Norwich 0-1 Maccabi Haifa – post match thoughts

Monday’s 1-0 friendly defeat vs Maccabi Haifa was the first time I have been able to see Norwich City in action so far this pre-season. 

As always, not too much should be read into a pre-season outing but in general, City were much improved outfit in the second half, having superior levels of possession, although without really any impetuous and penetration until late on. Especially in the first half, City lacked ideas going forward, although with team selection (no Jerome, Grabban or Hoolahan) and it being Nathan Redmond’s first pre-season game, this was hardly a surprise.

Here are a few other pointers I picked out watching the Canaries in Austria.

Hooper’s struggle as a lone striker

I don’t think it is unfair to say Norwich offered very little going forward in the first half. During Alex Neil’s time at the club, Hooper has been mainly limited to appearances off the bench as a result of Neil’s tendency to play one up top and he did little this evening to show his suitability. This is not a direct criticism of Hooper but he perhaps lacks the physical attributes of Jerome and Grabban, attributes needed for the role, and this was clear during the opening 45 minutes as City failed to make the ball stick and retain possession.

Ricky is back, but is there signs of life?

Much has been made of the popular Dutchman’s return and with all respect to Cambridge, this was his first real test back in a yellow shirt. When his chance came late on, it was a bit of a familiar story as he stabbed wide but for me, his overall play looked sharp and encouraging. I was most impressed with RvW when he had his back to goal. He dropped deep to find the ball and looked to bring players into the game. I have to say, that was one thing, along with the lack of goals, I criticised Ricky for in his first season at the club – he was too often on the peripheral of the game and struggled to make any real impact. Some of that – yes – was down to the lack of bodies within 20 or so yards of him but I still feel he could have done better. I for one am excited to see what he can offer in the Premier League this season.

Vadis impressive

Much of City’s added impetuous in the second half was down to half-time substitute, Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe. His driving runs and determination to get forward and support the forwards were nearly rewarded at the death when he waltzed towards to box before firing narrowly over. The Belgian struggled to make an impact in his first season at the club due to injury but every time I have seen him, albeit in only small glimpses, he has impressed me. He is also very accomplished on the ball and hopefully with a full pre-season, he could be a useful component of Alex Neil’s first Premier League squad.

Dorrans man of the match?

For me, Graham Dorrans was City’s man of the match. The midfielder is so composed on the ball both in the opposition’s half, and more impressively when he is close to his own goal. A few neat flicks and passes kept City ticking over, as it did for much of the Championship run-in, and a few jinxing runs into the box threatened to unlock the door. His signing, although fairly low key, is both sensible and astute and his intricacy in the middle of the park could give City that edge in the battles ahead.

Could Toffolo be an answer at left-back? (Bradley Johnson is certainly not)

He wasn’t tested too much defensively in the second half, but going forward, the young full-back looked accomplished. I must admit, I didn’t see much of his loan spell at Swindon but he has come back a much more complete player. Martin Olsson, a defender I really rate, will be the first choice left-back, but could young Toffolo be his understudy? That’s not a question I can answer but I would love to see him given a chance. Bradley Johnson on the other hand had a torrid time at left-back but that is not his natural position and as I am sure Alex Neil will state, at this stage of pre-season it is minutes under the belt that count. Although with a haircut like his, perhaps he deserves to be punished at left-back.

Five players Norwich City should sign this summer

So Alex Neil will be scouting the market as he looks to build a side capable of competing in the Premier League next season. Here are five players I would target if I was Norwich City boss:

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Virgil van Dijk – Celtic – Central defender – 23

He may only be defending in the Scottish Premier League but the Dutch former youth international is highly rated and has already been linked to Sunderland and Southampton this summer. The 23-year-old, who came through in Holland at Groningen, made 58 appearances in all competitions last season, chipping in with ten goals, an impressive record for a center half. Likely? Bigger teams may have their eyes on van Dijk but Alex Neil will have first hand experience of the defender, having come up against him whilst Hamilton last season.

• Other targets could include: Curtis Davies (Hull), Steven Caulker (QPR), Robert Huth (Stoke), Jason Denayer (Man City)

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Carl Jenkinson (loan) – Arsenal – RIght back – 23

Jenkinson impressed whilst on loan at West Ham last season, and although Arsene Wenger does not want to sell the England international, the rapid development on Hector Bellerin will more than likely see Jenkinson loaned out again. Despite European football, a return to West Ham could be scuppered by their change in manager, leaving the door open to other Premier League sides.

