FCC

Unless he felt keeping faith with Webers South American gems might ingratiate himself with the board.

The fact he made it very clear the club appointed him and not Smith isn’t doing Weber any favours.

It’s all about him. Would rather have someone with a little loyalty.

If he is as confident in his own ability as he claims, why not leave? Another team would realise what they are missing and snap him up. Poor appointment, and should have gone in the summer.

I never understood why after Daniel we didn’t get another manager with a similar footballing philosophy. In interviews Smith seems fixated on statistics. We had so much possession, so many shots - but sat watching it felt we could play for a week and never score. I can’t see how he can turn this around. I feel in situations like this it is cruel to let him carry on. For his own sake, as much as ours, move him on. No matter the money, it must a lonely and miserable time for him - and he will never be accepted now. His comments will constantly come back and haunt him. Webers comments about Alex Neil must weighing heavy on him now. He looks like he was lucky once, rather than a man with a vision.

I think recruitment must have been easier when we had an identifiable style of play. With 4-2-3-1 you know what you need, maybe the odd outlier to shake a game up at times. I now can’t decide if Smith is playing formations to accommodate the signings, rather than we have signed players that match his preferred style. In my opinion we haven’t got the talent, strength, or stamina to manage with 3 in midfield. 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 would be more effective.

So we lost to a team without its talisman, a depleted squad, and their manager changed formation for the game. They had a manager who adapted his strategy - we didn’t. Smith is a loser and the players know it.

The table is relevant, pre-season isn’t. I thought we had a tough run of fixtures at the start of last season - not this. Smith needs to go.

He has to go. What a dire appointment, and atrocious record. We have no club identity, no team shape, and no affinity for this serial loser.

We’ve gone from no plan B, to no plan A. I think the players see him as a loser and aren’t buying into him at all.

When we lost Farke we lost our identity. I thought the sporting director idea was to provide consistency - we changed coach and a whole way of playing. I can’t see Smith stopping long.

I thought the tv picture had frozen, but it was Bowen showing his pace.

Have the Madrid fans managed to turn up on time and get in safely?

Southampton couldn’t get a kick against Liverpool reserves. Contrary to the PR, the Premier is not a competitive league and it will be even less so once Newcastle get going. It is predictable and boring.

Cameron Jerome for me - celebrating our first Wembley goal (ignoring the og).

I would think, over a season they should even out. 1 or 2 would be within that sort of range - when you are getting 4 or 6 for or against you, it is hard to not sense a bias.

I didn’t think we should have sacked Farke, but getting rid of Smith wouldn’t make that right. Let’s give him some time, and hope he gets some input into our recruitment this summer.

An observation - not a stick. He was the only member of that squad to do it. I can’t imagine any fan not wanting to see him desperate to play for Norwich, and giving 100% for the club. The question is, does he? Only he knows his view of any issues. If he pulls a Norwich shirt on again, I’ve no grudge and will back him as I would any other player.

Looking back at the Championship celebrations at Villa Park - only one player put his shirt on back to front so that his name was on the front and not the team badge.

Always enjoyed my trips to the North East - Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool. Nice people, and a beautiful part of the country. Good luck to Newcastle, I hope they hoover up trophies and annoy the previously super rich. It does mean some of the previous big clubs will six struggle for Champions League success - let’s see how the loyal overseas support holds up after a few seasons with no trophies.

No massive fan of Webber, but I think he and his wife put long hours into doing their best for the club. He must be as disappointed with the signings as we are - not only poor, but decreasing in value. Let’s hope they develop in the Championship next season. I wish we had kept Farke. We didn’t, I see little benefit in asking for new owners, Webber or Smith to leave. They know what we have and what we lack, they are best placed to build back for next season. I don’t think the club can’t manage without him for a few weeks, and it is probably better for him and the rest of the board that they learn to do so.

I believe it is more about mentality than physicality. Lots of excellent small tenacious midfielders over the years - but they were up for the fight and wouldn’t be bullied.

Thank you to those who responded. I knew it wouldn’t be a yes / no answer - but interesting views from everyone.

Does it incentivise ground development for us?

I do notice a fair few of our fans can’t handle their drink. Sadly, people often laugh at these idiots making them think they are funny. Name, shame and ban, what a disgrace. I hope your daughter gets over it, and keeps faith with the majority who despise these low-lifes.