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Not played well ? Myth 75 % possession against Reading 67% at Wigan in a gale, a pitch churned up with rugby and made as small as possible to suit their game. I pray that some of this negativity will not spread to FCR tomorrow night as this is the one thing that will stop our charge into the PL. Our current form unbeaten in 10 won 8 drawn 2 Under immense pressure would have seen Leeds or Sheffield Utd already promoted as we hauled them both back in.

Also, on what could be a good Good Friday, if the results go our way it could be a great Good Friday so lets have a tenner on a Sheff Utd v NOTTS FOREST - AWAY WIN NORWICH v Sheff Wed - HOME WIN £10 double to see us promoted and get another £100 for the CSF I've sent it via Paypal mate

Agree completely. Our best player IMO, and due a start. If Cantwell plays ahead of him or Vrancic tomorrow I'm going to bang my head against a brick wall, and then give it my full support!

Special report: The secrets behind the Norwich success story 18 APRIL 2019 • 3:05PM Norwich City are potentially 90 minutes away from clinching promotion to the Premier League and Daniel Farke is sitting in his office, pleading valiantly for calm. He has guided Norwich to the top of the Championship against all the odds and pre-season predictions, and is on the verge of securing a dream finish to this most memorable of seasons. Nearly 12 months after finishing 14th, Norwich will be virtually assured of a place back in the big time on Friday night if they beat Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United fail to take three points against Nottingham Forest earlier in the day. “We are in a brilliant position and everyone is allowed to dream, especially the supporters,” says Farke, on a glorious spring afternoon at Colney. “This is the toughest league in the world. So many games, so many big clubs. It’s important that you are not stupid and realise that getting promoted will be life-changing. But we have four more games left to play, we must remain calm and not lose the focus.” It has been a remarkable turnaround, and Norwich’s progress should act as a timely warning to trigger-happy chairmen that sacking the manager is not always the best solution. Introducing new players, fresh ideas and a radical philosophy requires time and patience and, fortunately for Farke, he has found the right environment to flourish since arriving from Borussia Dortmund II. Teemu Pukki is having a brilliant season up front CREDIT: PA Last season the club finished below midtable, losing 16 games, and Stuart Webber, Norwich’s sporting director, admits it was often difficult to remain positive. “At times last year it was really horrible. Everyone was down on what we were doing, and I fully understood that. We weren’t getting anywhere near the results we wanted,” he says. “There were signs of progress but we finished behind our local rivals [Ipswich] for the first time in years. We asked a lot of the fans, and their trust got tested. The board stuck with me and Daniel and we will always be grateful because other clubs would have changed it. “That’s the mistake other clubs make, they are constantly chasing it and patience is a dirty word. But Daniel never wavered in his beliefs and we knew that we needed another transfer window to bring in the type of players we wanted. It’s taken two years of hard work for us to become an overnight success.” Farke-Ball, as it is known, is a fluid 4-3-3 and could not be further away from the high-octane, pressing styles of other German managers such as Jurgen Klopp and David Wagner. It is an approach arguably more reminiscent of Pep Guardiola, with the belief that players will only develop under a certain style. It is perhaps no surprise Farke was a prolific striker in his early years at Lippstadt. Norwich have won 11 of their last 15 games, with only one defeat in the Championship this year. “In order to be successful, everything has to come together,” says Farke, 42. “Last season when I signed the club was in a very difficult situation. We sold some of our best players because of the financial pressure and it is not easy. “A solid finish in mid-table was not too bad. We weren’t involved in a relegation battle and even last season we dominated games but were 24th in shot accuracy. We knew we were close.” Now Norwich could not be closer, and Webber has undoubtedly been one of the other key men in the transformation. A 35-year-old Welshman who counts Liverpool, Wolves and Huddersfield among his former clubs, his impact in Norfolk has been crucial. When he was appointed in April 2017 Norwich’s wage bill was £63m a year, the second highest ever in the Championship behind Newcastle. But the sales of stars including James Maddison (£21m), Alex Pritchard (£11m), Josh Murphy (£10m), Jacob Murphy (£10m) and Jonny Howson (£6m) has now slashed that wage bill to £25m, which still includes five big earners out on loan. Recruitment has been shrewd, with Emi Buendia, a gifted Argentinian attacking midfielder, arguably the stand-out signing at just £1.5m from Getafe. “Buendia is a success story for the whole scouting department, starting with the guys in data who first flagged him up for high statistics in a really underperforming team,” says Webber. “Kieran Scott [head of recruitment] then went to watch him, came back and said he was unbelievable. I then got involved, watched him and then by using my contacts got into Getafe to make the deal happen at a time when they were struggling for money. “It was the perfect jigsaw and everything slotted into place, and that very rarely happens. We literally found him from nowhere. The most interesting part of it is that Buendia was on loan at Cultural Leonesa, who are owned by Leeds. Luckily we got in there under Leeds’ noses.” £1.5m Emi Buendia has proven a particularly successful signing CREDIT: PA There have been many other astute signings: Teemu Pukki has 27 league goals after signing on a free transfer from Brondby, while Marco Stiepermann (£1.2m from Bochum) and goalkeeper Tim Krul (free transfer) have been admirably consistent. Farke and Webber also take special satisfaction with the signing of Tom Trybull, a defensive midfielder from Germany who turned up on trial without a club on Farke’s recommendation. “When I first arrived two years ago I could not have expected Norwich to be in this position, one game away from the Premier League,” says Trybull, 26. “This is amazing and it’s a dream to be part of it. I’ve never known a dressing room like this one. Now all my friends in Germany are big Norwich fans and they are desperate for us to get the points. “We have shown other clubs to trust the boss and the philosophy. We have proved it’s not all about spending loads of money. Maybe other clubs will now change their minds. Norwich has been good for football.” The mood at Norwich’s training ground this week was vibrant, and there is a clear sense of togetherness. Dotted around the offices are inspirational messages on the walls, such as this one from American author Kenneth H. Blanchard: “None of us is as smart as all of us.” Work is well underway on a £5m revamp of their base, with the funds raised by the Canaries Bond, with dressing rooms being built for junior levels down to the under-9s. The academy is also flourishing, underlined by the impressive impact of full-backs Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis in the first-team this season. Midfielder Tom Trybull says his friends back in Germany are now Norwich fans CREDIT: JASON BYE Norwich’s majority shareholders, Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones, are fully in tune with the vision and make regular visits to Colney. Season ticket sales are capped at 22,000. The big question is whether Norwich can finally end their unwanted reputation as a yo-yo club, after dropping out of the Premier League in 2016. Webber has a plan. “If we do go up, we won’t be making knee-jerk decisions. We won’t be signing players for £15m. That has to be the aim, eventually, but we will be looking at Swansea, Burnley and Bournemouth when they first got promoted. “You have to believe that if you create a good environment and culture, with young players and smart recruitment, that you can be successful.” Farke, meanwhile, is only concerned about Friday night and the subject turns to horses as he prepares to leave. The chant of “Farke’s on a horse” has reverberated around Carrow Road in recent weeks and Norwich’s head coach takes up the story. “When I was leaving Lippstadt [in 2015] the chairman decided I had to ride a horse to say goodbye,” he says, laughing. “The stadium was full and I had to keep my nerve. Now the fans here in Norwich have picked up on it and want me to do it again. “The big problem is I was always a bit scared of horses: I would never win the Cheltenham Gold Cup! ” He should not worry - for his legion of admirers, promotion out of the Championship will be more than enough.