• Other targets could include: Andre Wisdom [loan] (Liverpool), Micah Richards (Man City), Adam Matthews (Celtic), Callum Paterson (Hearts)

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Demarai Gray – Birmingham – Winger – 18

It wouldn’t be the first time Norwich signed a promising young winger from Birmingham would it? The 18-year-old would be a somewhat wildcard but after impressing last season, including scoring at Carrow Road in September, could he be worth a gamble in the top flight? A box of tricks, Gray has represented England at Under 18, 19 and 20 level and could be that jack in a box needed to spring counter attacks on opponents. Could Nathan Redmond encourage him to follow in his footsteps and head to East Anglia?

• Other targets could include: Alex Pritchard (Spurs), João Teixeira (Liverpool)

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Matt Phillips – QPR – Winger – 24

One of QPR’s bright sparks as they were relegated last season, Matt Phillips registered eight assists on top of his three goals. A player with undoubted Premier League quality, Phillips is not afraid to work hard either, something that will be needed when pressing against the top teams. A Scotland international, Phillips began his career at Wycombe, when he briefly crossed paths with Russell Martin, who along with Steven Whittaker, he has also played international football with.

• Other targets could include: Tom Ince (Hull), Craig Noone (Cardiff), Bakary Sako (Wolves)

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Charlie Austin – QPR – Striker – 25

A little ambitious maybe, but following their relegation, Charlie Austin looks set to leave QPR. Although the club don’t want to make a habit of signing recently relegated players, alongside Phillips, Austin impressed in his debut Premier League season, scoring 18 goals and earning his first senior England call-up. It may be a little too soon for bigger clubs to be knocking at his door and with a guarantee of first team football, could Norwich be a potential destination for Austin?

• Other targets could include: Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn), John Guidetti (Man City), Nikica Jelavic (Hull)

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Which five players do you think Norwich City should sign? Let me know on Twitter at @EdwardSeaman94

Norwich legend Adam Drury retires

The term legend is thrown around too easily in football today, but in the case of Adam Drury, who has just announced his retirement from the game, the word is not used strongly enough.

It was funny as being in Lincoln, I don’t get to hear many games on Radio Norfolk anymore but last Tuesday night’s visit to Brentford was also on BBC 5 Live extra, and for the first time, Adam Drury was co-commentator alongside Chris Goreham in probably the first game I’ve listened to in a number of years.

And I have to say, he really impressed me. His knowledge of the game and his insight was the best I’d heard on Radio Norfolk since Neil Adams left in 2011, and we all know where he has ended up now.

Growing up watching Norwich City over the last fifteen or so years, there is probably no player I have seen play for the club than the loyal left back, who was rewarded with a testimonial before he left the club in 2012.

Much more than his ability as a left back, Drury was one of football’s good guys, an honest pro, a hard worker and a fantastic captain, as was shown as he led the club to promotion to the Premier League back in 2004.

Seven years later and a long old journey for both the player and the club which doesn’t need retelling, Drury was again celebrating promotion to the Premier League as a Norwich player.

It was fitting that he was to spend his last season as a Norwich player back in the Premier League, in a successful team, exceeding all expectations under Paul Lambert.

One of the first players to sing the praises of Drury after he made his announcement was his former teammate and friend, Darren Huckerby.

The two formed a formidable partnership down the left and Hucks more than anyone will know just how much work Drury did.

To all extents, Huckerby won Norwich promotion single handidly in 2004 but without the defensive work put in by Drury, Hucks wouldn’t have been able to shine.

I maintain the opinion that Drury is one of the, if not the best, one on one defender I have ever seen and I think that is something that Hucks would vouch for.

But Drury did have his individual moments in a Norwich shirt, lifting the Division One trophy in 2004, I remember him scoring a cracking goal against Leicester during the 4-3 win at Carrow Road the in 2010 but there is one moment that stands out.

Ask any Norwich fan unable to remember the European days and that golden era of one game they remember and at least 75% will go with Norwich 4-4 Middlesborough.

4-1 down with 10 minutes to go, City seemed destined for defeat before goals from Dean Ashton and Leon Mckenzie gave Norwich a glimmer of hope going into stoppage time.

