A small fan questionnaire was put to the Norwich fans, and we've had some thoughtful replies, so big thanks to all at
Wrath Of The BarclaySCC281. leroy fer
2. delia doesn't have anything to do with signings
3. upper mid table
4. fairly average
5. n/a
6. 4-1 norwich
Essex Canary OTBC1. Nathan Redmond (but don't tell Roberto)
2. Yes (and her pies aren't bad either)
3. Mid-table again, few more goals this year though
4. A bit weaker (sorry), especially if Baines and Fellaini go too
5. None (again, sorry) - almost put Mirallas in, but went with Coutinho/Paulino instead
6. 2-1 to us (not sorry
TOKYO BILLMy answers for what they're worth.1. Indeed this summer has been uncharted territory for us regarding the quality of the signings made. For me any of Van Wolfswinkel, Hooper and Fer have the potential to either be amongst our best signings ever, or completely flop! Hoping for the former obviously and the quality of the two Dutchmen is not in doubt, it's just whether they "gel" with the others and adapt to The Prem. Redmond has been the one who has hit the ground running (at considerable pace!) this summer. Could be about to burst on to the Premier scene! That said, I think when we initially since RVW was the point at which I was most excited, if we sign Quagliarella that might top it though.
2. Delia is pretty much untouchable as far as Norwich fans are concerned, as with Kenwright she is a fan through and through and has keep us afloat over the years. For all the flack she gets you can't fault her commitment, sitting in the roofless away end at Fratton Park in the January rain confirmed that for me. That all said, she is more of a figure head, McNally is the one driving the club forward - loosing him would be a catastrophe for us! But, clearly after 2 successive promotions and 2 seasons in the top flight, yep the Canary nation is pretty chirpy at present!
3. That "word on the street" is a concern. We have undoubtedly strengthened over the summer but we should stay grounded as that doesn't necessarily translate into automatically finishing a few places higher in the table. We're only a few injuries to key players from being in trouble, everyone else in our part of the table (Soton, Swansea, West Ham, West Brom, Sunderland etc) have all spent a fair wedge too. Plus, as much as I admire his transfer dealings many of us are still to be convinced by Hughton's tactics, at times last season we were diabolical and were lucky to finish as high as 11th to be honest. I think if things click early in the season and we can get points on the board top half is not unrealistic, but I would settle for consolidating around where we finished over the last 2 years, ideally with some sort of cup. As ever anything above 18th would suffice when all said and done though.
4. Clearly loosing Moyes and the stability he had brought makes Everton more of an unknown quantity. On balance before a ball is kicked, you'd have to say from a neutral point of view your probably a shade weaker than previous seasons. That said, the squad is littered with quality players (particularly if you keep the two main men), so it's still one of the more difficult games of the season I'd say, would still expect you to be in the top 7.
5. Leighton Baines and a flirted with Kone but didn't pick him in the end.
6. First game of the season is probably the hardest game to call regardless of the opposition! If we are missing Bassong that will be a big blow for us. Assuming he's fit I'd take a 1-1 score draw, possibly 2-1 home win if we can get into a good attacking rhythm. If he's not fit, I'd be fearing it'll go the other way.
Good luck for the season post Saturday!!
OTBC
TALBOT SUNBEAMER1. Close call between Redmond and Fer. Definitely those two though.
2. Very happy. I think public attention is directed at MvNally more than Delia though. Other supporters probably don't realise that.
3. Would be delighted with top half but am generally expecting a comfortable end to the season without fearing relegation. 13th/14th place expected at least.
4. I think they'll finish around 8th/9th.
5. Fellaini
6. 1-1
TOMBS1. don't worry about fer fer the ferst game as he's suspendered.
2. we weren't "lcuky" to finish 11th as someone said below (other than that it was a good post. teams position at the end of a full prem season are based upon merit and not luck. granted we were painfully dull to watch most of the season.
3. delia is in the backseat definitely now, mcnally is driving the bus.
4. none of the above are related in any order to your questions.
5. best of luck to you and efc next season apart from when we beat you.
BRAVO WIN OR DIEReally excited about seeing all the new players and wondering how they're going to gel. The amazing thing since we've been in league 1 is how we've managed to add new players without really noticing - the team spirit has stayed strong. I'm hoping the same for this season.I love Delia. I have her cooking books. I watch her shows. I go to her restaurant. I even clapped her rallying cry at the infamous Man City game when we were in Prem last time. (Though to be fair the sound system was so rubbish at that time I couldn't make out what she was saying). I also have a soft spot for Kenwright. He was very nice to his mum in Corra.
I don't like all this talking us up! I want to go quietly under the radar and to be safe by Christmas if possible.
I reckon you'll do well. Martinez will sort you out a system that will suit. My great worry for you (hope!) is that it won't be sorted out the first game of the season! We've had some memorable matches vs Everton. Obviously last season was good for us and I imagine you guys don't like remembering when Efan Ekoku beat you!
I don't do fantasy football but if I did I'd pick Baines for his cool sideburns.
We NEVER win our first match of the season so I'd be delighted with 1-1
All the best to you too. What do you have for lunch by the way?
Chuftncfc1. All of them! Houghton is getting HIS squad.
2. Yes! Oo-ar Delia!
3. Survival. At my only away game, a drubbing or last minute misery.
4. Solid top 8 (for decades!), transition time, sink or swim?
5. Only ever had Tim Cahill, once, he got injured! Jelavic is tempting tho.
6. Heart says 2-0 win. Head says score draw.
Chin chin!