Saints and Norwich are on a very similar trajectory, and I see us as very similar clubs. You have two league cups and us one FA Cup, so not sure if that more or less equals out in terms of silverware (depends on what weighting one gives to the League vs the FA Cup); are clubs that quite a lot of people seem to profess having a soft spot for; and more currently we have followed your trajectory up from League One following a bankruptcy (and near bankruptcy in your case) in successive seasons. Last season was our consolidation, and hopefully we'll do what you did last season, re: staying up (although I hope for a top half finish). Some clubs - like Villa (possibly until last season), and Fulham - are just on a dull ride, but I find our clubs tend not to ever sit still for long enough for that to happen to us - whether it's the Lambert upheaval at yours, the relegations, the European run and third place league finish; or our academy being plundered, relegation, Le Tissier years; Adkins sacking; Lambert for England story; surprise marquee signings, from Keegan through to Gaston and Osvaldo; and in both cases our giantkilling exploits. I have always thought that if we had a sister club, it is more than likely Norwich. Of course, I hope we batter you on Saturday, but not sure we will get more than a draw.
Yes, I think that is how a lot of Norwich fans feel about it -- which of course doesn't prevent fierce rivalry. Our fortunes do seem to mirror one another. Plenty of other links too -- Ron Davies, Mick Channon. But we also have a close association with Sunderland dating from our meeting in the 1985 League Cup Final. When in the same division, as now, we contest "The Friendship Cup" over the two games (home and away). Goodness knows what Paolo Di Canio will make of that!
I think I feel the most affinity for Swansea for some reason, but yes, a lot of time for Norwich and Hughton, who seems a thoroughly decent man.
They`re a docile lot - until Delia comes out at half-time, and whips them up into a blood-thirsty frenzy.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/aug/30/ten-things-premier-league Saints' strike force Every Southampton match is interesting thanks to their dynamic blend of young entrepreneurs, many of them English. The arrival of Pablo Osvaldo has made them an even more fascinating prospect, with competition from, or partnership with, the Italy international set to spur on Rickie Lambert to even greater heights. Lambert and Osvaldo have the energy and smarts to be influential even when not scoring, giving them qualities that Norwich's slick new centre-forward, Ricky van Wolfswinkel, needs to study and learn. Like the sound of that.
Wolfpenis isn't that talented really, but he is a threat in the air. He's got a lot of learning to do if he wants to be like Rickie or Dani.
Doesn't seem like he really contributes anything other than being a target in the box, and he's not amazing at that just yet. Could become a very dangerous scorer.
I said several pages back that giving out about one of their players is just asking for it to bite you in the bum!
I have some fond memories of Norwich. I remember going to a pub before kick off watching the FA Cup match between Everton and Wigan and both sets of fans were taking the piss out of Everton. A few fans from both sides panicked until someone pointed out it was the FA Cup not the league.
Good point - we`ll have Delia then. But we`re not having that Jamie Oliver - he`ll cover everything in a poncy jus or coulis, and spit over the grub when he talks.
I am missing so much football these next couple of days. Tomorrow I'm refereeing 9-5, and the same on Sunday. I might just catch some of Palace vs Sunderland. But then again, we're off out for a birthday meal tomorrow evening, so maybe not.
What's the quality of the concourse food like at Carrow Road..? Now that's the [sniff-sniff some thing's burning] question..!
I dreamt last night that we lost 2.0....as dreams are rubbish, it means we will win 2.0. Impeccable logic. COYR.
