Our Last 2 Seasons (Long article)

Now we know that Swansea will be joining us alongside QPR in the Premier League next season, we can consider this season to now be truly finished. Such a great season deserves a review to tell the story of what happened, but then when I think about it, the story isn’t just of this season; it is of last season as well.... (Thanks to Yellows and Canarymann for the pictures!)

Due to the restrictive nature of the 10,000 character limit, I'll have to break down this into several parts!

The story begins at the end of 2008/09 season when we have been relegated to League One following poor performances under Glenn Roeder who was then sacked leaving former club goalkeeping legend Brian Gunn to come in as caretaker manager until the end of the season but ultimately, despite some improvement he couldn’t save the club from the drop. Our beloved joint majority shareholder, Delia Smith bemoaned that money had ruined football, and it was impossible for a team to succeed with having it in great measure. This was something that over the next two seasons that would be proved to be not entirely the case and after the low of relegation to the third tier of English football, what would follow would be another brief but even lower moment, followed by many epic highs as a new manager would lead the club to unarguably one of the more successful period in Norwich’s history. This manager is Paul Lambert.

This story covers the chain of events that led to this new manager, and what happened afterwards as he became the first manager since Joe Royle with Manchester City to achieve back to back promotions from the Third Tier to the Premiership. Whilst back to back promotions are always a feat of great managerial skill, what has been achieved in these two seasons at Norwich has been achieved on a very small budget and from a position where some people where even speculating Norwich may further freefall down the footballing ladder. This makes the achievements of Paul Lambert nothing short of extraordinary. The path that would be taken would be full of unsung heroes and would need some luck, but Paul Lambert barely in his 40s and a man of such modesty is already establishing himself as a managerial great.



But for now, we return to the past and the pre-season preparation for Norwich’s League One Campaign. Brian Gunn has been given the job of Norwich manager on a permanent basis. Norwich are widely tipped to walk over the league and secure an instant return to the Championship. Thanks to the work of another shareholder/the club’s deputy chairman, Michael Foulger, Brian Gunn has some funds to play with at the start of the season. Because of the club’s relegation to League One, fans where entitled to a 20% rebate of the price of their season ticket, but Foulger promised to match the amount of money saved by those who did not claim their rebate and raised £350,000 in doing so. Brian Gunn then made a number of signings in the pre-season. Of first mention is Australian goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos from Melbourne Victory who would go on to play only one game for Norwich. Gunn’s 2 other noteworthy signings alongside Theoklitos where centre-back Michael Nelson from Hartlepool (Nelson would become popular with Norwich’s fans who affectionately called him ‘the Admiral’.) and secondly, despite Brian Gunn’s relatively brief managerial stint at Norwich being viewed as calamitous by many fans, what he is unfairly not credited for was one very, smooth piece of business. Gunn purchased striker Grant Holt from Shrewsbury Town for a fee of just £500,000, an investment which now seems like pittance. For everything Paul Lambert has done, it should be noted that Norwich’s two star players, the aforementioned Grant Holt and Irishman Wes Hoolahan where already at Norwich when Lambert arrived.

After a promising pre-season in which Norwich won all but one of their games, (The other drawn) Norwich fans were expecting an easy ride. The Canaries first league game of the season was to be against fellow East Anglian club Colchester United with the general consensus being ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ This question was to be answered very soon, and nobody would have expected the answer.

The match began in disastrous fashion for Norwich when right back Jon Ostemobor’s weak lofted back pass to goalkeeper Theoklitos was easily intercepted by Colchester’s Kevin Lisbie who then lofted the ball over the keepers head with Theoklitos completely missing an easy punch away allowing Lisbie to run round him and tap the ball across the goal-line. Defender Gary Doherty then allowed Lisbie to step inside him and take a shot on goal, with Theoklitos’ weak save simply palming the ball in to the feet of Colchester striker Clive Platt to score the rebound. The Norwich defence then failed to deal with a Colchester cross and Platt scored his brace by blasting the ball into the net at the far post. A well struck free kick from David Fox gave Colchester their fourth goal at which point a pair of Norwich fans stormed onto the pitch and threw their season tickets at Brian Gunn, enraged at the poor display of football they were seeing. Shell-shocked Norwich still found time to concede a fifth when Marc Tierney’s long throw into the box was headed on for Kevin Lisbie to nod in his second before Norwich could go back to their dressing room and reflect on what had happened. Unfortunately for Norwich, it was only half-time. In the second half, Cody McDonald, on as a substitute, was able to give Norwich a consolation goal with a good finish inside the penalty area. Just 3 minutes later, a Colchester goal kick landed on the edge of the Norwich area and was headed onto David Perkins to blast past Theoklitos from the edge of the area. Scott Vernon was at hand to tap in a pass across the face of goal after Theoklitos failed to charge down a run into the penalty area to leave the scoreline at 1 – 7, Norwich’s record home defeat to this day, and likely many, many more after it. The repercussions for the match would be felt long afterwards. The manager who masterminded this shock and frankly, humiliating defeat for Norwich was Us boss Paul Lambert. Colchester United would be seen as Norwich’s rivals for the rest of the season in the absence of Ipswich Town. The two fans who threw their season tickets at Brian Gunn where banned from Carrow Road, but obtained cult hero status for playing their part in the chain of events that would unfold in the coming days. And as for Theoklitos, the goalkeeper at the wrong end of a 7 – 1 scoreline, it would be his last game in Norwich colours – he would be picked for a reserve team later on in the season but would miss the bus. His contract was then terminated by mutual consent. Now he plays for Brisbane Roar, and was goalkeeper of the season for the 2010-11 season of the A League, also setting a record of 876 minutes without conceding a goal. Make of that what you will. It is curious how a goalkeeper of Brian Gunn’s standing could have bought what seemed to be such an awful keeper or (As I think) how a decent keeper could have such a shaky day and let 7 goals in. I personally speculated at the time that he had trouble adjusting to playing upside-down. The result left Norwich second bottom of the League ahead only of Southampton who began the season on a points deduction.

please log in to view this image

Paul Lambert, now the Norwich manager.

 

Norwich bounced back strongly from the defeat with a 4 – 0 victory against Yeovil Town in the League Cup, thanks to a Wes Hoolahan penalty and a Grant Holt hat-trick, but it was too late for Gunn who was sacked 3 days later, a decision that polarised Norwich fans. Some felt it was a shocking way to treat a club legend and that he should have been given more time, whilst others felt after such humiliation he had to go. All fans will now agree though, that in terms of taking the club forward, it was the right decision. 10 days after inflicting such pain on Norwich (A 1 – 1 draw to Exeter and a 2 – 1 defeat to Brentford occurred in the League in this period) bizarrely, Lambert was persuaded to leave Colchester and join Norwich. It was a decision that affect Norwich later in the season however, as they had illegally approached Lambert and would fail to agree compensation for this with Colchester United. One of Lambert’s first acts would be to make Grant Holt captain, and over the next 2 seasons Lambert would transform Holt front being a good striker to a good leader and add a strong defensive aspect to his game too. Results improved, with a 5 -2 victory against Wycombe and a 2 – 0 victory over Hartlepool, the opener in the latter scored by their former defender Michael Nelson, either side of a 4 -1 defeat at the hands of a vastly superior Sunderland to eliminate Norwich from the League Cup. August also saw the signing of Newcastle United goalkeeper Fraser Forster on a month long loan, which would be extended until the end of the season.

