1) Preston and Barnet: I wasn’t at either match but the results were good, if not better than expected. A fine away point and a decent cup win were what I would have taken last Saturday morning, although it is way way too early to make any judgment on our progress. Remember the beginning of last season?
2) Grants comments on Jamie Cureton: I have a lot of time for the passion that Peter Grant shows for the club, but I do worry that he takes it way too far sometimes. Perhaps its in my nature (I’m generally a quiet person), but I’ve never liked shouty managers who complain about everything and anyone so Grant’s style is one I won’t adapt to very easily. I just hope his comments in general don’t come back one day to bite him on the bum.
Its funny but everybody criticises Worthington now (and he did lose the plot in the last two years it has to be said) but when we were doing well, people really liked his laid back style and the fact he kept his criticism in the dressing room. Just shows what a winning side can do eh?
3) The training ground ban: I have mixed feelings on this one. It is a pity the club has had to take such draconian action but I can understand to a point where it is coming from. It always surprised me the club allowed such free access, especially close to match days. I suppose after many of us have been calling for a more professional approach from City, that we have now actually got what we asked for.
I do feel that by lumping the blame on ‘Citizen Journalists’ it feels a bit petty. There has been a lot wrong with the club over the last couple of years, and to suggest a few supporters have contributed to our tactical downfall feels like a cheap shot. Then again, one look at the Pink’Un message board these days with its overbearing critics and sycophants suggests that City may have a point…
4) Signings and the defence: Despite a solid start, besides a couple of mad moments against the Bees, it is obvious that City badly need some defensive cover. With Adam Drury injured, Simon Lappin has already had to drop back and what happens if Otsemobor pulls a muscle? Grant has made it clear he needs bodies in (and I’m really pleased its not Davenport - not a great defender in my book) but its getting worryingly close to the end of August and nothing is in sight. With possible injuries and suspensions before Xmas, our season could ride on who we get in now.
5) Joe Lewis: Well done boy! Keep it going, although how you’ll get past the current crop of City keepers is another matter.
6) Safri‘s return: Personally I’ll probably give him some mild applause but nothing more. Provided me with one of my favourite ever goals (Newcastle), but I was never convinced he was a good as people said. Too prone to injuries, suspensions and disappearing on international duty. Thanks for the odd memory Saf but we’ve moved on now.
7) Roy Waller retiring: Was past his sell by date a long time ago and shouldn’t be anywhere near Norwich match coverage on a Saturday. People seem to regard his mistakes as ‘part of his character’. I regard it as poor research and poor commentary and it never helped me when I was trying to catch snippets of matches when stuck at work. Chris Goreham is miles ahead and deservedly has the job on a permanent basis. And please don’t call Waller a ‘legend’. That word is reserved for the likes of Keelan, Gunn, Peters, Roberts, Flem and Malky, not a bloody football commentator!
Besides, I could never love a man that stuck by Robert Chase (and still does according to his awful book).
Bring on the Saints!