Cue Adam Drury.

A last minute corner found its way onto Drury’s head in the six yard box and the rest as they say is history.

In truth, that game almost started the revival which saw Norwich win their last four home games and come so close to avoiding the drop.

Players like Adam Drury don’t come around very often in modern football. As loyal and committed as any, he spent ten long years at Norwich City, enduring two relegations and enjoying three promotions.

I think it was Barry Fry who described him as the best fullback outside the Premier League and for a number of years, that was something hard to argue with.

During his time at Norwich, a lot of players come and went.

The likes of Kenton, Libbra, Roberts, Mackay, Huckerby, Ashton, Earnshaw, Green, Holt, Hoolahan, all played alongside Drury, but one thing always remained.

And he was rewarded for his service with a testimonial – something which anyone who was there will tell you was a fantastic occasion infront of a large Carrow Road crowd as Norwich, including a number of former players such as Darren Huckerby, took on a Celtic side fresh from winning the SPL title.

Whatever your future holds, all the best in retirement Adam Drury, Norwich legend.

(excuse the music in this video)

 

Goodbye Ricky, thanks for the memory

And so Norwich tonight confirmed that Ricky van Wolfswinkel has left the club to join St Etienne on a season’s long loan deal.

It rounds of a miserable year for both the club and the player.

Rewind 12 months and there was such a sense of optimism around the club after Ricky joined.

A player with a huge reputation, and a huge transfer fee, by far the clubs record transfer fee, and combined with other transfers, we were all looking forward to a good season.

Fast forward to May and a draw away at Chelsea all but confirmed relegation.

On the final day of the season, Ricky was completely left out of the squad against Arsenal, completing a miserable year.

And to think it all started so brightly, a goal against Everton on his debut, although coming from a sliced Steven Whittaker cross, which was a quality header.

Unfortunately, that was a good as it got.

Certain things will sum up the season for Ricky.

The missed header against Fulham in Neil Adams’ first game in charge, the storming down the tunnel at Swansea after being substituted.

Then there was the missed penalty from Robert Snodgrass against Villa early on in the season. Had Ricky taken it and scored, who knows what might have happened. Confidence is key, especially in a striker.

But I would like to go on record to thank Ricky.

I am sure he will be the first express disappointment in scoring just one goal for the club, but it wasn’t through a lack of effort.

The way the Dutch international chased the ball, and the work rate he put in was at times exceptional.

He was asked to play in a role which didn’t suit his game. He came with a reputation of being an in the box striker but often found himself trying to hold the ball up on half way as a weak City side failed to compete in matches.

There was also a relative lack of service. Poor quality deliveries didn’t help his cause in the slightest.

One of the worst tactical decisions made was to play both Nathan Redmond and Robert Snodgrass on the wrong wings so to speak, meaning time and time again they would cut inside and waste the ball rather than get round the outside and deliver a cross.

Now Ricky has a chance to go and ply his trade in France, and I wish him all the best.

I still remain confident that we will one day see the best of Ricky van Wolfswinkel again, the best that saw Norwich pay such a commanding fee for a man once linked with some of the top clubs.

I really hoped that we were going to keep him in the Championship but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

Hopefully he scores some goals and enjoys his football again and who knows, maybe we will see him in a years time.

The manner of his exit was incredibly dignified and you only have to look at the reaction on the Norwich fans to Ricky’s Twitter goodbye to see how much we were rooting for him.

The way the fans have stuck by him is made even more remarkable by his lack of goals last season and I think that is a reflection of Ricky van Wolfswinkel as a man himself.

But for now, goodbye and thank you Ricky, I only wish it would have worked out better.

 

Stick with Ricky!

Having been relegated from the Premier League last season, it would be easy for many of Norwich’s so called big players to jump ship this summer.

Robert Snodgrass has already done so, although in my opinion the offer we received from Hull was too good to turn down for a player with just one year left on his contract.

Another player whose future is in the spotlight is Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

When Norwich signed the Dutch international last summer for a club record fee, there was a lot of expectation that he would deliver the goods and become an instant City legend.

However, his struggles are well known by any City supporter with the former Sporting Lisbon man only finding the net once.

He must be one of the only players in the clubs history to have gone from a goal a game striker, having netted on his debut against Everton, to a goal a season striker.

