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👍 Well done boys. 🖕Unlucky Leeds. 👇Cya later Ipswich. OTBC

Take a look back at it all . Did anyone really see this coming ? Dramatic late winners. New young players and players brought in as bargains. Golden boot. Finishing as champions whilst the mob down the road finish bottom . our ex manager turns up at CR , has a little paddy and gets sent to the stand. Ive been following Norwich for near 40 years now and put all the above together and this season tops them all for me. OTBC

It was the best of times....yep, that's it pretty much I've not done many reports this season - life has got in the way and I've quite a few half-finished ones that I never had time to post. But a bank holiday weekend means I actually have time for a report today. So, an unchanged team was no surprise. Tom Trybull's injury has given us McClean and Vrancic in front of the familiar back 4 of Aarons, Godfrey, Zimm and Lewis, with Buendia and Hernandez roaming from the flanks, Stiepermann behind Pukki. Krul played every game in the end. A bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking 12.30 as the game kicked off - well, actually it was pretty overcast and kick off was a minute or two late... City were on the front foot from the off. I'd been delayed setting off (by our new cat - don't ask) so arrived just in time to see the kick off on the TV in the incredibly tiny bar area at Villa park, and watched the first couple of attacks which showed City meant business. Fortunately in a break in play I was able to find an empty seat and very soon afterwards McLean played an exquisite through ball for Hernandez who got to the byline and zipped it across the 6-yard box, no surprise Pukki was there first to flick it on into the net. Villa Park hasn't been a great place for us to visit over the years, and I"ve never seen us win here, but City were playing with the freedom you'd hope for after guaranteeing promotion last week so maybe that would change. City were now rampant and for the next few minutes threatened to overrun Villa. But on a foray downfield, probably their second attack of the game, Buendia put in a rash challenge out on the byline and Villa had a set piece which they put into the box and their striker was a yard quicker off the blocks than Zimm and flicked the header into the net. It was reminiscent of goals conceded against Preston and Millwall among others, and a reminder (not needed I'm sure) to messrs Farke and Webber that Defending Set Pieces needs to be high on the agenda for next season. City were still looking the better side, creating chances fluently, while Villa were relying on being more direct. Both sides created chances - one City attack was cleared as far as Hernandez who curled a stunning shot onto the bar. At the far end, Villa got the ball through to the by-line in the box, but Krul was there to put the ball behind. At one point Villa seemed to be trying to target high balls into our right back position, an interesting choice of tactic I have to say; after it failed to get them anything at all, they wisely seemed to give up on it. We had one long delay when McLean went down on the far side of the field and resumed play after lengthy treatment but it wasn't particularly surprising when he was replaced by Tettey shortly before half-time. So at half time with Sheffield United losing to Stoke it was looking very comfortable. Amusingly, Leeds were failing to beat L1pswich. Play resumed and I felt it was a more even game, both sides creating chances. At the City end we had one Villa cross which flashed across the 6-yard box with no one particularly close and one wild back pass from our left which beat Krul and fortunately was wide of the right hand post when Zimm slid in to clear it into touch. At the other end in front of us away fans, City were looking back in control as the half wore on, creating quite a few good chances which frustratingly wouldn't quite fall right for the finish, Hernandez much involved although all our front players were combining fluently, it's great to have Vrancic and Buendia back. Leitner was brought on for Stiepermann around 70 mins and City were looking very composed in possession. We heard that Sheffield had fallen behind and then equalised, so it was beginning to look like a draw would be enough, but as always that can change in an instant so it was looking like it would shape up for nervy last few minutes. But happily a super run by Jamal Lewis from the left and cutting inside let him square the ball to Vrancic who hit a perfectly placed shot from the edge of the box with his weaker right foot for 2-1 City. The players went as crazy as the away fans, the entire team coming over to celebrate in front of us including Krul running the entire length of the pitch. These guys care - I noticed Aarons was really annoyed with some steward who stopped him going right up to the away fans to celebrate with them. After the goal City still looked more likely to score and there were just 3 minutes added time. Farke made his trademark CB substitution in injury time, although it was Hanley brought on for Hernandez this time rather than Klose - a nice touch to give him the chance to be on the pitch at the end. My match clock was showing 93 minutes were exactly up when Villa won a corner and City just had time to clear it safely before the final whistle blew, cue wild celebrations, then we had to wait while the Villa players went around the pitch - no end to the season for them - and they put up the presentation stand for the trophy while the City players went back to the dressing room. It was great to see them come out and all get on the podium before the trophy was finally lifted. We've definitely been the best team in the division, but you have to prove it by results and we've more than done that, 94 points, 5 points clear of Sheffield Utd and 11 points clear of the imploding Leeds in 3rd 😉 which is a fair reflection over the season IMO. The players each took it in turns to raise the trophy in front of the fans - I'll try to post some pics when I have time. Lots of nice moments - Max Aarons filming the crowd singing "There's a starman playing on the right..." Emi Buendia draping the trophy in the Argentine flag - applause from a fair number of Villa fans who'd stayed for the presentation (credit to them), Zimm and Klose lifting the trophy together., inevitably Rhodes being asked to start a song ( you can guess which one he started), a nice good by to Ivo Pinto by the fans.. so many. It was great when Farke lifted the trophy (after all the players) and then Klose insisting that Delia and MWJ had their chance to lift it. So a perfect end to a perfect season, it had to end eventually !. For me, I had a feeling this team was something special after demolishing Sheff Wed 4-0 away, but the night I thought we'd win promotion was when we lost 3-1 at Preston. Why ? Because after going in at half-time 2-0 down (a set piece and a dodgy penalty) and going 3-0 down when they were able to score after a wonder shot from far out had hit the bar while we were pushing on to get one back, our team still wouldn't give up. And Max Aarons wanted it so much that he pushed over their keeper to try to get the ball back when Pukki finally scored at the very end. Despite winning 3-1, Preston's MOTM was their keeper Declan Rudd and he played a blinder. I thought then, if that's what it takes to beat us - (the last defeat we suffered this season as it turned out) - we're going to go up. And now we are. Next season can look after itself. This has been the most amazing season, and what a time to be a City fan !!

