A busy week for the Canaries filled with many highs and lows. All culminating in a truly wonderful victory in the Norfolk sunshine.
I decided, on Wednesday evening, that I wouldn`t post anything regarding the defeat to Huddersfield, there was nothing really to add that had not been said before. A ‘standard` away defeat for City, which we have all become very used to this season. City`s weaknesses were exposed big time. An embarrassment for all those watching, made worse by being live on Sky Sports for the whole world to see. The defence, goalkeeper included, are in severe need of a revamp for next season. Not that we didn’t know that already.
Having reached the darkest part of the tunnel, the rest of the week felt to me like we were starting to see light again. Kicked off by the arrival of Stuart Webber as the new sporting director.
I was massively impressed by the way in which he spoke about the issues surrounding the club, and the challenges he, and the club, faces. He seems to have his head in the right place and will bring a lot of good qualities and improvements to Norwich.
Furthermore, it was exciting to hear him speak about our academy and how he wants us to get the best out of it. I`ve always been a huge fan of clubs who manage to get the very best out of their academy set up. Norwich are reasonably effective and bringing youth talent through (compared to some) but, if we could make raise ourselves to be considered in the bracket of teams like Southampton and Everton in making the most of their youth set ups, then very exciting times lay ahead.
Mr. Webber began waving his magic wand very quickly in making sure Alan Irvine stays in charge until the end of the season. I had hoped to see an appointment of head coach relatively swiftly after Webber came in but, at this point in the season with very little for Norwich to play for, it may be worth waiting an extra few weeks and see if we can snare somebody of a higher calibre. Gary Monk or Jaap Stam (even after yesterday, Reading have had an excellent season), for example, don’t have their future secure at their respective clubs and may be available at the end of the season.
The light got brighter still on Saturday afternoon with a thumping 7-1 victory over Reading. Our biggest victory since overcoming the mighty Paulton Rovers 7-0 in 2009. Six first half goals, a first since 1908 for Norwich, and a quality performance saw Reading capitulate.
However the victory is tinged with a sense of what should have been. If we had performed half as well as we did yesterday consistently (home and away) this season we would be sitting with Brighton and Newcastle, not preparing for life in the championship next season.
Setting those feelings aside, it was a wonderful afternoon of football. Made all the better by basking in the sun and waving select Reading ‘supporters` goodbye as they left the stadium within half an hour. The team selection was, in my opinion, our best XI and they played brilliantly.
Alex Pritchard was the stand-out performer within a stand-out performance for me. He was at the heart of everything for City and his first goal was a belter.
With nothing left for Norwich to play for, except maybe top scorers, and 3 home games left out of 5, hopefully the City faithful will have some more good results to cheer about as this season saunters to a close. The frustration of this season will, with any luck, be left in the past and we can begin to look forward to next season and a brighter future.
Next to Carrow Road come Fulham. If I were them watching a replay of us yesterday, I would be a little bit concerned about making a visit.
OTBC
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