However, despite this lack of goals, I really hope Neil Adams sticks with Ricky.

A man who scored goals for fun at Sporting Lisbon, including in the Europa League, and was even linked with a move to the likes of Manchester United, does not just become a bad player overnight.

He has shown that he is more than willing to stay and fight for the club, something that will be needed if we are to bounce back at the first time of asking.

He took to his Twitter to say, “Always good to be back home in Norwich. New season, new focus. Starts now!”

He also also scored his first goals in pre-season. Granted, it was against Braintree but every goal counts, even if one was impossible to miss.

By my recognition, they were his first goals he has scored with his feet. His goal against Everton was a header and if my memory serves me rightly, the goal he scored in pre-season last year came off his bum.

Although you can’t say he is entirely blameless for his lack of goals last year, I would hasten to suggest that the style of the team, and creativity of the midfield didn’t help the Dutch international’s cause.

Whether he will do so is another matter. The club has confirmed that his number nine shirt has been given to new signing Kyle Lafferty.

He has also not traveled with the City squad to Italy. The official line from the club is that he is injured, something you would hope, strangely, is true and that they are not pulling the wool over our eyes.

With other new signing Lewis Grabban, the Canaries now have six professional strikers on their books, surely meaning someone will have to leave before the season starts.

I for one hope that it is not Ricky.

Norwich need to show fighting spirit to survive

MUCH HAS been made of Norwich City’s final four games as they look to avoid the drop under new manager Neil Adams.

Following three defeats on the bounce to Swansea, West Brom and Fulham the Canaries are sitting precariously above the bottom three and time is running out for them to save themselves.

If you cast your eye back to June when the fixtures came out, many acknowledged that City needed to be safe before these final four games where they come up against Liverpool (H), Manchester United (A), Chelsea (A) and Arsenal (H), starting with Liverpool at Carrow Road tomorrow.

It has to be said, picking up many points from these games is going to be difficult, but not impossible. Realistically Neil Adams’ men will need four points which as things stand (as I write this) would see them six points above Fulham, with the better goal difference of Norwich making that effectively seven points.

City have shown this season, and infact in their three year spell in the Premier League, that at Carrow Road they can mix it with the big boys and if the players can replicate the performances we saw against Spurs and Manchester City, then we are always going to have a chance.

Despite Liverpool currently sitting top of the table and winning ten on the bounce, Norwich are more than likely going to need to pick up some kind of result against Brendan Rodgers’ men.

What it is going to take a serious amount of effort, commitment and belief. There is no doubt that Liverpool possess more quality all over the pitch but if City can really get into their faces, there is always the chance to unsettle them, especially considering the pressure they are now under.

It is also going to require City, and especially their strikers, to start taking their chances. The most frustrating aspect from last weeks defeat at Fulham, as well as other defeats this season like away at Cardiff and West Ham is the fact that the Canaries have had plenty of chances but have just not been able to find the net enough.

Norwich are now the lowest scorers in all four divisions, following Palace’s three goal haul at Everton on Wednesday night, and have only seen their strikers score one goal in 2014, courtesy of Johan Elmander. Despite his struggles, Adams will likely keep the faith in Ricky van Wolfswinkel, whose performances have improved in recent weeks, but he has to start repaying that faith by scoring goals.

At the other end of the pitch, the back four, which again is likely to be Whittaker, Martin, Turner and Olsson, need to stand up to Luis Suarez, who has scored 11 goals in five games against Norwich. As Neil Adams said in his press conference, it is about shutting Liverpool down as a team, not just Luis Suarez but if you shut Luis Suarez down you go along way to shutting Liverpool down as a team.

Another bonus is that they will be missing Jordan Henderson from the midfield following his red card last weekend and Daniel Sturridge, whether he starts or not, will not be 100% fit, so hopefully someone will test out his fitness early on.

Of course it is not going to be easy but with four games still to go, we have to believe.

On the ball City!

Norwich sack Chris Hughton – Why the decision was right

TO MANY neutrals, with just five games of the season left, you may think the fact that Norwich City have sacked manager Chris Hughton is absolutely bizarre, and most of the national media, ex-pro’s and pundits think just that.

However, it is easy to think that when you look at the fact the City are five points ahead of the drop zone but unless you have watched the club week in week out, not only this season, but the back end of last season, you would totally understand the decision.