September saw Norwich beat play at a 0 – 0 draw with Walsall at home. Norwich were marginally the better side, but Walsall worked hard to shut Norwich out. The match wasn’t without incident however as referee questionably Russell Booth disallowed Michael Nelson’s headed goal claiming there had been pushing in the penalty area by Norwich players in the build-up. Norwich then travelled to MK Dons, and despite taking the lead early after Chris Martin’s goal eventually lost 2 -1. Towards the end of the second half, having already equalized the MK Donds where awarded a suspect penalty when Chris Martin supposedly fouled in the penalty box and the Dons converted the spot kick. For the eighth game of the season, Charlton Athletic visited Carrow Road. Charlton where on 19 points alongside Leeds, but in the top spot on goal difference. Norwich sat in 14th on 8 points. By the 40th minute Norwich where 2 - 0 down against the run of play, but showed great character with Wes Hoolahan pulling one back just before half time with a good strike before late in injury time a deflected cross was buried into the net of Grant Holt’s head to save a deserved point and cause Charlton to surrender their top spot to Leeds United. Norwich then travelled to Priestfield to play Gillingham. In the first half, Norwich keeper Fraser Forster brought down a Gills player in the penalty box for a straight red and future Norwich player Simeon Jackson scored the spot kick and looked set for a win until very, very late in injury time Darrel Russell scored an equalizer. These very late equalizers and winners would become a defining trend of this and the next season for Norwich winning dozens of points and demonstrating immense will and teaching Norwich fans never to leave the stadium too soon. Paul Lambert was full of praise for his players, as he would be every time he was praised preferring to deflect the plaudits onto his players. Next Leyton Orient visited Carrow Road, and after an uneventful first half John Melligan was sent off for a poor challenge on Adam Drury and the game burst into life, and after 20 minutes Norwich found a way through the resilient Os defences to score not once, but four times before the final whistle.

September saw Norwich begin with a resounding win at home to Bristol Rovers when Chris Martin’s early goal was cancelled out by a Rover’s penalty , but 5 minutes later Wes Hoolahan returned the favour after Norwich where too awarded a spot kick. There was still time in the first half for a Grant Holt brace and an injury time goal from Jamie Cureton in the second half for good measure. The trio of Chris Martin, Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan where all showing tremendous goal scoring form and earned themselves the collective nickname as the holy ‘trinity.’ An away win to Carlisle came next after Wesley Hoolahan was at hand to capitalise on poor defensive play in the first half to secure a 0 – 1 win, a result that moved Norwich into the playoff places. Norwich had an eight year plan to secure the club financially, involving as executive David McNally would later admit, a year of consolidation in league one before a return to the Championship and then 2 years of Premier League football over the next six years. This would be in sharp contrast to local rivals Ipswich who had set themselves just 2 years to reach the Premier League, ironically Norwich would do just that under Paul Lambert. Next up was the unenviable visit to Elland Road to play leaders Leeds United, top of the table by 2 points with a game in hand. Bradley Johnson converted a Leeds corner early on, but Grant Holt blasted in a cross to make the scoreline 1 – 1 a result the game looked destined to end at before Fraser Forster alarmingly scuffed a routine clearance in injury time, and Jermaine Beckford was at hand to finish as Norwich fell to their only defeat of the month. The game had been physical to say the least with 7 yellow cards distributed between the teams. A first half strike from Chris Martin gave Norwich victory over Swindon in a game in which Swindon defended resolutely and where kept under immense pressure from Norwich. Swindon managed just 3 shots all game, all wide or over the bar whilst Norwich produced 11 corners and 11 shots, but only one in target in a display of some poor finishing. A Grant Holt brace and a Wes Hoolahan penalty would be enough to see Norwich win at Edegely Park to Stockport County in what had been a good month and saw Norwich strengthen their playoff position.

In November, League One strugglers Tranmere Rovers visited the Canaries an in atrocious weather, a dominant Norwich outfit secured a 2 – 0 victory in an unremarkable match. A visit to St Mary’s was next against Southampton, sitting in the relegation zone after their 10 point deduction but at the beginning of a resurgence which would ultimately leave them agonizingly short of the playoffs. The Saints pain would be short live however, as the next season they would be promoted to the Championship. The game itself finished 2 – 2, Norwich twice coming from behind in an even match which they could have shaded had they not been wasteful in front of goal. A fifth straight win at what now was becoming fortress Carrow Road finished of November, with Norwich being the right end of a 4 – 1 scoreline against Brighton & Hove after dominating possession, with a Brighton own goal and a goal apiece for each member of the Holy Trinity. This display demonstrate some much needed taking of chances, with Norwich missing only 2 shots in the whole match. Andrew Crofts played for Brighton in the match, and must have done something to impress Paul Lambert as he would find himself donning a Norwich shirt for the next season. Lambert brought in Russell Martin on loan from Peterborough 2 days after the Brighton game, a deal which would be made permanent in the January transfer. Without wishing to get too far ahead, it’s worth mentioning in Norwich’s 2010/11 season, Martin would amazingly play every minute of all 46 of Norwich’s league matches netting five goals and staking a claim to be arguably the best right back in the Championship. It would be fair to say the same man who couldn’t hold down a place in Peterborough’s starting XI wasn’t attracting the attention of any other clubs, but amazingly Lambert unearthed what turned out to be a jewel, and this is a mark of a man who really, really, really knows his football! Lambert also brought in Swindon Town winger Anthony McNamee on loan, another loan he would make permanent in January.

 

Although by December Norwich where within touching distance of Charlton in the second automatic promotion place, it seemed Leeds United 6 points clear of Charlton with a game in hand would run away with the title. All Norwich could do was keep winning, and they did so with a 0 – 3 win away to fellow East Anglian club Southend thanks to goals from the ever hardworking Korey Smith and another brace from Grant Holt, one coming from a penalty late on as the skipper assumed spot kick duties with Wes Hoolahan being subbed off. Holt and Hoolahan netted once each as Norwich earned what was becoming a routine home win, Norwich playing Oldham off the pitch although this was in part due to Oldham planning to defend and play for a draw, a philosophy that Paul Lambert didn’t believe in. A dramatic 3 – 3 draw against Yeovil Town began when Yeovil went ahead midway through the first half, a lead they took in at the interval. Chris Martin took Norwich level in the 60th minute with a poacher’s finish before Gary Doherty produced a classic centre back’s header to give Norwich the lead. The lead would only last 2 minutes however and then Norwich conceded another in injury time. But just when Yeovil thought they had done enough for 3 points the Canaries netted yet another late equaliser after Darrel Russell scored. Norwich turned out deserved winners at home to Huddersfield, although they where flattered a little by a 3 – 0 scoreline with Chris Martin, Hoolahan scoring, and Gary Doherty scoring. It was the ‘Ginger Pele’s’ second goal in 2 games. Norwich made it unbeaten in ten and capped a fine December with a 2 - 0 Boxing Day victory at Fortress Carrow Road against a wasteful Millwall outfit.

