Norwich City columnist: Get behind the Canaries despite recent losses to Sheffield United and Leeds United
I apologise in advance for the fact this week’s column represents something of a rant – one that has been building in my mind for quite some time.
It’s not aimed at the recent defeats at Sheffield United or Leeds, nor at the mediocre performances in both games, but at the sense of crisis every bad result seems to cause among certain elements of our fan base.
Of course, no-one likes losing – and I’m not for a second saying they should. And I also understand that we are used to being the big dogs at this level, for the want of a better phrase.
But unfortunately, as it’s been said many times, this is a transition season. In practice, what that means is that we are a distinctly average team, comprising a core group of young players who need time and patience to progress.
Perhaps, a fully fit squad could be capable of challenging for a play-off spot – but when has Johannes Hoff Thorup had that at this disposal? Seldomly.
Let’s take the last two games for example. Even with everyone available, picking up results at Bramall Lane and Elland Road would have been a tough ask.
The likelihood is both Yorkshire sides will end up back in the Premier League next season.
But with an injury list as long as your arm, Borja Sainz suspended, Matěj Jurásek unavailable, Josh Sargent slowly making his way back, Ante Crnac running on empty and Kellen Fisher being forced to play in midfield – what do you expect?
I know that excuses only carry so much weight, and some would argue that we have brought on these issues ourselves, but the bottom line is this is the situation we are in.
We can sit and moan after every defeat, acting like the world has caved in, or we can pull our socks up, get behind the team, and remember that despite all the faults, we are just six points off the play-offs with 18 games still to play.