Yes the timing could be better. With just five games to go, and five very tough games at that, new manager Neil Adams has a huge task on his hands but with the fans now right back behind the team, you have to feel the club has a better chance of survival.

Not one Norwich City fan needs telling about how poor the result was on Saturday (and to any non canary supporting fan, you’d look at it at think bad result for Norwich) but it wasn’t just the defeat, it was the manner of the defeat at the reaction amongst the players and fans alike afterwards.

Make no mistake about it, Norwich were absolutely dreadful against West Brom, absolutely awful. We could still be playing now and Norwich wouldn’t have scored a goal. Of course West Brom do deserve some credit for the win but by all accounts the performance was shambolic, probably the worst at Carrow Road for many years – and the fans weren’t afraid to voice their opinions.

For the first time, serious chants of ‘Hughton out’ rang around Carrow Road as the match came to a close, objects being thrown onto the pitch (I do not condone the throwing of a ‘clap banner’ at Chris Hughton), widespread booing. Not to mention the altercations between the fans and the players. It was all becoming very reminiscent of the end of the Glenn Roeder and Bryan Gunn days.

You also only had to look at the players and fans at the end of the game. Having been at Charlton on the day we were relegated to League One, it felt somewhat like that again. There was that feeling of both resignation and anger in the air, the players looked absolutely shattered, despite having a majority of the possession, everything just felt as if that was that, and for that reason alone, sacking Chris Hughton was a difficult, brave but ultimately right decision.

But again, the West Brom game wasn’t the sole reason for the sacking, to use an old cliche, it was the straw that broke the camels back. Norwich have been absolutely dire this season, in terms of results and performances. Eight games out of ten, Hughton has got the tactics wrong, often too negative many would argue, he has got the substitutions wrong. The fact that no substitute had scored or got an assist until the 4-2 defeat at Southampton a few weeks back is absolutely astonishing.

Then you’ve got to look at the current form. Six straight defeats away from home, leaking goals for fun, four defeats in six overall. Relegation form. I think it was also pushing the fans to breaking point. Social media and message boards were awash with negativity, bickering and anger following almost every game, something which was destroying the spirit within, something most definitely had to change.

I am not going to sit here and tell you that everything that Chris Hughton did at Norwich was bad. Chris Hughton is a good, honest man, and I am sure it will work out for him at another club. Perhaps his biggest forte was that when it really came down to it, he managed to grind out results, something which kept him in the job for a lot longer than most fans would have wanted. He also did well in the transfer window, with the signings of the likes of Leroy Fer, Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper – it is just a shame he couldn’t get the best out of them.

Now, Norwich may still be relegated this season, but with the appointment of Neil Adams, at least the club are trying to do something about it. I am firmly of the belief, as were a majority of Norwich fans (and now looks as if the board aswell) that we were going down with Hughton in charge.

The main positive that will come out of tonight’s news is that Norwich fans will unite under Neil Adams and back the team right until the bitter end and that is what it could take to see Norwich over the line. The players are going to need that 12th man more than ever and a united Carrow Road faithful, which just by looking at Twitter tonight you can see is back, can provide that. We all hope that the players will feel it too and together we can guide ourselves to safety. In all likely-hood, a win over Fulham will probably be enough and with the away ticket allocation already sold out, you can bet that the Norwich fans will create one hell of an atmosphere at Craven Cottage.

Now it is up to the players to respond.

‘Lets be ‘avin you’ – Nine years since Delia’s half time rant

It was nine years ago to the day (yes nine years) that Delia Smith waltzed (stumbled) onto the Carrow Road pitch at half-time during City’s match against Manchester City and delivered her rallying cry to bemused supporters.

Doesn’t that make you feel old.

With the Canaries having thrown away a 2-0 lead to be drawing 2-2 at half-time and seemingly heading for relegation, Delia took the opportunity to have her say – albeit probably with a few glasses of wine down her.

“Where are you, lets be ‘avin you,” she famously screeched into the microphone in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Norwich went on to lose that game and ultimately were relegated – I fear no-one needs reminding of that fateful day at Fulham, but Delia’s comments did spark some sort of revival as Norwich went on to beat the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to even put them in with a chance of safety.