Korey Smith’s goal saw Norwich beat Wycombe in a good away display to begin January. The January transfer window gave Lambert the opportunity to buy players, and he brought in Oli Johnson, a young striker who had only recently become a professional and Zak Whitbread from Millwall, who would be a handy centre back for Norwich but would be plagued by injuries over the next one and a half seasons, such injuries would eventually cause him to be withdrawn from the USA squad to face Argentine and deny him the chance to possibly face Leo Messi. In an even match, Exeter City where made to feel hard done by when the they became Norwich’s seventh straight home win with goals from Chris Martin and yet another Grant Holt brace seeing the Grecians off 3 – 1. The next match was the reverse fixture of the opening game of the season. Much had changed since then and Colchester United where under the guidance of Aidy Boothroyd, (Nicknamed Aidy Hoofroyd by his detractors due to his very direct style of play) and Norwich of course had Colchester’s former manager Lambert at the helm. The game had a darby atmosphere, part helped by Us chairman Robbie Cowling’s decision to not grant extra tickets to Norwich despite them easily selling their allocation and Colchester suffering from poor attendances (In fairness, this game was sold out) because he didn’t want to give Norwich any advantage. Robbie Cowling had made himself very unpopular with many Norwich fans, although I personally have a great deal of respect for the man as I see him as being extremely passionate about his football club. Paul Lambert was very much cast as the pantomime villain for the match, being frequently booed by the home crowd. On an atrocious playing surface at the Community Stadium, Norwich started patiently by taking the sting out of the Colchester United’s attack. Despite the pitch not suiting Norwich’s passing style Chris Martin scored twice in the first half. Tempers ran high, and after future Norwich left back fouled Wes Hoolahan, there was much commotion cumulating in 4 bookings. Norwich continued where they left off in the second half with Doherty converting Hoolahan’s accurate free-kick. Grant Holt was pulled down in the area and earned a penalty which Wes Hoolahan guided into the crossbar and hit in the rebound without another player touching the ball resulting in the goal being disallowed. Norwich super-sub Oli Johnson found the net next, before Grant Holt broke free and produced a good finish to make it 5 – 0 and Ian Henderson still found himself time to earn a straight red for a late tackle to finish off Colchester’s terrible day. The result went some way to making amends for the opening day, although Colchester could claim to have won 7 – 6 on aggregate. This match was a display of clinical finishing by Norwich against poor chance taking by their opposition, something that would be repeated in about a year’s time when Norwich would play true rivals Ipswich. Norwich beat Brentford next, despite Holt being sent off for a poor tackle, when Chris Martin was there to score in his absence. Goals towards the end of the second half from Cody McDonald saw Norwich beat Walsall, the Saddlers having scored in the first half would blow their lead under heavy pressure from Norwich. Goals from Cody McDonald and loanee Michael Rose on his debut cancelled out a decent strike from Hartlepool player Neil Austin as Norwich once again won from behind and made it 5 out of 5 in January. By this stage of the season Norwich had overhauled Leeds United at the top of the table by 3 points, but having played 2 more games.
The Canaries then had the unpleasant prospect of visiting the New Den to play Millwall who’s exceptional home form had them in the playoffs. Despite being poor going forwards all game Chris Martin shot Norwich in front early on with a decent free kick, but Millwall came back for a deserved win. Norwich bounced back from defeat and overhauled a goal deficit once more with a 1 – 2 win completing their double over Brighton with Holt and Doherty scoring around the 80 minute mark to cancel Elliott Bennett’s goal in the first half. Bennett would be a target for Norwich next season, but Brighton manager Gus Poyet would show resilience and turn down a substantial Norwich offer to keep him and eventually win the League One title. Southampton then breached the Carrow Road fortress with a well deserved 2 – 0 victory thanks in part to Darrell Russell earning himself a red card for needless high challenge on Southampton’s captain. Lee Barnard provided both of Soton’s goals. Norwich played Southend next, and Scott Vernon now on loan at the Shrimpers having scored during his loan spell at Colchester vs Norwich did the same here before Oli Johnson again from the bench scored two goals to earn Norwich a deserved win. Grant Holt scored the only goal in a close game vs Oldham that secured Norwich a 5 point lead over Leeds, who now only had a single game in hand and where beginning to struggle under pressure. After their memorable FA Cup win over Manchester United Leeds would spectacularly implode and barely manage to secure automatic promotion.

please log in to view this image

Carrow Road would become somewhat of a fortress over the 2009-10 season.

 

Norwich further stretched their lead when Leeds failed to win against Brentford with a comfortable 3 - 0 win against Yeovil with Hoolahan scoring a rebound, Holt scoring when the Yeovil goalkeeper missed a simple punch in Theoklitos-esque fashion and Chris Martin made it a goal each for the Holy Trinity. Norwich did the double over Huddersfield with a 1 – 3 away win. Huddersfield bagged an early goal and despite being the better side conceded to Holt and two goals from loanee Stephen Elliott. Norwich travelled to Swindon and found a taste of their own medicine when they themselves conceding an injury time goal to cancel out Holts header earlier in the second half and punish Norwich for missing several chances. With 9 games to go, a six pointer against Leeds United would be crucial in the title race. Chris Martin scored a header from an excellent cross by Stephen Hughes to move 9 points clear at the top.
Norwich then faced a trip to Prenton Park to play Tranmere in a televised match, as referee Eddie Ilderton produced a shocking display all round as Norwich crashed to a 3 – 1 defeat. By the 12th minute Norwich where 2 – 0 down and had goalkeeper Forster sent off thanks to two penalties one from a Darrell Russell handball (The referee booked Russell Martin for the handball!) and for Forster bringing down a Tranmere striker when 1 on 1 who went down very easily. If you’re reading this you may be surprised that these where the only 2 right decisions it would be possible to argue the referee made! Tranmere where 3 – 0 up by half time despite Craig Curran blatantly handling the ball to control it before scoring. Norwich scored a consolation when Grant Holt scored a header from a cross that had in fact gone out of play in the build up. It was all too much for Paul Lambert who got himself sent to the stands for arguing with the referee. It should also be said that Tranmere deserved to win the game and to their credit where much the better side, but perhaps 1 -0 or 2 – 0 would of been the correct scoreline. Holt and McNamee each scored as Norwich beat relegation doomed Stockport County, a 2 – 1 scoreline probably about correct although Stockport fought very hard. A very physical 1 – 1 draw was fought out against MK dons next. 41 fouls where committed during the match, Norwich getting both strikers Holt and Martin and booked and the Dons managing an impressive 8 yellow cards with a second yellow also arriving for Dons striker Aaron Wilbraham (Who opened the scoring in the 20th minute) and Chris Martin scoring the resulting free kick. MK Dons where fortunate to escape with the draw in all honesty, especially with Norwich being denied what looked a good penalty shout, but Norwich would of also been happy with a draw that left them 8 points clear of Leeds in second place. Perhaps a touch deludedly then Dons manager Paul Ince claimed his side had been ‘terrific.’ Next, Leyton Orient earned a hard fought win over Norwich thanks to a Sean Thornton brace overcoming Korey Smith’s goal. Norwich wrapped up a return to the Championship courtesy of a Michael Nelson header well against the run of play against Charlton at the Valley. It is a mystery how Charlton didn’t win, as they completely dominated Norwich attacking wise, and limited them to very few shots, but the trait of all successful teams is to be able to win despite playing poorly. Norwich then wrapped up the League One title with a 2 – 0 win over a resilient Gillingham with goals for Darrell Russell and Michael Nelson. Chris Martin, Stephen Hughes and Oli Johnson led Norwich to a 3 – 0 win over Bristol Rovers in the penultimate round of fixtures, a scoreline very flattering for Norwich indeed. Two goals in the first 7 minutes saw Carlisle become party poopers, as they comfortably beat Norwich at home, a defeat which did little to dampen the celebrations from over 25,000 Norwich fans in Carrow Road.

And so the season ended with Norwich deservedly League One Champions and escaping League One at the first time of asking. So, what next for Norwich? Most fans confident of the club surviving in the Championship with the more optimistic ones predicting the Canaries could challenge for a playoff place. But before we move on, I need to wrap up some loose ends. Leeds managed to hang on the second place and Millwall won the playoffs. Norwich where ordered to pay less than half a million pounds to Colchester in compensation for their taking of Lambert and assistant managers Ian Culverhouse/Gary Karsa and as the quote from one my fellow Canaries in the above link says (And I couldn’t put it any better myself) that this was the bargain of the century! After receiving an inflammatory email from a Norwich fan, Colchester chairman Robbie Cowling replied comparing the Norwich board to ‘Nazis’ although his comments were taken out of context when the fan immediately went to a local paper. Cowling apologized for his comments and there has been no bad blood between the clubs since.

