So, many of us (myself included) when nephew Tom was appointed to the board, but it was primarily thanks to him and Ed that we 'thought outside the box' and appointed a Sporting Director and a Head Coach with outstanding results. If any of you haven't read Andy Head's Half-Term report, then I suggest you do - it really is a worthwhile read. http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter...a-pupil-by-pupil-verdict-for-the-autumn-term/
I remember DF saying at the end of last season that he was appalled at the ratio of ‘shots at goal’ to ‘shots on target’ and that is CERTAINLY something that has been addressed.
It's easy to criticise the Board when things aren't going well, but they were supporting a management structure under AN which had taken us up to the PL at the first attempt. It wasn't enough to avoid relegation in the end, but at least they had a go. Having had the ups and downs of earlier managers from the home grown solutions like Gunn and Adams to the selfish ambition of Lambert, they looked for a more permanent solution which would professionalise the football decision making. Having seen what SW did at Huddersfield they decided to go for a long term permanent structure combining first three then four specialised talents to form a coherent structure able to combine those talents into a synergy where the sum is more than the individual parts. SW is at the heart of that, with a scouting structure stronger than we've ever had before and a Head Coach who can make the strategy work on the pitch. We are now seeing the result of that while the Board takes on a background role aimed at long term development.
I hope this works and it shows when we score most of our goals - Personally, I'd like to see more scored in say the first 60 minutes
That's brilliant, JMF. The goals conceded either side of half-time are a bit of a concern, but otherwise we seem to be doing well. Other sides seem to tire from attempts to blunt our attack, which helps our scoring late on. With Leeds and WBA moving above us in the form table we need to get back on track again.
If this is our dip then we’re doing alright. Leeds can’t keep on getting lucky results and West Brom will slip before long too
Fair comment Rick re our current form and I'm happy that we're not losing games and we certainly deserved to beat both Bristol and Forest. West Brom and Leeds have an easier run of games between now and 2nd Feb. This is an interesting one - and shows that points wise, we are fractionally ahead of the previous seasons when we've won promotion - https://infogram.com/pink-promotion-points-1hmr6ggxmmgo6nl?live
From 0-10 and 41-50 minutes are our worst periods. We don't seem to come out of the locker room ready to go.
Interesting review of TC - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...ceful-Norwich-midfielder-clever-movement.html
"thick set with broad shoulders and a body strong enough to resist challenges." Not how I would describe TC. He looks like a rag doll to me when an opponent tries to tackle him - all arms and legs flailing around, and great balance. It's good to see him get some recognition, though, he deserves it.
Rag doll is perfect, CS. Except the balance and instinctive footwork this one uses is something very special.
I think it was CS who first highlighted his ability to ride tackles and keep the ball. It seems to be that balance and being split seconds ahead of the defender that makes the difference.
So Sky FM had a punt at predicting the league table after the ‘Festive Season’ and I suppose they got the top 2 right but Stoke and Swansea are nowhere to be seen -
An excellent article from Ian Clarke in today's EDP - 'After the welcome distraction of the FA Cup - where I’d expect pretty much a different starting team - City have a run of five games which will go a long way to shape the direction of our season. Three are against the other sides in the top four, one is at one of the league’s form clubs and the other is the East Anglian derby. A trip to the Hawthorns is up on Saturday week. West Brom would go above us with a win and we’ll almost certainly head there without a clutch of key players. Then eighth-placed Birmingham head to Carra for a live TV clash before Sheffield United pay a visit. The Blades are in the third, just two points behind us and with three wins and a draw over the festive period. February will begin with a mouth-watering trip to Leeds ahead of Agent Lambert returning to NR1. Having heard about some comments he’s made, you just know how desperate he’ll be to get a result up here. That’s all not supposed to sprinkle New Year gloom over Norfolk and if we can emerge from this next month there or thereabouts it will be a fantastic achievement. Farke has indicated he is not expecting to do much business in the transfer window - and I’m happy with that. Too much change could disrupt the amazing spirit he has created. So let’s roll up those sleeves and battle on. OTBC.' https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwi...hat-city-keep-refusing-to-be-beaten-1-5836815
From Sqwaka - 'Crouch predicts that the automatic promotion places will be filled by either Leeds, Norwich, or West Brom, but it is the Canaries that have impressed him the most so far.' Read more at http://www.squawka.com/en/news/norw...r-crouchcrouch-wo/1075082#Ztx8UwXJGhsD3hXY.99
Both great articles, JMF. The table at the end speaks volumes: The current top six: 1. Leeds Utd – 51 pts (+16GD) 2. Norwich City – 49 pts (+14GD) 3. Sheffield Utd – 47 pts (+17GD) 4. West Brom – 46 pts (+20GD) 5. Middlesbrough – 43 pts (+10GD) 6. Derby – 43 pts (+6GD) I've always felt that goal difference is a telling indication, and this suggests an even bigger gap below West Brom. I also feel, unlike Crouch, that Sheffield United will be competing for the top two places as well and their GD supports that. As Ian Clarke says though, our next 6 matches will have a major impact, particularly the six pointers against WBA, Leeds and the Blades. If we can come through those well enough, we'll then have a winnable run of games through the rest of the season.
