Opinion: NOW - That’s what I call football

Opinion: NOW – That’s what I call football

Susannah George

How many of us have reprimanded others for being on their phones, rather than being engaged in a conversation over the dinner table? Or perhaps been pulled up ourselves for the same offence?

As football fans it is our fundamental right to look back, to compare, perhaps even to revel in the glory days of old – or 15 years unbeaten, as the case may be. Equally, it would be short sighted of us not to zoom out occasionally and look at the bigger picture, where do we see our football club going? Is that a realistic goal this season… next season… in a few seasons time etc?

There is nothing wrong with either, it’s perfectly fine to reminisce, to dream and even to be disappointed if our team does not live up to our expectations.

Many will agree that this season, until 2024, initially looked to be rather unremarkable. As Gary Gowers pointed out recently, few saw operation play-offs coming this season.

And now that we are here, there has been much talk – including from myself – looking back at previous play-off/promotion run-ins but also looking forward with much caution, full of warnings by those apprehensive as to Norwich City’s fate should we successfully navigate the season and end up in the top flight.

What has this got to do with phones? Sometimes it is very easy to forget to be present, to be in the now. Speaking of which, what a joy not to be mid-table fodder! What a joy that we aren’t being relegated! What a joy that we get the excitement of a potential play-off run and another legendary open-top bus parade!

It is well-known that our club is famously coined a “yo-yo” club, but honestly, I don’t find that the least bit insulting. Norwich City rarely have a boring season, whether it’s magic moments like beating Manchester City or Bayern Munich, winning the play-off final at Wembley, or Marcelino seeing off our rivals occupying the top spot. Let’s be frank, being a Norwich fan is one hell of a ride.

Now here we are, six points clear in 6th, with everything still to play for. Do we need to be realistic and consider how we will fare in the Premier League? Yes, but that’s a June problem (hopefully). Do we need to worry about the players we might lose if we remain in the Championship? Maybe, but they aren’t going anywhere right now. Would it have been nice to have pulled our socks up two months prior and be coasting into autos? Of course, but that opportunity has passed.

Norwich City love doing things the hard way – let’s remind ourselves of the not so distant – and fondly remembered – 18/19 season where autos looked all but confirmed. Towards the end of the season, we almost capitulated, despite having the potential to have secured our promotion weeks before. Thankfully we brought it back in the last 2-3 games.

Right now, let’s enjoy the adrenaline and excitement of going down to the wire, where pressure can topple to most on-form teams and allow the more unlikely contenders in 5th and 6th (how convenient) to shine. Let’s make sure that the noise that the boys hear from us is focused on the task at hand.

Supporting Norwich would not be half so rewarding if the wins and promotions came easily, if we were mid-table Championship or even I daresay mid-table Premier League fodder. Give me scrappy wins, holding our breath in the 90th minute, down to the wire football. This, right now, for me, this anticipation, this excitement, is what it is all about.

Everything from hereon in, is a bonus, we may not have expected it, we may not have even planned it, but my goodness we absolutely deserve it. Let’s take full advantage and worry about next season WHEN we get promoted!