During the pre-season for the 2010-11 season, at Norwich it was a case of old with old and in with the new. Tom Adeymi was loaned to Bradford for half a season. Cody McDonald went on a season long loan to newly relegated to League Two club Gillingham (Cody would score 24 goals for the Gills and become League Two players of the season but the Gills would miss out on a playoff place) in a swap for Gills’ star striker Simeon Jackson with Norwich also paying a rumoured £600,000 for the services of Jackson with McDonald being used to sweeten the deal. Simeon Jackson was to have an eventful season at Norwich that would involve him coming into form at the right time. Paul Lambert signed the almost unheard of Andrew Crofts from Brighton who would become a revelation in midfield for Norwich adding some much needed defensive aspects as well as netting a fair few in sometimes spectacular fashion, all for the sum of £300,000. Crofts is another fine example of Lamberts excellent signings. Lambert raided former club Colchester United for playmaker David Fox, who would also be excellent for Norwich in the latter half of the season where he became a regular starter at the base of Norwich’s midfield diamond that has served them so well over both seasons and would gain 9 assists thanks to his excellent passing and use of set pieces, considering the reported fee paid for him was just £65,000 it is difficult to tell if this is excellent business by Norwich, or a really poor piece by Colchester. Lambert brought in some Premier League talent bringing in left midfielder Andrew Surman who would too be excellent although he would miss many games due to injury. Surman would also be Norwich’s most expensive signing costing a reported £1,200,000 although the actual fee would be £600,000 due to the same amount still being owed to Norwich for the signing of Jason Shackell. Lambert then brought in released [Glasgow] Rangers left-back Steven Smith, although he would trouble settling in at Norwich and after 7 appearances would drop out of the first team and find himself loaned back to Scotland, going to Aberdeen for the rest of the season where he would be much more comfortable. Also on a free came Elliott Ward from Coventry who I will mention in a second alongside goalkeeper John Ruddy from Everton. Both, for no understandable reason where not initially well received by some Norwich fans. Ruddy was branded an ‘Everton reject’ and many fans speculated Elliott Ward ‘was not up to Championship standard.’ Ruddy would keep 11 clean sheets over the season, which may not sound great but Norwich’s attacking style is to blame for when they concede a few goals (And they score a lot more, they would be the Championship’s top scorers) and not Ruddy. Ruddy didn’t make one goalkeeping howler all season that I can think of, and had a habit of producing excellent late saves to save points just as Norwich would earn late goals to secure points. Ruddy gradually won over the fans with his performances and became well loved for running the entire length of the pitch to come and celebrate when Norwich scored. Ward too would win over his doubters with excellent performances. Ward would make only one mistake all season that led to a goal (In a game that Norwich won) and his consistent performances would make him a regular and earn him 41 starts. The last, and best signing was when Norwich wasted no time in renegotiating Paul Lambert’s contract.

please log in to view this image

The players celebrate Norwich's win over Gillingham that confirms them as League One Champions.

 

Norwich released 6 players in the pre-season. Damon Lanthorpe and Danny Kelly both went down to lower league clubs, with most Norwich fans probably not even remembering that they had been on Norwich’s books. Jamie Cureton, at one point Norwich’s best striker went to Exeter having netted a few handy goals in Norwich’s League one campaign. Paul McVeigh was released after just 7 appearances in his second spell at Norwich, although fans will always still hold a soft spot for him. Most controversial was the release of Gary Doherty; a firm fan favourite and one of Norwich’s best players the season before, he went to Charlton and in fairness probably wouldn’t of seen much game time at Carrow Road, but he left a legend who will be welcomed warmly back at Carrow Road anytime should Norwich ever draw Charlton in a cup. Later, Darrell Russell was released, also a loss for the club although again, he would of been kept out of the squad by Andrew Crofts/David Fox. There is speculation as to why he was released amongst fans with some saying he refused a new contract because he thought Leeds United where interested in him. If this was the case it backfired, because had he gone to Leeds he would of missed out on the playoffs, instead he went Preston and found himself relegated to League One leading some fans to slate him for a lack of loyalty. However Russell himself insisted that this was not the case and it was down to confusion with his agent that he found himself out of contract. Before we go to the next season, this paragraph must end on a sad note with the death of Roy Waller. Roy Waller was known as the voice of Norwich City for his role commentating on Radio Norfolk and was dearly loved by fans to the same extent that Paul Lambert is now.

The 2010-11 season began for Norwich with a home game against Watford and the return of Norwich City legend Malky Mackay managing the hornets. A poor first half display saw John Eustace and Danny Graham give Watford a 2 – 0 lead, although the referee failed to notice a foul on David Fox in the build up to the second and should have disallowed the goal. Andrew Crofts pulled 1 back after the interval before Graham, who would be the league’s top scorer doubled up to restore Watford’s 2 goal advantage. An injury time goal from Michael Nelson provided some consolation for Norwich. A brace from Chris Martin and Grant Holt led Norwich to a 4 – 1 victory over Gillingham in the League Cup. World famous actor, comedian and TV presenter Stephen Fry joined the Norwich City board as a director, and promised to use his fame to help promote the club. This was followed up by an away win when Grant Holt’s bullet injury time header gave Norwich a deserved win over a hard to break down S****horpe side. Swansea made the long trip to Carrow Road next, and the game burst into life in the final 10 minutes following Elliot Ward’s brilliant goal line save in the first half, when having broken free into the Norwich area Scott Sinclair went down very easily under contact by John Ruddy to win a penalty and possibly give Swansea the 3 points that in all truth they looked good for. But Ruddy had other ideas when he produced an excellent save to tip David Cotterill’s penalty into the post and Norwich capitalised when McNamee’s cross was turned into the Swansea net by Wales international Ashley Williams and Norwich got a second on the counterattack, when Holt knocked the ball forwards for Simeon Jackson to volley into the goal. Norwich where unfortunate to draw Premier League side Blackburn Rovers in the Carling Cup and exited immediately with Mame Diouf netting 3 times and Norwich finding the net once with Askou. Norwich brought in Leon Barnett on a loan deal from West Brom next, which would be made permanent in January. August finished with Norwich facing hotly tipped Nottingham Forest away, Russell Martin fowling Paul Anderson to give away a penalty that Dexter Blackstock converted but Crofts equalised 7 minutes later. The match finished at 1 – 1 with even Forest manager Billy Davies conceding that Norwich had been the better side.

Despite dominating the first half of their next game against Barnsley it was the Tykes who took the lead in first half injury time leaving Norwich having to overturn a losing position thanks to McNamee’s cross being turned in by a Barnsley player and Adam Drury assisting Chris Martin. Norwich then crashed to a 3 – 1 defeat against a then classy Doncaster Rovers outfit who’s passing style of football was earning them the nickname ‘the Arsenal of the Championship’ Russell Martin’s diving header gave Norwich a goal they scarcely deserved in between the second and third goals of James Coppinger’s brilliant hat-trick. The result left Donny fourth and Norwich eighth, although Doncaster season would be ruined by injuries to all their key players and they would finish in 21st place, just above the relegation zone. Grant Holt’s goal then earned Norwich 3 points at Deepdale vs Preston North End before a Hull City side on a terrible away run without a win in thirty games defeated Norwich at home 0 – 2 with two late goals to frustrate Norwich fans. A thriller followed 3 days later as Norwich beat Leicester 4 – 3. Martyn Waghorn opened the scoring for the foxes in the second minute before a neat low finish from Andrew Crofts pulled Norwich level at the half hour mark, with the score staying 1 – 1 at the interval leaving the game curiously poised. A handball by the Foxes gifted Norwich a penalty that was scored by Wesley Hoolahan at which point then boss Paula Sousa subbed on Matty Fryatt. Norwich went 3 – 1 up with a rare goal from left-back Adam Drury finishing well. Leicester star player Andy King then set up Matt Fryatt before Hoolahan restored Norwich’s two goal advantage before another Fryatt goal left the scoreline at 4 - 3 and just as Fryatt was threatening a solo comeback, he got himself sent off for a foolish scrap with Leon Barnett.

