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Cancel that medium meltdown, it’s about to go ‘absolutely ****ing mentally massive meltdown’.

*adopts best Brian Blessed voice* Right, looks like we're getting no help from Leeds or the Blunts today. It's a beautiful day out there. The sun's shining, it's lovely and warm, the scene is set perfectly. Get out the house, get down the pub or out into the city, savour the day. Be positive, be friendly, be excellent to each other. Drop a few quid in the charity buckets outside the ground (raising money for Mind today, a most worthwhile cause). Cheer the team, no matter who's in it. Don't get on the players' backs the first time they make a mistake, or if we concede an early goal. Let's show the Sky TV cameras once again that we're the best fans in the league - sing louder, prouder and longer than you've sung all season. Trust Farke to get us over the line, don't doubt him. This is our time. OTBC.

FFS City just do a win tonight so I can sleep a bit easier. These last couple of games have had me through the mangle.

Puts our Wigan game into perspective a bit. There's no such thing as an easy game at this stage of the season

I like the bit about taking down imagery of achievements of yesteryear, unlike other Clubs that live solely in the past with nothing to look forward to.

Stapleford Park Hotel, Melton Mowbray, May 2018. Stuart Webber, the Norwich City sporting director, Daniel Farke, the head coach, his backroom staff and 11 department heads decamped to Leicestershire for two days of what Webber describes as “brutal honesty”. Farke’s first season at Carrow Road had ended with a 14th-place finish, two behind their rivals Ipswich Town and 15 points short of the play-offs. Only three wins since early February and a 5-1 thrashing by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on the final day yielded “sleepless nights”, deep introspection and rumblings of discontent among supporters. Aarons, 19, an academy graduate, has been impressive at right back this season and has been linked with a number of Premier League sidesDAVID DAVIES/PA WIRE Webber, 35, who left Huddersfield Town for Norfolk in April 2017, “had been sowing seeds for 12 months”, he says, “but wasn’t seeing many green shoots, just a muddy field”. So he gathered his key staff to analyse their work in great detail. After the first day, their wives joined them for dinner. After the second, the Norwich board arrived. The conclusion? “Keep doing what we were doing, we knew it could work,” Webber says. “And we shut out the noise.” Tonight the Sky Bet Championship leaders could clinch promotion to the Premier League against Sheffield Wednesday, Farke’s 100th game in charge. Patience and courage has been vindicated. They would also return a very different club from the one that left the top flight three years ago. In a division of soaring spending and precarious debt Norwich have proved that intelligent leadership, savvy recruitment, progressive coaching and faith in youth can formulate a winning — and reaffirming — recipe for success. When Webber arrived, however, he found a club lumbered with an ageing, underperforming squad, a dysfunctional dressing room, a £55 million wage bill — then the second-highest in Championship history — and a growing disconnect between club and fans. “I’m going to call your baby ugly,” he told Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones, the majority shareholders, before embarking on a staff overhaul that meant all but three department heads left the club within six months. “Best in Class” adorned club correspondence, Webber recalls, of a club that had spent four of the previous six seasons in the Premier League but had a sub-standard training ground with a gym inside a conservatory extension. A bond scheme raised £5 million to redevelop their training base and academy at Colney, on the outskirts of the city, which will be completed this summer. There is now a commitment to nourishing and giving opportunity to homegrown talent. With Premier League parachute payments ending last season, though, Norwich’s self-sustaining vision was also born from necessity. The sale of James Maddison to Leicester City and Josh Murphy to Cardiff City in the summer took the amount received in transfer fees since 2017 to more than £70 million but the fear was that the squad would report for pre-season demoralised, with a feeling that the club was regressing. They arrived to find newly refurbished changing rooms, a new restaurant where the players could