It isn't about being in the same class as Leitner, it is about them playing totally different roles and bringing very different skillsets to the table.

We are going to win both our games and be promoted on Sunday so I don't care what the others do.

I’m glad my elevated stress levels are shared by fellow fans. Everyone keeps telling me ‘You’re as good as up’...I won’t be able to relax until it’s mathematically impossible for us to be caught ⚠️

Agree with this but many won't hold their nerve I'm afraid. Principles go out of the window after a couple of losses. Or even draws sometimes🙃

Apologies if posted elsewhere: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/18/special-report-secrets-behind-norwich-success-story/

Followers of Scotland who are not deluded like Ipswich fans thank you. Scotland fans know we are rubbish and don't get our hopes up not until theres a real chance. Like just needing to beat Italy to qualify. Then its game on.

There is no doubt that Leitner & Vrancic are two of our most gifted players. I think they will shine in the Premiership. However, it doesn't mean they are the best fit for our team, now, today,when it comes to winning on Friday. I think all our players are more than capable of overcoming any opposition in this league. It's how the overall team dynamic works, & this doesn't necessarily mean just shoving your best players in any old how. Farke sees the bigger picture. His results this season have been astonishing. I will trust his judgement on any team he cares to select.

The trouble was that under Hughton we were set up like a table football team, very rigid and inflexible. I got the impression, from what was being said on the pitch, that our back four were told not to cross the halfway line with the ball. It was a million miles away from our current style of play, and I know which one I prefer watching.

