Just my review of 2011, probably not that well written and too many cliches. There are also some statistics at the end and my opinion on best goal and player of the year. I know we still have two games to go in 2011 but I wanted to do this early and it will be updated after the next two games. Also, sorry it's so long. Championship run in What a year it has been. Norwich City now sit proudly in the top half of the table amongst the elite of English football. After a second promotion in two years making us the first team since Manchester City to get consecutive promotions. There have been many memorable moments from that goal against Derby to the completion of the derby demolition. 2011 was a year that will be talked about Canary fans for years to come. Norwich started the year in 5th place in the Championship, one point behind Cardiff, Swansea and Leeds and eight points off the impressive looking QPR – who City faced on New Years Day. An early goal by the improving Russell Martin earned the yellow and green army three points against the league leaders. The rest of January was disappointing for Norwich fans despite getting another late goal against Cardiff that was beginning to be the theme at Carrow Road. An early exit from the FA cup at the hands of Leyton Orient was also disappointing but it allowed the team to concentrate on the league and push on up the table. January, as ever, revolved around the transfer window. Paul Lambert extended the loan signing of Henri Lansbury, who was slowly becoming a fan favourite, the left-back Marc Tierney, who had said he would never play for Norwich City and striker Wilbraham. Barnett was also signed permanently from West Brom Into February where Norwich broke into the automatic promotion place. Up first was Millwall, remembered for his ‘dance’. Games seemed to be getting harder for Norwich with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Doncaster and Preston in early March notwithstanding a hard earned draw at Elland Road and revenge for Holt, who had cruelly been sent off in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, in stoppage time against Reading. Crofts also scored a contender for goal of the year against Barnsley; a turn and left foot volley reminding the elder fans of the late Fashanu’s goal of the season in the 80’s against Liverpool. Wins over Leicester City and Bristol City, secured by Wilbraham and Surman respectively. Both scoring their first goals in the Norwich City yellow. By this point the word promotion was on all Norwich fans’ lips as the team were one point ahead of Swansea in second place. The first game in April against struggling S****horpe included the return of Nelson who had secured Norwich’s promotion from League 1 eleven months earlier against Charlton. Norwich ended the game 6-0 winners with a hattricks from Holt and Jackson. From this game the Canadian regained his confidence to earn his place in the starting XI and continue scoring, which would prove vital to the Canary promotion push. Norwich then went to Swansea hoping to increase the four point gap between them. The game ended 3-0 to the Welsh team, the first time Norwich had lost by more than two goals in the league since Lambert took over. Norwich subsequently drew away against Watford and won at home to Nottingham Forest – a team that had slipped away since a promising start. Up next was the East Anglian derby against Ipswich. To everybody Ipswich looked much stronger since the appointment of Paul Jewell and the signings he had made in January. The Norwich players didn’t let this phase them, the game ended 5-1 – resulting in Ipswich being referred to as 1p5wich. Completing the double over Ipswich for the first time since 2004. This was Norwich City’s biggest ever victory over their rivals and the fans were not going to let it slip. With three games to go Norwich had to win against a Derby side stuck in mid-table to help ensure their automatic promotion. However, the game was close, Derby were looking for the win in Robbie Savage’s penultimate game of his controversial career. After the former enjoyed the crowd coming off as a substitute the referee added an extra minute allowing Jackson to earn his second hattrick of the season. This was a goal and a moment the 26,000 fans will never forget. Norwich then went to Portsmouth knowing that Cardiff’s 3-0 loss to Middlesborough meant that a win would secure promotion back to the Premier League. The Canaries didn’t disappoint. Jackson scored his eighth goal in nine games to earn a deserved victory on the south coast and a deserved place in the Premier League. Premier League return It was a good summer for Paul Lambert in the transfer market, making eight signings – none of which had huge Premier League experience. Only Vaughan, Ayala and Naughton had played in the Premier League before. Signing young and hungry players was heavily criticised by pundits. Despite a faltering start in which Norwich City conceded five penalties in five consecutive games, a Premier League record, Paul Lambert’s team have surprised many playing well against Manchester United and Chelsea even though they lost. The Canaries earned two brilliant points in Merseyside against a strong Liverpool team and an ever present in the Premier league, Everton. There were wins against fellow promoted sides QPR and Swansea. A big win against a ‘weakened’ Newcastle proved how strong the Norwich City attack is. The team also got the club’s first away win in the Premier League against Bolton. Norwich ended the year with a last minute goal. Something that has been a big part of the year. A very appropriate way to end the year. Norwich City currently sit in the top half of the Premier League after a successful 2011 and look to continue the success in 2012 hoping to avoid relegation and stay in the Premier League where the team prove they belong. Statistics 2011 record - W 17 D 16 L 11 Win percentage – 38.64% Goals scored – 70 Goals conceded – 65 Goal scorers 1 - Holt – 19 2 - Jackson – 11 3 - Morison – 6 4 - R Martin – 5 5 - Pilkington – 4 5= Hoolahan – 4 5= Surman – 4 5= Lansbury - 4 5= Crofts - 4 Goal of 2011 1st - Croft's volley at Barnsley [video=youtube;yMQikh_dQD0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMQikh_dQD0[/video] 2nd - Holt's header against Liverpool 3rd - Jackson's winner against Portsmouth [video=youtube;2jIrua-A0AE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jIrua-A0AE[/video] Moment of 2011 - THAT winner against Derby [video=youtube;KDM88n9ZHk0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDM88n9ZHk0[/video] Game of 2011 - Ipswich 1-5 Norwich [video=youtube;0UJfCmcEVmo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UJfCmcEVmo[/video] Player of the year 1st - R Martin 2nd - Holt 3rd - Ruddy (Tierney close 4th) Finally, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Ruddy not in the top 3 for player of the year? I know Tierney has been good this season, but Ruddy has been incredible all of 2011. Interesting how we've still continued to score reasonably freely in the Premiership though, when you consider the first few games this season, it's certainly not good fortune that has put us where we are, and to be honest we've played 4 of our toughest 5 games this season already!
Wow, now that's what I'd call a comprehensive annual review. "This was a goal and a moment the 26,000 fans will never forget." - Ain't that the truth?! Excellent read, enjoyed that wonky!
I have to doth my cap to you guys for your amazing achievements this year! You deserve all the plaudits that have come your way. I did not enjoy my slice of humble pie!
Thanks CS. Haven't heard a noise like the one after that goal at carrow road. The closing minutes of our win against man united coming a close second. I had no voice after Jacksons goal. Thanks warky, appreciated.
Fulham result added to statistics. What a 2011 it has been! 70 goals this year is pretty good. 1.59 goals a game!