eat and socialise in comfort (and mobile phones are banned), upgraded training pitches and vivid imagery on the walls and corridors to reflect the latest squad rather than achievements of yesteryear. A private plane was chartered to travel to the club’s pre-season training camp in Paderborn, Germany, rather than Ryanair flights to the same location the previous year. In isolation, small gestures; but a broader statement to the players that the club was “investing in you”, Webber says. <img class="Media-img" src="//www.thetimes.co.uk/imageserver/image/methode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2Fd8c1e532-61e2-11e9-99ae-5ebf638762d3.jpg?crop=4478%2C2985%2C277%2C414" alt="Webber, the Norwich sporting director, gathered key figures at the club for “brutal honesty” talks following a 14th place finish in 2017-18"> Webber, the Norwich sporting director, gathered key figures at the club for “brutal honesty” talks following a 14th place finish in 2017-18JASONPIX/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK A culture of self-improvement has been married with Norwich’s traditional family values. Every debutant has his framed shirt presented by a former player or coach. Tim Krul, the goalkeeper signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer, had his presented by Bryan Gunn, the legendary Norwich No 1 of the Eighties and Nineties. In March, Nigel Worthington, the former manager, presented Alex Tettey with a framed shirt to mark his 200th appearance, then delivered a talk about the Championship title-winning campaign that he oversaw in 2003-04. Ant Middleton, the former soldier, adventurer and TV presenter, Gareth Roberts, the former Wales rugby union player, and Martín Gramática, the former NFL placekicker and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have delivered talks to the players — the latter, during the club’s mid-season training camp in Tampa, Florida, on performing under pressure. Smith and Wynn-Jones, meanwhile, often have lunch with the players and every new signing’s family is invited to dine with them. A more open and inclusive environment was in evidence at the club’s annual meeting last year when Smith, Wynn-Jones, Ed Balls, the chairman at the time, and Webber mingled with shareholders before and after the meeting. On New Year’s Day they accepted an invitation to meet supporters for drinks in a London pub before the Brentford game. Webber’s leadership qualities, understandably, have not gone unnoticed; the 35-year-old, who began his career in football as a coach in Wrexham’s academy and holds a Uefa pro-licence, received covetous glances from Southampton in November. He worked in recruitment for Liverpool and QPR before taking director’s roles at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town. In November 2015 he brought David Wagner, the former head coach of Borussia Dortmund’s reserves, to England after discussing their football philosophies with a bowl of chocolate raisins laid out on a table in the German-American’s home. Farke, whom Webber returned to Dortmund reserves for, has cultivated much goodwill with his articulate post-match musings and likeable demeanour since arriving in Norfolk. But after only one win from the opening five league games this season the pressure on the former German lower-league striker spiked further. Last season’s build-up play was often laboured and slow but some key summer signings and Farke’s labours on the training ground have finally brought his vision of high-pressing, expansive, dynamic football to life. <img class="Media-img" src="//www.thetimes.co.uk/imageserver/image/methode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2Fbb60e5ce-61e2-11e9-99ae-5ebf638762d3.jpg?crop=3000%2C2000%2C0%2C0" alt="Farke, the head coach, joined from Borussia Dortmund II in May 2017 and has implemented an expansive, high-pressing style of football at Carrow Road"> Farke, the head coach, joined from Borussia Dortmund II in May 2017 and has implemented an expansive, high-pressing style of football at Carrow RoadROSS KINNAIRD/GETTY IMAGES “We dominated many, many statistics last season but the biggest difference compared to last season is that we have added some end product,” Farke, 42, says. Some sweeping team moves and goals, the most goals scored in the division and 29 goals in the last 15 minutes of games have left Canaries fans purring. All of which is even more remarkable given that Norwich’s starting XI in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic contained four academy