I wonder how that togetherness might be tested if we blow it in this season or struggle next ? which ever division we are in? It's so easy to get behind a winning team, but the nay sayers are never far away. It's easy to say now that Farke will have earnt backing for even a relegation season and then beyond, but many would have felt the same about Alex Neil, but by summer most wanted a fresh start for the championship season and the board were the last I think to realise things weren't good enough and finally gave him the heave ho. In saying that, the atmosphere has ben built to the best for a long time including other promotion campaigns, so credit to the Barclayenders et al, but sterner tests of the atmosphere await, as if we reach the promised land, defeats will inevitably come and likely in more than 1's and 2's! Can we stay supportive and positive then? Previous evidence suggests not but I hope maybe this time there is a fundimental shift to positivity even in adversity. Bah!
Having quoted that, the one thing I question is "those in the team are performing at their limit". We were not at our best against Millwall and yet we won comfortably. Those players are chosen because they are playing well and getting results, but I hope they can continue their improvement with every game they play. Trybull and McLean have only recently returned and should get better with every game they play, as should the young guns. Even those who have been regulars seem to improving with each game and that's what is exciting about this season, especially when you look at the players they are keeping out of the starting lineup. It's this squad character, depth and potential which makes me think we could survive if we are promoted.
I think for me, the difference is that the fans can see the long-term ambitions of the club, and very much bought into it. Since McNally's 7-year plan was completed in 3 seasons, it doesn't feel like the club have known what to do other than "get to the Prem ASAP and do all we can to survive". Which is fine, but meant throwing all our limited resources at short-term investments. I think playing good football, but losing plenty and going down, would be tolerated fairly well if the club continue to strengthen that bond with the fans, and put things in motion for long term success. Not going up is going to be more tricky, because of financial pressures and circling vultures. Maintaining that team spirit whilst having to sell the likes of Aarons will be tricky.
I think its fair to say the younger players will get better over time, but they won't get better every game there will be games when it may appear that their development is going backwards.
First class post as usual General and whilst I've only been going to CR for 12 years or so, some who've been going for decades are saying that they have never witnessed NCFC play as well as they are doing this season. Yes, I think the fans would stay behind the team if we were relegated and D&M have stepped back from making football decisions, so I'm confident that SW (or whoever replaces him) would be quite swift to act.
I'm sure many would stay behind them, but if we got beat 6 on the bounce, whilst already in the bottom 3 with ever decreasing performance levels as our confidence drops, I just can't see our lot staying vocal and for no booing or negativity to creap in. Like I say the initives to improve the CR atmosphere have been fabulous, but I can't help feeling, had they tried to get all of this going last season, it would have gained very little traction with the dull performances and midtable finish. Fickle bunch us fans! Bah!
Totally agree re- the long term strategy being clear and that will help. Between that and Farke having credit in the bank. But AN had credit in the bank, even started the PL season well and with entertaining footy. It all seemed to go wrong from that Newcastle game! However there seemed little by way of long term plan, accepting that the club were investing in the playing squad and hoping to transition from yoyo to PL. Most pertinent word Hoping! So for me and I'm sure the majority on here and who comment on MFW there will be some patience a view of the bigger picture. However, I think there are enough Pinkuns out there to turn any tide of positivity if things start to go wrong. Let's face it as good as the football Farke now has us playing is, we still go up as massive underdogs, with an inexperienced gaffer. Me might keep trying to play as we are now, but stronger defences and less forgiving attacks might well slaughter us. Yes our attack is very good at our current level, but even here in the Championship our defence is questionable. Webber will no doubt recruit astutely, the youngsters (assuming they stay) will improve some more. But go down with a whimper and the bond will be stretched. The people who still refuse to undersatnd where the money went, will ask where its gone again. The lack of £30m signings will mean the club lacked ambition. Some on Canary call are still no doubt finding something to whinge about. I would back Farke, Webber et al next season in the PL (Assuming we make it) even in the event of relegation I think, but right now I can't know if we will be breaking Derby's record low points haul. That might test my resolve! Bah!
Another superb post General and hope so right the Newcastle and that was followed later in the season by Liverpool. We mustn't forget the signing of Naismith and refusimr to play JM!! Our defensive frailties are a major concern for me and I wonder if perhaps the time had come to try a different CB pairing. As had been said on today's MFW article, let's just go to games and 'enjoy the ride!!'
We've conceded a relatively high number of goals considering our position but I can't shake the fact that the reality is now we've got (in theory) one of the best defences I can remember in a long time. Four quality CBs to choose from and 2 of the hottest young FB players (not just prospects anymore) in the Championship, both linked with PL clubs.
To be fair, Millwall's goal had a lot of luck with it - the flick from Morrison could have gone anywhere. O'Dowds' goal should never have happened, Rudd played a blinder and we were jadedj after beating 1ptwich. We're limiting teams to one goal at most in recent games and I actually think that we're becoming better defensively. We'll see.
From PD in toay's EDP - 'We studied last season and in many topics we were near the top of the league. Possession, passing, also creating chances but we were not able to be clinical,” he said. “This is a strength we have added.' #noshitsherlock https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwi...buendia-role-model-for-daniel-farke-1-5919985 A topic I have mentioned MANY times
Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere - https://www.skysports.com/football/...o-longer-being-lazy-and-premier-league-dreams #whatasigning Edit - Brilliant work by the 'Dynamic Duo' - aka SW/DF
An interesting article and well worth reading - https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sp...nited-norwich-championship-promotion-15941798. Looks like they're all agreed that we'll be in the PL next year and quite happy for Leeds to win the title.
Interesting stat from Michael Bailey and NCFC Numbers on twitter: NCFC record with Buendia this season: WDWWWWWDLWWWWWDWWDWDDWDWDWWLWWWW P30 W21 D7 L2 Pts 70 NCFC record without Buendia: DLLLD
There's going to be quite a finish for the playoffs at this rate... Bet Derby fans are nervous looking over their shoulders at the horde behind... please log in to view this image
Yes HQMC, the race for the playoffs is fascinating and as I read elsewhere, by the time 'Canary Call' starts on Saturday, that there will be a little more 'daylight' to 3rd. We just need to keep winning as many of our own games as possible
