Norwich Fans Must Take Realistic View

Following the East Anglican Derby Norwich City have lost against Watford and Reading, but have produced two strong performances. However, Norwich City fans have been understandably disappointed and some fans have been calling for the managers heads. Although I agree sometimes managers do need to be sacked it isn't always a matter of results. I agreed with the sackings of Nigel Worthington and Peter Grant, but I do not support sacking Glenn Roeder.

The critics of Glenn Roeder will say although we have played quite well results have generally been poor. They will also say our league position isn't a lot better than last season and we still are involved in a relegation fight. These are valid points and of course they are true to a certain extent.

To me there has been a massive change at this club in the past year. One thing is for sure the quality of the football is right up there with the best teams in the league. However, it would be fair to say that Norwich lack the quality at either end of the pitch. Something that is hardly surprising considering these players cost lots of money. The grim facts are Norwich don't have the money to compete with the likes of Wolves, Birmingham and Reading. Those facts won't alter with a managerial change.

Of course there is the possibility of a takeover. That would change everything, but I personally think money would just prove what a good manager Glenn Roeder is. However, a takeover is unlikely in the present financial climate. Therefore I have to call the facts as they are now and not the possible situation after a takeover.

As a Norwich City fan I am desperate to see Norwich do well and be at the top of the league. However, I know this will not happen overnight. It's a gradual process of improving year by year until we get there and once we do get to the Premier League to make sure we stay there. Now for me this club has made huge strides in the past year. The squad has been shaken up and we have shown this season that we can compete with every team in this league. All we are missing is real quality in certain areas.

Building a successful side is going take time, but stick with Roeder and I am sure we will get there. If Roeder can guide us to a safe mid-table position this season then he would have done well. Then next season he can try and get us into the top half. For now he should concentrate on signing up as many of our own players as possible. Making Leroy Lita and John Kennedy permanent buys would be a good start. Again if Roeder could make another 5 or 6 permanent buys next summer, then we will be well on our way.

I would ask the Norwich City fans to be patient with Roeder. He is clearly trying to build something here and I would like to see that through. Unless money comes into the club this process will take time and Roeder needs to be given time. If in two or three season's time we are still struggling in 18^th or 19^th place, then a change may be needed. I will make one prediction though given time Roeder will be one of the most successful managers in this clubs history and will get this team back to the Premier League.