An away game against Bristol City saw Norwich secure a comfortable 0 – 3 win with Simeon Jackson opening the scoring with a powerful shot after a favourable deflection sent the ball into Jackson’s path. After Louis Carey accidentally handballed Grant Holt’s shot in the area, Wes Hoolahan scored the resultant penalty and after several close chances, Jackson finally doubled up when he was found by John Ruddy’s free kick, netting the goalkeeper an assist in the process. The result left Norwich 3rd, far higher than any of their fans would have thought possible whilst the Robins where left rock-bottom with 6 points from 10 games. Bristol would show great character later in the season however, and would ultimately finish 15th. The next match was at Loftus Road, to runaway leaders Queen’s Park Rangers where Norwich put in a strong defensive performance that saw QPR star player Adel Taarabt largely marked out of the match. Goal line defending and blocking where vital in seeing out QPR’s threat with Andrew Crofts and Grant Holt both saving QPR from taking the lead. However, QPR had been consistently strong defensively all season (They had not conceded at home by this stage) and lead by the excellent Paddy Kenny in goal where able to largely shut Norwich’s attack out of the game. Chances were few and far between so when QPR defender Clint Hill forced Grant Holt down in the penalty area and Hoolahan sent a poor effort wide it was a case of what might have been for Norwich. As with Hull City, the next visitors to Carrow Road also had poor away form, so fans where once more left frustrated when Crystal Palace inflicted a home defeat on Norwich, Grant Holt’s first half strike giving Norwich the lead before an excellent second half display saw Palace turn out 2 – 1 winners, both goals resulting from corners, and particularly for the second poor marking would have left manager Paul Lambert disappointed. A Middlesbrough side without a manager and also in poor away form gave Norwich 3 points when Simeon Jackson scored a simple goal on the stroke of half-time whilst Ruddy was in good form to stop Boro scoring. Middlesbrough where hotly tipped at the start of the season to do well, but a disappointing season would see them at times flirt dangerously close to the relegation zone. The day after Andrew Strauss’ men set out on the long journey to conquer Australia, Paul Lambert’s men made the long journey to conquer Cardiff but when the in-form Jay Bothroyd (Later to be England capped) headed Cardiff into the lead after a corner was knocked-on across goal, and soon after teed up Michael Chopra to give Cardiff a 2 – 0 lead within the first 15 minutes, it was clear that this trip was to be disappointing. To their credit, Norwich continued to attack brightly and after seeing Grant Holt’s goal disallowed for an alleged foul and several close chances finally scored a deserved goal when Wes Hoolahan scored a rare header. Cardiff scored again with a questionable penalty and after chances for both sides with both goalkeepers performing very well not to concede more) the game finished 3 – 1 to Cardiff, the game being closer than the scoreline may suggest. The result briefly left Cardiff at the summit of the Championship table, but when they would later surrender the lead to QPR once more, QPR would remain at the top until the end of the season.


Lifelong Norwich fan Stephen Fry joined the Norwich board in August. (Click to enlarge)

 

Needs more detail - fantastic piece of work, DM, you've certainly put a lot of effort into that

 

November began with Norwich entertaining Burnley and once again had to come from behind. Martin Paterson fired Burnley into a 2 – 0 lead, converting a cross and a through ball, but Chris Martin’s exquisite finish followed by Crofts being first to react to a ball in the 6 yard box saw Norwich earn a draw, nothing less than they deserved. Just after scoring his goal, Crofts saw a second yellow card which allowed David Fox to earn a start for Norwich’s next match, a trip to Millwall. Fox took the most of this opportunity opening the scoring late on with a shot blasted into the top corner, before Norwich where on the receiving end of late equaliser when Marquis pulled Millwall level after a goalmouth scramble, although he appeared to be offside. The Madesjki Stadium was the next destination for Paul Lambert’s side against a Reading side that was resting just outside the playoffs. Norwich took the lead early when right-back Russell Martin’s shot rocketed off and under the crossbar, and where soon 2 – 0 up when Grant Holt intercepted a weak back-pass and finished a tight chance. The Royals came back into the game when Ian Harte scored after David Fox’s goal line block arrived in his path and he duly finished, but Chris Martin’s awesome free kick restored the 2 goal lead before just half-time. Norwich’s finishing had been clinical against a poor Reading side, and Norwich looked to be cruising to the win, until Grant Holt made an innocuous challenge on Ian Harte just before the interval. Harte shameful rolled along the ground theatrically, and unbelievably referee Michael Oliver sent Grant Holt off. Norwich never recovered, Reading scoring a well-worked goal from Shane Long before Noel Hunt was awarded a penalty after Simon Lappin’s challenge appeared to make minimal if any contact allowing Shane Long to score the penalty too. With 30 minutes on the clock, it seemed Norwich would not be able to hold on for a draw when really a win was deserved but Ruddy was on excellent form and Norwich held on. Paul Lambert was sent to the stands further to his ire when he attempted to explain to referee Oliver what his opinion was on the red card. The FA surprised even Norwich fans, when they actually took action on an issue and overturned Holt’s red card. A fourth successive draw added to Norwich’s frustration once again dominating the game, but their next opponents Leeds United would take an early lead when the talented Max Gradel produced a cool finish and it wasn’t until the second half where centre-back Leon Barnett headed the equaliser, and Norwich couldn’t find a winner. The result left Norwich just out of the play-offs on only goal difference. Soon, 5 games without a win, would become unbeaten in 5 games when Paul Lambert continued his fine record in East Anglian derby games with a resounding 4 – 1 victory over local rivals Ipswich Town. The match had a lively start when a brawl started after Grant Holt’s hard challenge of Jack Coleback, and the fans where very quickly pumped for the occasion. Holt received a booking for his part of the brawl, but Norwich looked bright, and when Andrew Surman was fouled in the area but the referee failed to award the penalty Norwich had to wait a few minutes to take a deserved lead when Grant Holt stole the ball from the feet of Ipswich defender Darren O’Dea and duly scoring a goal to the delight of a packed Carrow Road. Ipswich restored parity when Tamas Priskin (Ipswich’s only effective player on the day, who Keane would substitute off) knocked a free kick across goal for Damien Delaney to header across goal. Grant Holt soon doubled up when the effective Henri Lansbury making his debut on loan from Premier League Arsenal sent a through pass for Holt to score a second just inside the 18 yard box. Ipswich fans claimed Holt had handballed in the build-up although the ball appeared to be controlled with his shoulder and not his arm. Ipswich’s misery continued when Holt once more dispossessed an Ipswich defender, and Ipswich’s goal scorer brought down Grant Holt to attempt to amend for being dispossessed, with Holt being through on goal. Delaney was sent off, although some Ipswich fans claimed Holt dived (It is debatable as to if this was a professional foul, as Holt might not of been fast enough to break all the way, but it was certainly a foul, and in any case only balanced out the turned down penalty). The Norwich team, Holt especially caused chaos for Ipswich’s defence and after missing a few chances to wrap up his hat-trick, Holt finally converted Chris Martin’s through ball and made it three before being subbed to a standing ovation. The scoreline was completed when Hoolahan ran down the left before lobbing keeper Fulop in a move that involved all 3 members of last season’s Holy Trinity. The result heaped misery on Ipswich Town, and as Norwich fans had chanted during the match to Ipswich manager Roy Keane that he would be getting ‘sacked in the morning’ he stayed on a few more games before finally being fired with Ipswich Town alarmingly close to the relegation zone. The result made Grant Holt very unpopular amongst the Tractor Boys, including a few who preferred to take comfort in calling Holt a cheat rather than focus on the huge problems at their club. Players from both sides had been growing their facial hair in support of ‘Movember’ and Holt, boasting a fine caterpillar celebrated his second by holding a microphone to his top lift and in the shape of an even more impressive moustache.

