The most discussed topic since Saturday’s game at Leicester hasn’t been the 4-0 drubbing itself, and it hasn’t been the 13 arrests made after the game. For it’s the omission of a fit Darren Huckerby from the entire squad that has caused many arguments between City fans.

Firstly, a brief mention of the game itself. It was a bad performance, there is no shirking away from that. Although, the Russell sending off and playing 3-3-3 by the end of the game certainly ensured we were hammered 4-0, rather than just 2-0. We could have shut up shop at 2-0, to try and save face but that’s not the way Roeder operates and fair play to him for remaining positive. Let’s just hope it was a one off and we can get back to winning ways this Saturday against a Barnsley side fresh from their fantastic victory at Anfield.

So, onto the main talking point. Darren Huckerby. With Lee Croft being in decent form , I can settle with Hucks not making the starting eleven every week. However, not having someone with his quality even on the bench seems ridiculous. There must be more to it than Roeder not fancying him as a player. There has to be. Hucks isn’t the player he was four years ago, but you don’t have to go too far back to remember what a threat he can be. Last season for example, he was phenomenal. He really got us out of the mire, most notably at home to Leeds United where we picked up a vital three points just as we were getting seriously dragged into a relegation scrap.

It seems almost inevitable that every time Darren Huckerby’s name is absent from the squad, who ever we are playing will produce a rye smile. Everyone would rather have him in their team, rather than against them.

I’m not saying he should be picked on past glories or reputation alone, it’s just having seen James Henry and Kieran Gibbs in action, I think Hucks can offer a lot, lot more. Even if it is from the bench.

Which brings me onto something else bothering me. These loan players, are they under a contract that they have to play? On Saturday, James Henry operated the majority of the game on the right hand side of midfield. That meant Croft, our most in form player, was having to play out of position on the left wing. So is a young unproven loanee really a better option than Hucks? Is an out of position Lee Croft, really a better option than Hucks? I’m not convinced.

What does seem obvious is that Huckerby is on his way in the summer. If things remain as they are, it will be a sad way for a true Norwich City great to leave the club. He can still have an impact this season, there is no doubt about that. Leicester on Saturday was a game crying out for Hucks to be brought on, we lacked that killer instinct that he has often displayed for us.

Without any question, whether in the starting eleven or just on the bench, Norwich City look a stronger squad when Hucks is involved. His passion for this club cannot be underestimated and I just hope he can end his City career in a similar way to when he started it - bursting down the left wing, wowing the Carrow Road crowd. Just give him a chance Glen, he won’t let you down.

On The Ball City

Rooney