Initially a fence sitter, the events during the first half of 2006 lead me to believe that Worthington must go for the sake of the Canaries.

There is nothing admirable in the way that Football Managers are sacked after a poor run, there will always be highs and lows and clubs should work as a team giving full support to all the members during the good and bad periods. However, loyalty should be reciprocated. The criticisms made by long standing and long suffering fans were objective. Not only were they unhappy with the performances over a lengthy  extended period they were most dissatisfied with the style of play which was unattractive, inefficient and unsuited to many players. One supporter recorded 49 hoofs during a match of which only  4 retained possession. No attempt was made by either the manager or the club to reach an understanding, only a politician style approach that all would come good and simply continued to deliver lack lustre performances. Towards the end of the season Worthington caused great umbrage with remarks regarding supporters and a  supposed explanation made the situation worse. On the issue of Public Relations alone Worthington must leave the club. Norfolk people are insular and ill-considered remarks are not easily forgotten, family feuds do run long and deep. It is difficult to see how Worthington can build a rapport with the fans, especially as he appears to have no desire to do so. 

There has also been criticism of signings and it may be argued that opinions will always differ, however the objections of how the pool of players has been deployed is much more difficult to dismiss. In the last few weeks we have seen two ex Norwich players perform with merit in major matches. Performances coaxed from them by more skilful managers or perhaps simply allowed to play in positions with support to utilise their talents ?

Munby tells us that things will better next season, where have we heard that before ? . And we know from bitter experience that is just time buying lies because things never get better until somebody addresses the root cause of the problems. 

Next season we will still have the same old manager. Nothing has been said about reverting to our traditional style of play so we will still have the hoof ball. We will still have rotten selection of the team with players of uncomplimentary styles played in the wrong positions. Can so many  supporters be so totally wrong and one man be absolutely right. Many supporters have decades of knowing when they have watched a good enjoyable game, some long before Worthington was born, are they all unknowledgeable of when players' talents are wasted.

I cannot help wondering if he just puts all the names in a hat and it is pot luck who plays when and where. If the Board are incapable of changing anything from last year the least they can do is buy him a damn new hat.

email your name & address      peter@thorndyke.f2s.com