I'm a bit worried that John Terry might try to accept the trophy on our behalf.....

They have pushed us all the way and held their nerve when some other teams didn't (cough, cough 😂) they play a good style of football and deserve their success. Wilder has done a fantastic job with term on a budget but I still wouldn't swap him for Farke (as I'm sure they wouldn't either). Hopefully we'll both ruffle some feathers next season.

Wonderful to be alive and to witness it.😀⚽🏆

IMHO this has been the greatest season ever. The quality of football has been sensational.

My birthday, at my dads watching the game before the 200 mile trip to Norwich to be there for the parade tomorrow. Get in. So proud. We deserved this and it will make tomorrow that much sweeter when we have a trophy to lift

Apologies if posted elsewhere, but what a great bunch of highlights. Best. Season. Ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1wkcnDunMM

I was thinking something along these lines earlier in the season. If Disney were to write a plot for a football movie, our season might be rejected as too unrealistic. The unfashionable team, finishing below their local rivals for the first time in many years, the financial problems leading to stalwarts and our best players leaving, the loyal owners who've stuck with the team through good times and bad who insist on the idea of a community club; Then forming the rag-tag squad consisting of bargains picked up abroad and academy players with little experience; Leading to the story with the disappointing start to the season, but with promise there, which turns into a triumphant result, accompanied by reluctant praise from all around, despite more fashionable teams hogging most of the media spotlight. It would never happen in real life...

Farke to Webber - "and can you believe that Leeds are so eye-wateringly sh*t that they lost to 10 man Ipswich "

They were relentless all season and stayed strong when Leeds fell apart. totally deserve their promotion.

So .... Mario gave us that goal to give us a last gasp equaliser against Sheff Wed. He gave us the stunner to clinch promotion. He scored the winner to give us the title. What. A. Man!!!!!!!

5 Points clear of Sheffield United - 9 points clear of Leeds - unbeaten in 14 at the end of the season - just unbelievable.

I’d rather get relegated than watch the dross someone like Chris Hughton serves up. I go to football to have fun and be entertained, not see my team show no ambition.

I start with the expectation that we will likely be relegated. So long as we give it a go in our own style and retain the ability and financial wherewithal to go again I won't be too upset if that happens. I have every confidence that those in charge will stick to the plan. Having said that, I will continue to hope that we might just be good enough to stay up but I intend to enjoy the ride whatever the outcome.

Boring now. Let’s just recognise that some supporters got it right and some got it wrong.

Can we relax and celebrate yet LDC ? 😉

Looking at this thread I think there is some serious money coming CSF's way............. My pledge was for £1 for every Pukki (29)/Rhodes (6) league goals. £35 coming your way Nutty from me. What a season!

That's because nobody cares about us. They are the big story of the day again😂

Well Crabby, it’s fair to say that they have gone a little bit mental 👍 They have not congratulated us on winning the league, but then to be fair, we totally deserve it for not starting a thread congratulating them when they also won the league back in August 🏆🚫😂

Most enjoyable season I've watched since our 3rd place finish in the Prem, stunning job by Farke, the players and all at the club.

Ryan converting a sure cross...

I really, really want this to happen - a 30 goal striker is a rare and beautiful thing.

Two points. 1. I can't see any point in Norwich selling unless we get an absurdly high valuation. After a year in the PL, the players will be worth much more. 2. It makes DF's prediction that Godfrey has the attributes of a "world class" centre-back, a very good "spot," despite some of the doubts that were expressed.

I’ll take style any day of the week. From my side of the fence, as a fan, I am looking to be entertained. Go down swinging. Make the supporters feel good by the fact that the team is (intelligently) going for it, rather than just trying to ‘hang on’ and scratch out a point. The owner’s, for whom it is a business, may have a different opinion.