Of course, as you probably don’t need reminding again, City have come along way in these nine years. A number of highs and a lot of lows, Delia herself coming under a lot of scrutiny as the Canaries found themselves relegated into League One in 2009. A lot can be said for the managerial appointments of those few years and Delia even said she would sell some of her stake in the club that she loves.

Then of course, she got things dramatically right. Not by appointing any manager but by bringing in David McNally and co to replace the hapless, clueless likes of Neil Doncaster who the less said about the better. He in turn brought in Paul Lambert and the rest as they say is history, we are back in the Premier League and everything is rosy once more.

But then of course, Lambert left and we find ourselves back in the present and under the guidance of Chris Hughton, a man not overly popular with large areas of the Carrow Road faithful.

However, what is clear to me is that everyone at the club is signing from the same hymn sheet. The passion is still there from Delia, you only have to look at her reaction at the full time whistle against Spurs last Sunday, combined with the ambitious plans of David McNally, there is still a burning hunger to succeed, to maybe even over achieve at Norwich.

Furthermore, despite McNally’s interview in which he seemed to put pressure on his manager, I believe the chief executive is right behind Chris Hughton, as are the players – especially noted in Sebastian Bassong’s interview in which he described him as like a father.

Hopefully the victory over Spurs can be a catalyst, as maybe Delia’s passionate rant was, for fans to unite and to drop any issues with the current management and support the team wholeheartedly until the end of the season.

For a kind of revival in which we saw nine years ago, winning four home games on the bounce against United, Newcastle, Charlton and Birmingham, which so nearly kept Nigel Worthington’s side up, would more than certainly see Norwich safe.

It is time to turn Carrow Road into a fortress again.

On the ball City!

Norwich 1-0 Spurs – Can victory finally provide a turning point?

What a difference 48 hours can make! 

As the week drew to a close and it was time for football to recommence following last weekend’s FA Cup action, there was definitely an air of negativity around Norwich and there was every right for it. The 2-0 defeat away at West Ham left everybody feeling low and assessing where Norwich should go from there with just one win in 13 games in all competitions.

How much better does the table look after this weekend? But there is still a lot of work ahead.

Now as I sit here writing this on Sunday evening, there is a massive sense of both relief and renewed optimism around Norwich fans everywhere.

Ten days is a long time in football, ask Chris Hughton and David McNally. Much has been made of the latter’s comments about his manager by local press and national press, with Danny Mills even (following today’s victory) criticizing the Chief Executive’s decision to put his manager under pressure.

Anyway, as has been proven before it works. Hughton was also under huge pressure going into the Hull game, the last time McNally spoke to Radio Norfolk, and we know how that resulted – a win.

Hopefully today’s win can be a turning point and will put an end to all the negativity surrounding Norwich City, the first team squad, and the manager.

Saturday was a good day for Norwich. Results went our way. Cardiff and Sunderland battered, Palace beaten by United and the match involving two teams in close proximity to City, West Brom and Fulham, drew 1-1.

So on Sunday it was over to Norwich. Spurs’ came to Carrow Road with the best away record in the Premier League and on good form under new manager, and former Norwich midfielder, Tim Sherwood.

But boy did the first team, from one to eleven, stand up magnificently and put in an absolute shift, showing just how much the team are willing to fight for Chris Hughton – so maybe it is time for the fans to let bygones be bygones and support the team from now until the end of season.

Special mention goes to Ricky van Wolfswinkel. He is clearly still a player short of confidence and desperate for a goal but from the first minute until he was substituted, he worked his socks off for the team, including winning the ball back and helping to set up the goal for Robert Snodgrass. I am in the camp of people that still firmly believes Ricky will come good and, hopefully, the goals will start to flow.

A second mention must go to John Ruddy. The England international has been absolutely fantastic for Norwich ever since he joined the club back in 2010 and today showed how important for the team. By his own omission, he hasn’t been at his 100% best this season, perhaps a throwback to his long term injury last season, but against Spurs, he was fantastic, and he had to be. His timing when rushing out to the feet of Emmanuel Adebayor and the save from Nacer Chadli were top notch.

A final mention will go to Bradley Johnson. Johnson has received a lot of stick this season from a lot of quarters this season and today he finally answered his critics (not like I feel he had to). He battled hard in midfield, winning the ball back on many occasions as well as finding a quality pass to set up Snodgrass, who was also exceptional, to score the only goal of the game. He was also thoroughly unlucky not to score himself with a sensational free kick.