Pride Park was Norwich’s next destination to then high flyers Derby County, one of many teams who would come and go towards the summit of the Championship table, Norwich and QPR the only two teams who could produce consistent results. Norwich took the lead in fortuitous fashion when David Fox’s shot was deflected of the boot of a Rams player and Fielding in the Derby goal failed to cleanly collect the ball. Chris Martin scored next just 2 minutes later, his last goal to date in Norwich City colours. Kris Commons, easily Derby’s best player scored 4 minutes to reduce the deficit in the 17th minute, but Norwich held on to their lead, aided by a Derby side who struggled to hit the target frequently. Derby would eventually slip down the table and finish 19th, not helped by the loss of Commons to Celtic. Norwich welcomed Portsmouth to Carrow Road, whom had at one point sat right at the foot of the Championship, but manager Steve Cotterill, with little to spend had succeeded in steadying the ship and would guide Pompey to the safety of mid-table. Norwich dominated the match, but goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown played a blinder and prevented Norwich scoring and then Portsmouth, led by David Nugent’s brilliant run down the right flank setting up Dave Kitson took the lead. Norwich pressed hard to level the scores, but late in injury time Leon Barnett earned a second yellow card when he fouled Nugent in the area, Greg Halford converting the penalty and Leon Barnett idiotically allowing his temper to boil over and throwing the ball at the referee, although he did apologize immediately after the match. The result frustrated Norwich to lose 0 – 2 to a side who had managed just 2 shots on target in the game compared to Norwich’s 10, and a further 2 off target to another 8 for the Canaries. Norwich bounced back 1 – 2 win away against Coventry City, (Led by former Colchester United boss Aidy Boothroyd) the Sky Blues losing a player to a high (But unintentional) challenge on Henri Lansbury, Holt scoring a second-half brace, with a goal either side of an unstoppable shot by the controversial Marlon King bearing all the hallmarks of Aidy’s style of play, a long ball down the pitch but Elliott Ward slipped allowing King through on goal. Holt utilised the snow around the edge of the pitch when he scored his second, making snow angels for his celebration. Norwich had the referee to thank for their next 3 points, a 4 – 2 win over Sheffield United. The Blades lead 1 – 2 at the interval thanks to a well struck free kick, and Richard Cresswell’s fine finish, Norwich’s goal arriving from the head of Michael Nelson. Grant Holt was brought down in the box, Hoolahan sending the penalty to the right of Simonsen in the Blade goal, before another penalty, this time for a handball, was scored when Hoolahan send Simonsen the wrong way, and stroked the ball into the left of the goal. Steven Quinn saw a harsh straight red for a foul on Hoolahan, before Hoolahan completed his hat-trick – in the 97th minute, leaving a marginally better United side to ponder what went wrong as they moved close to the relegation zone.

 

Norwich where fortunate to claim 3 points from Millwall at the new den, when after a dull first half, Theo Robinson’s opener was cancelled out by Elliott Ward stabbing in when Lansbury’s free-kick hit the post, and overturned when Lansbury himself finished with the last touch of the match. An in-form Burnley side where the next opposition, with Lambert experimenting with a new 3-2-2-1-2 formation, although it became clear the players were struggling with formation, and Norwich where grateful to go in at half-time only 1 – 0 down, following Burnley’s dominance. A much brighter second half followed with the Canaries reverting back to the familiar 4-4-2 diamond, Holt equalising, Chris Martin missing a great chance to take the lead when rounding the keeper but finding the side netting. Burnley claimed a deserved winner late on when Jay Rodriquez was left unmarked by Aaron Wilbraham to prod home a free-kick across goal. A revenge fixture followed for Norwich City against Reading. Needless to say there was plenty of boos for Ian Harte and Norwich took the lead with Henri Lansbury converting Wesley Hoolahan’s good work, before Shane Long equalised after Jimmy Kebe easily got the outside of Elliott Ward and sent in a ground cross for Long to finish. The brilliant Adam Federici repeatedly denied Norwich the chance to take the lead once more, and with a draw looming, fittingly Grant Holt, the man unfairly sent off against Reading scored deep into stoppage time to send Carrow Road into ecstasy. The goal came when a Reading clearance was caught by chief executive David McNally in the stands who through it down for a quick throw in. The game was marred in controversy however after a Norwich fan disgracefully threw a coin, aiming at Ian Harte only to hit the wholly innocent linesman. John Ruddy was the hero next, as Norwich earned a 2 – 2 draw at Elland Road, although Leeds went ahead with Adam Drury disappointed not to have better marked Luciano Becchio who nodded in a header. On the brink of half-time Norwich went level when Holt brought Croft’s cross under control and sent it to Lansbury to continue his good scoring run. Hoolahan’s shot was deflected into the goal to give Norwich a lead, but Leeds continued to make decent chances, and got their deserved leveller when Davide Somma volleyed home to set up the 2 – 2 scoreline, likely to of been many more was it not for Ruddy. Lambert brought in an experienced centre-back, Rob Edwards from Blackpool as he looked to provide cover for Whitbread and Ward, although he would not often be needed. A Doncaster side, plagued by catastrophic injuries to almost all their first team where due to visit Norwich next, although they attempted to get the game called off, with Norwich rightly arguing this would set a dangerous precedent. The game went ahead, and a slightly better Norwich side did not do enough to deserve 3 points against a woefully under strength Doncaster side, although Holt shot Norwich to a half-time lead. Both sides where poor going forwards but Doncaster went level when Adam Drury was very unfortunate to deflect a corner into John Ruddy’s net. The otherwise forgettable match was made a defining point in the season, when a minority of the so called Canaries faithful outrageously felt the need to boo the Norwich players of the pitch. This irked many true Norwich fans, as a draw wasn’t a bad result and Norwich where still in top 6, much better than anyone could have expected at the start of the season. Captain Grant Holt rightly pointed out that this suggested Norwich fans where getting spoilt on the success Lambert has brought to the club and taking a win for granted. Andrew Crofts netted twice, in a 0 – 2 win against Barnsley, the first a great header and the second a spectacular turn and shoot volley as Norwich claimed their deserved 3 points.

