Norwich City column: Stuart Webber faces arguably his greatest challenge with squad in need of overhaul

The last week has only served to show the size of the task facing Norwich City this summer.

The embarrassing 5-1 defeat at Middlesbrough, followed by Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened QPR has all but condemned the Canaries to another season of Championship football.

While the play-offs remain mathematically possible, one win in eight suggests they are a long-shot at best.

In truth, we are simply not good enough. The fact we have remained in the hunt for so long is a reflection of the lack of quality in this league.

Looking towards next season, it’s becoming increasingly impossible to escape the fact significant change is needed.

If I’m completely honest, there are only about half a dozen players I would be sad to see leave this summer – and one of those, Teemu Pukki, has already announced his departure.

It’s such a shame he’s ending his time at the club in the manner he is, but it takes nothing away from the legacy he’s created over five years.

I doubt the Finn will be the only high-profile exit, with it really starting to feel like the end of an era.

There are bound to be question marks over the futures of Max Aarons, Tim Krul, Grant Hanley and Ben Gibson – all of whom have been great servants to this club, but have underwhelmed this season.

Meanwhile, the likes of Onel Hernandez, Sam Byram and Kieran Dowell are out of contract, with no news on if their stays will be extended.

It’s also clear neither of our loan players, Isaac Hayden and Marquinhos, have a future here beyond the end of this campaign.

Assuming that many of the aforementioned names depart, there will be significant pressure on Stuart Webber to get the recruitment right – especially under the confines of our financial situation.

It is arguably the greatest challenge he has faced at Carrow Road.