If you live within a reasonable radius of Carrow Road, get your backside down there unless you have a strong excuse not to. These two club legends deserve your support and adulation for one last hurrah. And if you're prepared to let the weather influence your decision, have a long hard look at yourself.

Parma cashed in and sent £120. Thank you buddy, you're a star🌟 And with £4,623 for the CSF from the Pink Un Pledges, sponsorships donations and competitions we now have a total of £11,788 since we began £2,195 of which is already banked for the next presentation.

Just as I predicted weeks ago. mind you I did expect Leeds to get more than 83😀 Has WACCOE blown up yet?

I agree that large swathes of this game were very encouraging and we missed a penalty and Krul dropper a clanger but while the attacking play was great we were defensively all over the place. Last season Farke had the same issue: look good going forward, useless in defense or look solid defensively with a toothless attack. It was the imbalance that he managed to balance after that dreadful August. He got the team selections right and it clicked to showcase what his philosophy was all about. If you saw that in the WBA game well done. I didn't. I only saw the same issues we had last season with our negative goal difference and low points tally. I was wrong and so very happy about it!

I was always pretty consistent in wanting to keep him. My dad wanted rid of him early doors this season and I almost got poisoned with it but the furthest I shifted was to sit on the fence.

Why do they always film the fans celebrations by the man in the wig holding a parrot?

To Mario?

"Lies, damned lies and Ricardo!"🤣

Champions and the BBC have made sure the right image is chosen...to celebrate a team finishing 6th.

Really open game - next goals the winner. Or the one after that. Maybe.

A club legend in just one season....amazing!

Sky Sports News already showing highlights

Thanks for your reply Badger. Defo no blame attached to individuals - it's a team game after all. Plus Tettey has long been my favourite player; I've always felt he's never got the credit he deserves. That said, I'm not sure his knees will last a full PL season and I'm not sure TT is a good enough specialist DM to do the job. TT has many many great assets but Tettey lives and breaths DM - I'm sure when he's tucked up in bed he probably dreams of covering space and fouling opposition forwards. Yes please! OTBC

I don’t see Godfrey or Aarons leaving this year. We don’t need to sell after promotion, so will hold out for big money. I’m not sure clubs will spend huge sums on defenders who have no premier league experience (and in the case of Aarons, no experience at all before this season). And let’s remember that Maddison, one of the best players in the championship last season, went to Leicester - not a top 6 big boy - and we had to sell for financial reasons. I can’t see a Leicester type side paying big money on a defender and I can’t see our lads forcing a move to someone else in the mid table/relegation melee. I also can’t see a top 6 side coming in for them this season - not until they’ve proven they’re good enough for the prem. I’d be more worried about losing them next summer.

The most important signing is someone who can make us play when Emi is suspended 😂

Bravissimo, Parma. Perfectly put. Obviously the downside of 'yo-yoing' is that you have to keep resizing and restructuring when you go from the ridiculous riches of the EPL to the relative parsimony of the Championship, but those changes don't have to compromise your philosophy. I trust Farke and Webber to upscale our playing resources sufficiently to compete next season, without risking the financial stability of the club should we go down again. Look at the FFP issues among Championship teams this season - I don't want to be one of those. A lot of people were saying we couldn't compete in the Championship this season without significant external investment, and our model was doomed to fail. Let's all now get behind this model, and trust the intelligence and foresight of the people in charge of it... irrespective of what division we're in.

If we brought a Murphy back there would be a huge sigh of relief in the dressing room.........at the arrival of next seasons scapegoat

I don't think he'll join, play 30 games and score 20 goals. Ideally his playing time will be as limited as this year, as that will mean Pukki is cutting the mustard at the top level. What I do expect us that he will score 2 or 3 huge goals, be a positive influence in the dressing room, will fire up the Snakepit when warming up at home games and will do a job keeping hold of single goal leads in the dying minutes. For a Premier League side, that contribution is a snip at £4 or £5 million and £20k a week, which I don't think is beyond the realms of possibility. As I've said, his goals to minutes has been impressive, even more so when in a dozen or so of his appearances he's basically come on without the mandate of getting a goal but to chase down the ball and get it to the corner. His form this season extrapolated across the minutes Pukki got sees him comfortably get over 20 goals. You won't get many strikers of his ability agreeing to a bit part role without moaning and disrupting the squad. It's a no brainer for me, if Webber and Farke are happy with the numbers.

The right player right club situation is extremely important in football especially at clubs where value for money is so important. My observations having watched him live a number of time this season is that he would (at the right price) be an excellent signing for us. We have witnessed him coming on with literally minutes to spare and being successful, maintaining pressure and either scoring or being very, very close to scoring. He has the ability to find the ball in the six yard box under pressure and when we are chasing a game next season that could be crucial. There is not a chance I would want JR to be our main striker but as a back up? Absolutely. Many times we have gone up, had whole sale changes and systems and it rarely works for more than a couple of seasons. lets develop and progress as a club with predominantly players we know. We certainly need 'help' in some areas but in the striking department I believe we have two in place already, just need to either extend one or make it permanent.