Norwich where the stronger side against relegation doomed Preston North End but went behind when, as many fans had predicted, former Norwich player Chris Brown pulled the Lilywhites ahead just after coming as a sub, but Holt provided an immediate response when Andrew Surman’s shot was parried into his path. To their credit Preston defended resolutely and marked Holt and Hoolahan tightly, so when a handball gave Norwich a penalty, the fans where left frustrated when Wes Hoolahan bizarrely and disrespectfully attempted to chip goalkeeper Iain Turner, who despite already having committed to dive right, easily recovered and caught the ball, and earned a point for Preston. Lambert rightly refused to blame a player who had been excellent for him all season, but by now, some Norwich fans where becoming increasing agitated (myself included) about the perceived inability of whoever was partnering Holt to net regularly, especially as Swansea City, Queen’s Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest who where promotion rivals to Norwich where able to bring in effective strikers on loan. Between Chris Martin, Simeon Jackson and Aaron Wilbraham no goal had been scored since early December. Chris Martin, of the 3 whom looked most likely to net was now injured, many where now branding Jackson an expensive failure and although as many fans point out Wilbraham was unselfish and had created some goals, hadn’t netted since arriving from MK Dons in January. Lambert said he would try to bring in some loan signings but insisted he was also happy to make a final push for promotion with what he already had (Previously he had always stated that Championship consolidation was his goal, despite Norwich comfortably in the play-offs) as he believed the players he already had could do it. Norwich then completed the double over Leicester City in a game equally as exciting as their last encounter. Norwich took the lead when Hoolahan was left unmarked from a corner allowing the 5”6 Irishman to nod in a standing header, but Leicester equalised themselves with a header almost immediately. Hoolahan was hacked down in the Foxes’ area at the start of the second half, and Grant Holt, taking penalty duties after Wes Hoolahan’s earlier clanger blasted home a powerful penalty leaving the goalkeeper no chance. 10 minutes later Aaron Wilbraham silenced his critics when he opened his goalscoring account with the Canaries when he ran into the area and finished before a stoppage time free-kick just on the edge of the area was curled in by the Foxes to leave the full-time score at 2 – 3 suggesting a closer game than was actually the case. The result all but ended former England manager Sven’s chances of taking Leicester to the play-offs. Norwich continued their record of comfortable wins against sides hailing from Bristol as they eased to a 3 – 1 victory against the Robins, Hoolahan once more winning Norwich a penalty and Holt once again scoring it. Although City equalised in the second half, and Norwich had to leave it late to claim the win, super-sub Henri Lansbury ran in behind the Robin’s defence to make it 2 – 1 before 2 minutes later Andrew Surman put the result beyond any doubt when he finished from a tight angle, former England goalkeeper David James failing to save the latter effort. Also of note in this match, wayward striker Simeon Jackson who had started the season strongly but prior to this match had not scored in any 18 games looked lively and as if he could start scoring goals again. Jackson was bearing the brunt of fan’s frustrations when a result did not go Norwich’s way, but Paul Lambert kept the faith insisting he would come good once more. Norwich went up North to the KC Stadium, and returned to East Anglia with a point when, against the run of play, when Hull ‘keeper Brad Guzan failed to deal with David Fox’s long free-kick and Zak Whitbread eased in a header. Hull got their deserved equaliser midway through the second half when Nick Barmby fired the Tigers level, but the 1 – 1 draw was enough to keep Norwich in the second automatic promotion spot. Norwich then unveiled two exciting loan signings, striker Sam Vokes from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Daniel Paccheco from Liverpool.

 

Norwich gave their goal difference a much needed boost with victory against a S****horpe United side whom seemed to accept relegation as a certainty, and new manager Alan Knill, fresh from leaving his post at Bury to manage the Irons saw his new side have all their deficiencies thoroughly examined. The match started on a pleasant note when Michael Nelson was welcomed back to Carrow Road, and on the day was one of very few Irons players who were at Championship standard on the day. New loan signing Dani Paccheco set up Grant Holt for a simple nudge in with a good ground cross early on having arrived in the position with an excellent 1 – 2 with Surman, before Irons defender Paul Reid earned himself a definite red card sliding down Holt in the area from behind and not winning the ball. Paccheco had once again played in Holt, and Holt made no mistake with the spot kick sending the keeper the wrong way and finishing powerfully to the left. Holt wrapped up his hat-trick in the second half, heading in Croft’s driven cross, after Fox found Russell Martin with an excellent wide ball. Hoolahan’s curling effort having his the post earlier, left-back Marc Tierney did the same after Dani Paccheco’s through pass set him up. Paccheco’s debut was then finished when he made way for Simeon Jackson is the 70th minute who repaid his managers persistence with him when he robbed the ball off a S****horpe defender and finished around Joe Murphy in the Iron’s goal. Not satisfied with breaking his goal duck since October, Jackson doubled up 2 minutes later when Russell Martin’s aerial through pass found Lansbury who crossed for Jackson to poke home from close at the near post. Right before the final whistle there was time for Jackson to complete a hat-trick of his own with a clever finish from Surman’s cross. Lambert said he was happy for Jackson to score because he was having a hard time from some fans, and insisted his goalscoring ability was never in doubt. Jackson joked that he and Holt would have to cut the match ball in half. Norwich’s long trip to the liberty stadium was made easier for the fans when a local company subsidies the coach travel to just £5, but the game brought Norwich back down to Earth as Swansea loan star Fabio Borini scored an unstoppable free-kick in the fifth minute. Holt missed a great chance to put Norwich level, and the Swans extended their lead later on when Mark Gower’s low shot outside the box was not blocked and crept in out of Ruddy’s reach. Dorus de Vries, alongside Paddy Kenny one of the best goalkeepers in league continued to frustrate Norwich, and Norwich missed more good chances, even with 3 men upfront, Norwich could not breakthrough. On loan from deadly rivals Ipswich Town, Tamas Priskin beat Ruddy to Whitbread’s poor back-pass and finished easily, leaving Swansea with a flattering 3 – 0 win. Norwich then relinquished their automatic promotion spot, when a 2 – 2 draw at Vicarage Road was not enough Vokes scoring early on, but goals from Cowie and league top scorer Danny Graham giving the Hornets the lead. Jackson continued his goalscoring form in the second half, but Norwich, marginally stronger on the day couldn’t find a winner. With promotion rivals Nottingham Forest up next, and Ipswich afterwards, it was unclear if Norwich could reclaim second place, and when Forest took a bizarre lead when Ruddy’s attempted clearance hit Nathan Tyson on the back, and ballooned off him into the Norwich net, it wasn’t looking hopeful. The game was close however, and by the end of the first half goals from Holt and Surman gave Norwich the lead, and after a goalless second half, Norwich where in second again, but promotion rivals Cardiff having a game in hand. After the next round of fixtures this would still be the case but ultimate division top scorers Norwich gave their goal difference another boost, this time against Ipswich, taking an early lead when stand in goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett attempted to parry Wes Hoolahan’s cross, doing so straight into an unmarked Andrew Surman who blasted the ball into the Ipswich net. Norwich went into half-time 2 – 0 up, thanks to poor finishing by Ipswich and David Fox, when not for the first time that season, the opposition did not correctly read his set pieces and Town defender Gareth McAuley deflected his corner in for an own goal. The Tractor Boys had been going somewhat of a resurgence under new manager Paul Jewell who had taken them well clear of the relegation zone, but their slim play-off hopes where fading before their eyes. Grant Holt showed great strength to hold off an Ipswich defender as he ran down the right wing and his cross allowed Simeon Jackson an easy finish. Jimmy Bullard continued his remarkable habit of scoring long shot, when he sent an impossible to save shot into Ruddy’s top left corner, although by now with another hiding on the cards, there weren’t many Ipswich supporters left to witness it. Ipswich hopes of a comeback where crushed moments later when Russell Martin, again running forwards on a counter-attack blasted the ball home before, although the keeper maybe should have done better. The scoreline wasn’t complete without a habitual injury time goal from the last kick of the game, and Daniel Paccheco provided it when Simeon Jackson’s shot rocketed off the bar into his feet, where he controlled it, and finished coolly. Whilst 9 -2 on aggregate against your local rivals always makes a good season, the next match, against Derby County for me is our defining game of the last 2 years. A draw for Cardiff neutralised their game in hand meaning if Norwich kept winning, second was in their reach. A quick thinking throw from Grant Holt to Marc Tierney who whipped in a low cross saw the ball fly of Simeon Jackson’s head and into the net. Spain U21 international Alberto Beuno flicked a ball forwards, and a great jumping header from Steve Davies got Derby level. Norwich took the lead once more with Jackson’s sublime finish outside the area, before Beuno’s low drilled shot found a way through Norwich’s defence and set up the Rams to deny Norwich a win they deserved, and allowed Cardiff to reclaim second place. Knowing without a Norwich win, they were promoted Queen’s Park Rangers fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate as the full time whistle blew at their game at Loftus Pitch, but their celebrations where premature. A corner right at the end of stoppage time found Russell Martin who’s shot was blocked on the line by Beuno only to rebound off the chest off a Norwich player and into the net (The goalmouth scramble was too much for some to handle) to give Norwich second place back again, and level QPR, who’s Champions status was a formality another game to wait. The player? Simeon Jackson of course, completing his hat-trick.