I can think of a Championship manager who was involved in a Champions League Final. Oh, sorry, make that a League 1 manager...🤭

Thanks for the suggestions everyone and don’t forget to keep the stoke ones coming! I’ll do the same strategy as last season and try and cover every option. So £1 on pukki to score anytime, £1 on Vrancic to score anytime, £1 on Hernandez to score anytime, 50p on Godfrey to score anytime, 50p on Srbeny to score anytime, £1 on Norwich to win 1-0, £1 on Norwich to win 2-1, £1 on Norwich to win 3-0, £1 on over 2.5 goals. The last couple of bets are a bit of an insurance policy so £1 on a draw and £1 on a Sheffield Wednesday win. Hopefully these are okay and I’ve tried to use everyone’s suggestions. I’ve typed this on my phone so hopefully these come out alright Eddie!

Fair point. Sorry, I don't remember the dark ages 😉

I wonder how long it will be before people realise how good a player Leitner really is. Cannot his control of games and his performances early season be remembered? It might have to be on the bigger stage next season before people appreciate his qualities.

But i'm reasonably sure you will carry on posting Westo, despite being incorrect , there will be a stat somewhere to back up what you said.

I honestly can't believe how many people still defend him. I remember thinking I'd rather get relegated than stay up if it meant he kept his job.

Adios au revoir widersehen? are you saying good bye to the new German passport holder Nigel Farrage? UKIP new Brex**** party has no plans on how to conduct themselves in Europe, nevermind any policies for the UK to make ends meet. Why are they standing for the EU Parliament they so thoroughly don't agree with? Sinn Fein at least has got principles when it does not attend the two party machine here, but UKIP and lazy Farrage regard sitting in the EU and disrupting much of their proceedings, as money for ol rope. If they had any principles they would abstain after their fraudulent first referendum campaign, but once you got rubber for spines you can only be a bender.

It's not just about results or the quality on display . Their fans appreciate that their players are all great lads who give everything for that football club and have been brilliant for Lambert who couldn't ask any more of them and then there's the man himself who isn't Mick McCarthy or Paul Hurst and always takes the time to reassure the fans that they are special. They have much to be appreciative of. Let's not also forget that with all those tens of pounds they'll have to spend and the clutch of youngsters coming up from the third tier regional section of youth football to supplement their highly motivated, dogged and determined squad of senior players! They'll be romping L1 next season on their way to back to back promotion to the Premier League for the 2021-22 season. I totally get their optimism, their jubilant celebrations may even eclipse Leeds promotion party and so it should with the bright future they have ahead of them.

As much as I think Leitner is fantastic, it has to be Tettey. Going two CM's of Leitner, Vrancic or McLean does not provide enough defensive stability.

Really? As I understand it a unicorn with angel wings flew over Carrow Road before the Middlesbrough game and sprinkled magic dust over the players during the warm up..

How many more threads about being worried gets boring now.we will do it easy otbc

Dear Worried of Norwich This is nothing to be concerned about. Many supporters at this stage in the season will be affected by similar concerns, but they will soon pass, and there is nothing to be ashamed of either. Try to relax and not dwell on any supposed failings. Performance will not always be what you want and not being able to score is something to be expected from time to time.. Perhaps a change of view might assist you in this matter. The Barclay lower has helped many to a 90 minute stand. Aunt Marge

Not played well and still come away 6 points from 3rd with 4 games to play, no need to panic. As long as we play well, we will be fine. We've only struggled because we haven't been at our best, we so have enough quality to win at least 2 more. It'll come, we will be up for it.

Has to be the perfect opportunity to bring Vranic and Leitner back.

I always considered Hughton to be a likable individual who represented the club with dignity. The fact that he had to cope with possibly the lowest transfer budget in the league at the time and that his one big cardinal signing turned out to be a bit of a flop surely excuses his performance at Carrow Road to some extent ..... but then I didn't have to sit through the catalogue of dire performances that he brought to Carrow Road on a regular basis. A little known fact is that he was once considered, within the game to be a tactical guru, and that his series of videos on that aspect of football were well respected and adhered to. A great pity that this was not evident from the way his City team evolved.

