Opinion: “On the hustle and bustle of the city”
It was a strange old season at Norwich. Netflix must be regretting not having him based in NR1 for this campaign.
Please try to imagine. Netflix presents… “On the Bowl, City.” (They can get it for free).
To sum it up…first we were okay, then we were trash, then we were so-so, but we all hated each other (it felt like), and then Delia called us 'whiners'. And then we changed sporting directors and got better, then David Wagner told some supporters to stay at home, but now… Despite this, they are still one point shy of the playoff spot with 11 games remaining.
Make it what you want.
After 35 games last season, we had the same points and were one place down, but this time I feel different, in a good way. (Famous last words?)
Firstly, we have a striker who is scoring goals every game and is doing well. And whether the people of River End like it or not, from the ashes of our dark autumn and mid-winter, a style of play has finally been established that has managed to strike the difficult balance between attacking football and defensive solidity. A football appeared that looked like it was taken. (What are the more famous last words?)
In the midst of this, a call for calm from the club and its supporters (or some supporters) was put forward by the Canaries Trust, and was largely heeded, in the wake of Wagner's aforementioned outburst in response to boos. Since this intervention, the atmosphere at Carrow Road has improved markedly, and there is even a cheerfulness in the air in Norfolk.
This is not enough, except for some people.
The call for calm seems to have been heeded only by those of us who are considered “whiners and groaners.” Those who have escaped Delia's wrath and remain loyal to her and the club still seem determined to maintain the “us and them” divide.
There was a small incident involving Kenny McLean over the weekend. He was punching some fans at Carrow Road, the type of incident that is seen at most grounds at some point every season, and was and is still debated by many. Mentioned after 4 days.
What's interesting is that, as mentioned above, the Carrow Road crowd is listening to calls for calmer, more enthusiastic support. The reactions were all positive. Noise levels have improved and moans are generally less audible.
But if Team Delia is waiting for a home crowd and shows no dissatisfaction at any point in the game, no matter what they're watching, they could be left waiting for a very long time.
The passion that comes with being a football supporter makes that impossible. sorry.
Perhaps the NCFC style of the 2023-24 season is destined to be tough all the way to the end.
