, though, he devoted much of his time to exploring a peace deal with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Though ultimately unsuccessful, their efforts won them the Nobel Peace Prize. Asked why he was […]
Villa preview: Brucie, JT, past glories, present unpredictabilities, and an analogue club in a digital age
To set us up for the game at Villa, I spoke to Andrew Raeburn. A Villa fan for 20 years, Andrew is a freelance sports journalist and commentator; among other things, he contributes to BBC Sport Online, West London Sport and WhoScored. As you’ll see, Andrew does not look at his club through rose-tinted glasses. […]