graduates, four free transfers and three players who cost a total of about £4 million. Kieran Scott, the head of recruitment with whom Webber worked at Wolves, leads a team of four full-time scouts and two analysts who have mined a growing list of diamonds. The shimmering talent of the 22-year-old Emiliano Buendía, a diminutive Argentine winger signed from Getafe for £1.5 million, has lit up Carrow Road with eight goals and 11 assists and he looks ready-made for the Premier League. Teemu Pukki, 29, a free transfer from Brondby who underwhelmed during a season with Celtic in 2013-14, has 27 goals and ten assists and was named Championship player of the year. Kenny McLean, a £200,000 signing from Aberdeen, came into midfield in January and encapsulates the strength in depth of this squad. Farke’s knowledge of his native country has also meant that nine players have arrived from German leagues in the past two seasons, on free transfers or for nominal fees. There is pride, too, in seeing three academy players aged 21 or younger populating Norwich’s back four. Max Aarons, the right back who has started every game since his league debut against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in September, has played with remarkable poise and consistency. “[Farke] just gives you massive confidence when you go out on the pitch to go and play your game,” says Aarons who, along with Jamal Lewis, the left back, has transformed the dynamic of the team. Ben Godfrey, a central defender, has grown in stature with every game alongside Christoph Zimmermann, 26, a bargain free transfer from Dortmund. <img class="Media-img" src="//www.thetimes.co.uk/imageserver/image/methode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F3cedc344-61e5-11e9-9842-63958b78574e.jpg?crop=1834%2C2750%2C119%2C57" alt="Free transfer Pukki is the leading scorer in the Championship this season"> Free transfer Pukki is the leading scorer in the Championship this seasonMICHAEL ZEMANEK/BPI/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK Farke’s meritocratic approach means that experienced players such as Timm Klose, a £10 million signing from Wolfsburg in 2016, Grant Hanley, who cost £3.5 million from Newcastle United in 2017, and Jordan Rhodes, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, have had to wait on the sidelines. “When quality players are not in the starting line-up but are unbelievably supportive in the dressing room before and after the game, happy to celebrate with the team, pretty often this season I got the feeling this is a really special group of players,” Farke says. A leadership group of those senior players takes responsibility for marshalling the youthful squad too. When Buendía reacted badly to being substituted, for example, he was reprimanded by his team-mates. For much of this season eyes in the Championship have been fixed elsewhere, on Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United or Frank Lampard’s Derby County. It is Norwich, however, who have scaled the greatest heights, with a manager who speaks of the “fun” that his players are having and a board whose vision and patience has been richly rewarded. Key players in promotion bid Three bargains Teemu Pukki, 29, striker (free transfer from Brondby) The Finland forward has scored 27 goals and set up nine for his team-mates. He was named Championship player of the year Emi Buendia, 22, winger (£1.5 million from Getafe) The skilful, speedy former Real Madrid youth team player has missed seven games this season, none of which Norwich have won Moritz Leitner, 26, midfield (£1.5 million from Augsburg) The German has been rejuvenated under Daniel Farke, with whom he worked at Borussia Dortmund, after frustrating spells with Stuttgart, Lazio and Augsburg Academy stars Todd Cantwell, 21, attacking midfield Joined Norwich aged 10. Loaned to Fortuna Sittard, who play in the Eredivisie, last season after failing to find a League Two club Ben Godfrey, 21 central midfield/ defence Excelled during a loan spell with Shrewsbury Town last season. Has piqued the interest of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur Max Aarons, 19, right back Named EFL young player of the year in his debut season. Tipped to be a future England right back and Premier League star Jamal Lewis, 21, left back The Northern Ireland defender joined from Luton Town with Aarons in 2016. Has made 63 appearances in the past two seasons TV Norwich City v Sheffield Wednesday. Tonight, 7.45pm. Live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event