Anyway, up next are Aston Villa and Stoke, two winnable games – if City can carry on the momentum from Sunday. Much has been made of how performance have improved but City have still failed to pick up the points in recent weeks but hopefully the shackles will come off following the vital win.

With just eleven games left, it is time for Norwich fans to put away, at least until the end of the season, any grievances they have towards the managerial team and back the club to hills. Players often talk about how the fans are the 12th man – and that is something we need to be both home and away until the end of the season.

We have also shown that the last four games are not going to be write offs following results against Man City and Spurs, so lets call of the negativity and begin to be positive again. At the end of the day, being positive will breed a positive reaction in the same way that negativity does.

So, on the ball City!

As a final aside – absolute credit to David McNally and the Proud Canaries today. McNally was seen in tears at the end of the match and it has been revealed he lost his father during the week and I am sure the three points today would have meant more to no-one than Mr McNally. Secondly the Proud Canaries – the latest supporters group at Carrow Road. Supported by Stephen Fry, the group aim to challenge both homophobia and transphobia. Both are a credit to our football club.

Follow the Proud Canaries on Twitter here.

Big week ahead for Norwich City

With two Barclay’s Premier League games this week and the closing of the January transfer window, this could be a big week in the season of Norwich City – and Chris Hughton.

It all starts on Tuesday night as the Canaries take on Newcastle at Carrow Road (7:45pm kick-off). With City not playing at the weekend due to already being knocked out of the FA Cup, the 1-0 victory over Hull at Carrow Road on the 18th feels like a long time ago.

As long ago as it was, it was a massive win – a win that could easily (and hopefully) provide a platform for a few more wins, to move us away from the bottom three and to safety. For all the negativity surrounding Chris Hughton and his future before that game, the man got three points and hopefully the ground will get behind the side against Newcastle.

Of course it won’t be an easy match, Newcastle are in good form, and are a good side, as the league table shows. Although all this mystery surrounding the future of Yohan Cabaye could work in City’s favour, as the Toon’s star man looks set to join PSG before the end of the transfer window.

I don’t think there will be too many shocks in the City line-up. Jonas Guttierez is ineligible, as he is on-loan from Newcastle and one would have to imagine the fit again Anthony Pilkington will come straight into the side as Hughton continues to play 4-4-2.

Then on Friday, the transfer window shuts. Hughton has admitted Norwich are in the process of trying to acquire a player of two before January 31st but refuses to be drawn on speculation. Two names being linked with the club are experienced defenders Scott Dann and Steven Taylor, both of whom would be solid additions to the center of defence, a position where players have been arguably under-performing this season.

On the other side of the coin, it is important for City to keep hold of a number of key players. Both Anthony Pilkington and Nathan Redmond have been linked with a move to Swansea, although with Tom Ince seeming about the join the Welsh club, both will hopefully remain in Norfolk beyond Friday.

Another linked with an exit is Wes Hoolahan. The situation with Wes is a difficult one. He has been a key player for Norwich City in his time at the club and some (like myself) believe he could still be the difference in this team. However, he has not been playing and I do not blame him for wanting to leave. If the deal is right for him, and the club, then I would have no problems in letting him go, he deserves better than at 31 to be left on the bench. Although I do not agree with some of the bitterness surrounding his transfer request by some sections of the fans, as well as (probably the same bitter fans) giving stick to Grant Holt for joining Aston Villa.

Saturday’s match away at bottom of the table Cardiff (3pm) is also another massive one. Whatever the outcomes of the midweek games, it gives City a chance to put clear distance between themselves and a relegation rival. Granted, the away form hasn’t been the best this season but I still have the uppermost faith that we can come away from the long trip to Wales with three points.

As mentioned, Cardiff find themselves five points (and eight places) behind Norwich in the table, and a win could help dent any confidence the Bluebirds have gained under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – although last time out at home they were beaten by Norwich’s Tuesday night opposition, Newcastle.

This week won’t make or break Norwich season but two winnable games gives them a chance to kick on from the victory over Hull and move away from the drop zone and into mid table mediocrity. A couple of poor results and the pressure will be right back on Norwich, and especially Chris Hughton, and Norwich fans will start looking for blood once again.

On the ball City!