I don’t understand this logic, with respect. People are talking like the only team under pressure would be us?! That is ridiculous! If Villa still need to win on the last day of the season then that will show their upcoming games will not have gone their way, their form is broken, and as a result, they will be under immense pressure in front of an expectant and nervous crowd (whom also will be far from confident). I’d 110% back our boys with Emi back pulling the strings to batter them on the counterattack, just as we have literally every other team this season. It could be Fulham all over again, but in our favour. But for me, this is hypothetical anyway. Some people need to have more confidence in our fantastic team for gods sake! We are the best team in the league, and I for one have no fears whatsoever! And for those that don’t have confidence in our team, feel free to put a bet on Leeds and Sheff Utd both getting maximum points over the last 4 games with us either drawing or losing them all! NOT going to happen!

But he has won the Champions League and is the messiah to many. They are all called Waveney though!

Busy with all that running 🏃‍♂️ Kev 👏🏻👏🏻

Sorry for being absent the past couple of weeks... Good Luck Splutcho mate - can't see past a HOME WIN JUVENTUS v Fiorentina in Seria A on Saturday evening. For Dan - Friday's Wednesday game (!) I think will be a 3-1 Norwich win. I'm going to see what happens Friday before selecting a Monday choice... Good Luck all Leedscanary

Surely the best free transfer in recent football League history. Really hope he makes it to 30 for this season!

Massive achievement, congratulations to him. Interesting to hear his thoughts regarding his second spell at city not working out as well as he'd hoped. Can't have been fun playing for so many different managers in a relatively short spell.

I know we're all wrapped up in our promotion battle bubble at the moment, but thought it was worth sparing a minute for Jamie Jamie Jamie Jamie Cureton. Making his 1000th appearance this weekend, with a career average better than 1 goal every 3 apps is an unbelievable career. Currently 43 years old, top scorer in the Bostik Premier Division with 20 goals as player manager of promotion chasing Bishops Stortford. Incredible achievement to still be playing to that standard (currently 3rd tier of non-league) at his age, particularly when he's still doing the business (see vid below) He's always been one of our own, and is city through and through. Congrats Curo.

I would be very surprised if they managed 12000 season tickets let alone 14000 plus. Either way they probably will not announce the number if their targets are not reached. They may get decent crowds if they start winning a few games but that will dwindle the minute they lose one. I can remember our game at Colchester and thinking at the time this could be tricky. That was with our team which had a smattering of decent players. Some teams in that league are going to rip the Binners a new one.

A bit early for Legend Zac, though a good season in the Premiership will go a long way to putting him up there IMO.

As an Exile I need Bournemouth, Brighton and Saaarfampton to remain in the Prem to receive us😅. Warnobb and the trogs can go down please.....

You will care though like everyone else .

All I am looking out for is a Norwich win...trying not to care about the rest...

We were probably looking at each other, Crabby, because I was in the South Stand, on halfway, pretty much directly in line with the shot, and it was the Barclay, with you in it, that was right behind. Of course, what people forget is that if the shot hadn't taken a big deflection off Hansen's left patella it never would have gone in.

He's just a fantastic guy all ways round. Great player, but he always comes across as a thoughtful, intelligent human being too.

Oh, that Tony Pulis, apologies , I thought you meant the other one.

I loved how jammy that goal was...I also remember his interview after he scored a worldy at CR ‘I thought I’d do a Yaya’ What a guy

Agreed. There are too many extremes used in football and on here. We're either the best team ever and Farke is a genius or we're the worst and he's clueless (a phrase I've seen used in the past two weeks to describe Farke!). The reality is we are neither and a more moderate response is required for both the wins and more importantly, the losses.

Standing behind the Barclay End goal (don't recall what it was called in those days) with a group of friends ribbing Sandy Kennon. SK was a window cleaner and when he let a goal in we would politely suggest he brought his ladder next match! I'm not Norwich born and bred; I moved there in 1961, which is when I began actively supporting. My first season ticket was in the old main stand. I had a seat behind the Directors box, near the then press box, very central. Those seats were priced the same as seats in the blocks either side of the Directors box, in my case Block C.The view of the pitch was great, but you used to lose sight of lofted balls, of which there were rather a lot in those days! Having that seat meant I was right in line with Justin Fashanu's great volleyed goal against Liverpool. After the old stand burned down I had to be content with a seat in the South stand; not nearly as good. At that time I was able to follow the team away, usually by coach, which left from outside the travel agents in Castle Meadow. The farthest trip that I can recall was the FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers in 1966. The away support nowadays don't realise how easy they have it .......... 😋

Beating Arsenal 1-0 made you feel like we lost?????

Don’t know that Pulis. Was quoting the one who manages Boro, whose fans dislike his style so much, they ripped the p out of him for saying “goals change games” in his post-match comments (after they lost at home to us).

Although he has done a fantastic job with Brighton.