Tim Krul made some fabulous saves today, he has been significantly underrated since he joined us. The save he pulled off before the cheat fletcher punched it in was also outstanding !!!

Short fat c*nt with an inferiority complex.

only few posts from Waccoe! I still believe they can over run Sheffield but if we win today we dont care at all what will happen next 10 days! Just put my son to bed. When I was sure he was asleep, I actually had tears in my eyes. Frustration more than sadness I think but I swear one day this club will finish me off or break me mentally. Suicide seems like a viable solution to me right now. Wigan ruined us but we were appalling. As bad as Hernandez has played in a Leeds shirt, played like a 55yr old. Alioski, Harrison, Klich and Bamford shocking After the game I took the dog for a walk in the countryside, found a nice quiet spot with no one around and let out the loudest **** **** ****.

Got the result correct and that there'd be a red card (thought it would have to be to Leeds for Wigan to win), but quite happy with my prediction overall lol.

*Loads up WACCOE*

19% battery left! You should plug in

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.

Tell Farke that. If he hadn't used his hands then yes I would agree. But he simply handled it. Mistake or not. A bad tackle is often a mistake leading to a penalty too.

Wrong!

Class, can't believe we left him out the last 2 games

97th actually 😂😂 this is team is never beaten... unlike some 😏😄

If Buendia was on the pitch he would have bicycle kicked that Forestieri shot off the line.

Shouldn't you be checking the route map to Rochdale and Accrington? 😂

That's a red ref bottled it, knowing no sub keeper?

Nice little clip here from Sheff Weds' Facebook page -

"Town have confirmed that the squad and staff will take part in the annual lap of appreciation after the Easter Monday game against Swansea City." "Usually the lap takes place following the final home match but that game is likely to be dominated by Leeds United’s battle for promotion to the Premier League." How embarrassing must that be?

I'll refrain from gloating until we get the business done ourselves. Still got 6 points to find

You are new Baldy so am I (sort of) so I will do you the courtesy of cutting you some slack. But in 7 posts you have referred to squeaky bums, stress, and thinly veiled sacrastic statements regarding city's performances. If I were a cynic...I would say you have an agenda. But I am not so here's some advice if you want it...chill. It's fine. We're fine. It's been a great season. Stop sounding like a broken record and get behind the team!

Well whoever has one, I'd suggest posting the Samaritans number ASAP as a public service.

Alex M. You're top poster today!!

You’re welcome 😊

Meanwhile, the Scum just carry on losing

Also can we have Reece James next season thankyoupls

No pride whatsoever. That's what happens when the fans celebrate relegation like winning the league.

Sounding a bit anguished lads. Why? It has been in our hands for weeks now and nothing has changed except our rivals are playing before us. People going on about the Owls. We haven't lost in 10 games. 8-2-0. Better than the Owls. I take it the weather is gorgeous up there (scorchio down in Cprnwall) so it will be a brilliant evening for all you chaps to celebrate.

It's Leeds' turn for a red card today. I expect a very different Wigan from the 'Away Form Wigan' we have seen so far this season. Their manager is no mug. Wigan will be tight at the back and attack with pace and will pick the moment when to pressurise. Leeds won't expect it, and if Leeds fail to score in the first half hour, the crowd will get restless. It is that attacking and pace and pressure from Wigan which will lead to Leeds' red card. My predicition - Leeds 1 - 2 Wigan (Leeds to finish the game with 10 (possibly 9))

I was just frustrated by how many simple, basic errors Eltringham made throughout the game. It was just a display of consistently being unable to do your job. How he gets games in this league is beyond me. Hes the same ref who allowed Roofes handball earlier in the season and done nothing with Mings stamp on Olivieras face. Hes practically so bad at his job he genuinely risks the safety of players.

Well that escalated quickly.

Vrancic is one of our Premiership suited players.

Wow 😮 well at least we’ve remained unbeaten!

I'm a little annoyed. We've played well overall, final ball's been a little loose but generally speaking we've been decent, we're just behind to a wonder goal and a cheat. Buendia back next game.

That is what we should be concerned about. I didnt think we were a one man team

My granny would have saved that.

Eternal optimist?

Hahaha, nah, we’re ALL top posters mate, we’re Norwich City innit! WHAT A DAY!!!! Chuffed for all City supporters! GOOD Friday indeed! 🏆❤️ Now I’m ****ing back off over to WACCOE to watch their internet break 😂

So a win tonight and we are 7 clear with only 9 available

Wow. What a result that is. And Leeds fans were accusing us of bottling it

Alex M. If you are correct with your prediction I owe you a pint (metaphorically)!

As long as we get 3 points, nothing changes below. Going into the last 3 games 7 points clear of 3rd again will do just fine

....I bet westcoast would😀!

Oh boo. Why would Todd move on? This is his first season in the first team squad. Next year we will be in the PL, and he'll be part of that setup too. So from the point of view of wanting to be with the club he grew up with what could be better? From the club's point of view, he's young, he's English and he's cheap and so financial burden carrying him as part of the squad. The only question is will he transition from talented player to premier league quality squad player, and on that there isn't enough evidence to say yet. He hasn't scored enough goals from his opportunities in my opinion, and he looks frail albeit he isn't as frail as he looks. So unless he wants out, I believe that he will stay but maybe go on loan in the second half of next season if he isn't getting any playing time.