Norwich travelled to Fratton Park, and following Cardiff’s surprise slump to a 0 – 3 home defeat to Middlesbrough, 3 points would see them seal back-to-back promotions. There was an air of expectancy amongst the 3,500 away supporters and only one obstacle, referee Andy D’urso, seemed to be standing in Norwich’s way. D’urso performed much better than many Norwich fans expected, although he failed to even book to poor early challenges, one a wild kick at Grant Holt that should have seen straight red, and an elbow at Simeon Jackson. He balanced this out when he failed to spot Marc Tierney’s accidental handball in the penalty area. Norwich went in at half-time with the game nervously poised at 0 – 0, Zak Whitbread having missed a golden chance to put Norwich ahead. The only goal of the game came when Simeon Jackson met David Fox’s pinpoint accurate early cross for a standing header that took Norwich to the Premier League. Jackson’s ninth goal in seven games is a credit to Lambert for sticking with him, and also creating an environment where a player knows that he is never out of the first time entirely so long as he takes his chances, and of course to Jackson for grabbing that chance with both hands. A dead rubber of a game to Coventry City was next, Lambert keen not to finish a great season on a defeat as with last season. 8 second half minutes saw the 4 goals of the game when Coventry opened the scoring, before in his last touch of the ball of the season none other than Grant Holt scored before being subbed off to his obligatory standing ovation. Paccheco then put Norwich in the lead, before Coventry came back again, the 2 – 2 draw doing nothing to dampened the spirits at Carrow Road. The Player of the Season was Grant Holt for a second year running, although I personally feel Russell Martin, Andrew Crofts and John Ruddy all had equally strong claims to the prize as he did. An open top bus parade followed, the loudest cheer of the day reserved for Paul Lambert who gave a rousing speech calling on Norwich fans to continue their great support before retreating off the balcony to chants of ‘There’s only one Paul Lambert.’ Lambert himself, almost shyly, simply insisted the club’s success was down to those around him, rightly so to an extent as there are many unsung heroes in the past 2 seasons and beyond.

 

So, can Norwich survive in the Premier League? Instinctively, I would say no, it’s not possible for a team in League One 2 seasons ago to manage that, but Paul Lambert has emphatically passed my expectations on two occasions already, and now that he has signed a new contract that should keep him in the helm of Carrow Road hopefully for many more years, anything may well be possible. Certainly if he can keep his amazing record of never suffering back to back league defeats (This record doesn’t carry over between season, because Norwich lost to Carlisle in their last match of the 2009-10 season and to Watford in the opening game of their next) then the Canaries have as good a chance as any.

All that is left is to say thank you to David McNally, Stephan Phillips and Alan Bowkett for providing leadership for Norwich through tough times. To Delia Smith, Michael Wynn-Jones and Michael Foulger who have generously supported the club with their hard earned money. To Stephen Fry for helping to boost the club’s image, and to the supporters who turned in week in, week out, home or away, even in the aftermath of our loss to Colchester to support our club, even if you booed at the Doncaster result. Thank you to Brian Gunn and Michael Theoklitos, the former for signing the brilliant Grant Holt and both for overseeing a result that saw us contract one of the most promising young managers around. Thank you to Ian Culverhouse, Gary Karsa and other coaching and support staff who have worked at all levels of the clubs and without whom Norwich would not be in the Premier League now, yet who will get very little if any praise for their roles. Thank you to Gary Doherty, Darrell Russell, Fraser Forster and Michael Nelson, no longer playing your football for Norwich, but always welcome back anytime. Thank you to Elliott Ward, Aaron Wilbraham, Simeon Jackson and John Ruddy for silencing those who doubted you by always giving 110% on the pitch. A big thank you Grant Holt, Chris Martin and Wes Hoolahan for keeping the goals flowing. To Henri Lansbury and Daniel Paccheco, star loan players who we can all hope will return to Carrow Road on a more permanent basis. To Zak Whibread, Leon Barnett and Andrew Surman who all had injury problems, but where great on the pitch just like everyone else at Norwich. To Korey Smith, Simon Lappin, Marc Tierney, David Fox, Stephen Hughes, Anthony McNamee, Oli Johnson, Jens Berthel Askou and Matt Gill, who took more sidelines roles but where all important in getting to where we are now. To Adam Drury for 10 years and counting of service to Norwich City Football Club. Finally thank you to Paul Lambert for delivering two of the best years in recent memory for Norwich City fans, and to anyone else I may have forgotten.

ILWT, OTBC.So, can Norwich survive in the Premier League? Instinctively, I would say no, it’s not possible for a team in League One 2 seasons ago to manage that, but Paul Lambert has emphatically passed my expectations on two occasions already, and now that he has signed a new contract that should keep him in the helm of Carrow Road hopefully for many more years, anything may well be possible. Certainly if he can keep his amazing record of never suffering back to back league defeats (This record doesn’t carry over between season, because Norwich lost to Carlisle in their last match of the 2009-10 season and to Watford in the opening game of their next) then the Canaries have as good a chance as any.

All that is left is to say thank you to David McNally, Stephan Phillips and Alan Bowkett for providing leadership for Norwich through tough times. To Delia Smith, Michael Wynn-Jones and Michael Foulger who have generously supported the club with their hard earned money. To Stephen Fry for helping to boost the club’s image, and to the supporters who turned in week in, week out, home or away, even in the aftermath of our loss to Colchester to support our club, even if you booed at the Doncaster result. Thank you to Brian Gunn and Michael Theoklitos, the former for signing the brilliant Grant Holt and both for overseeing a result that saw us contract one of the most promising young managers around. Thank you to Ian Culverhouse, Gary Karsa and other coaching and support staff who have worked at all levels of the clubs and without whom Norwich would not be in the Premier League now, yet who will get very little if any praise for their roles. Thank you to Gary Doherty, Darrell Russell, Fraser Forster and Michael Nelson, no longer playing your football for Norwich, but always welcome back anytime. Thank you to Elliott Ward, Aaron Wilbraham, Simeon Jackson and John Ruddy for silencing those who doubted you by always giving 110% on the pitch. A big thank you Grant Holt, Chris Martin and Wes Hoolahan for keeping the goals flowing. To Henri Lansbury and Daniel Paccheco, star loan players who we can all hope will return to Carrow Road on a more permanent basis. To Zak Whibread, Leon Barnett and Andrew Surman who all had injury problems, but where great on the pitch just like everyone else at Norwich. To Korey Smith, Simon Lappin, Marc Tierney, David Fox, Stephen Hughes, Anthony McNamee, Oli Johnson, Jens Berthel Askou and Matt Gill, who took more sidelines roles but where all important in getting to where we are now. To Adam Drury for 10 years and counting of service to Norwich City Football Club. Finally thank you to Paul Lambert for delivering two of the best years in recent memory for Norwich City fans, and to anyone else I may have forgotten.

ILWT, OTBC.

 

Phew, all done, and yeah you're right Dave it took me a while but I enjoyed it and brought back lots of happy memories! Still struggling with the pictures though!