Tractor-Boys.com

Norwich City v Ipswich Town


Sunday 1st March 2015 – 14:05

Carrot Road

Live on Sky Sports





Opening Thought - Jamma

So it’s the big one, the one we’ve all been waiting for since August, a local derby pitting the region’s most successful club against their less illustrious neighbours. Yes, Sunday’s League Cup final is something to look forward to! Joking apart, the East Anglian Derby on the same day couldn’t be more finely poised. Just one point separates the fierce rivals in one of the tightest top 6 battles in recent years, with the prospect of a meeting between the two sides in the play-offs very much a possibility. As much as we are always told that form counts for nothing in these one-off matches, the fact that both teams come in to the game on the back of a good run of results only adds to the intrigue around a fixture that needs no building up. There may have been some understandable murmurs of discontent surrounding Town’s patchy results so far in 2015 but our form over the last four games is matched by only Norwich and Watford of our fellow promotion contenders, having claimed 9 points from 12. It has been a similar story for the Canaries, with the unheralded arrival of Alex Neil preceding an impressive sequence of five wins on the bounce. Whichever way you look at it, this is not just ‘one more game’.

The question has been raised on the forum this week as to whether a fourth consecutive defeat to our feathered friends would be compensated for if we were to win promotion at their expense come May. While being ‘doubled’ by the arch enemy again is unthinkable, we have to keep the bigger picture in mind. Before I am accused of contradicting myself about the derby not being just any old game, there are only 3 points at stake in terms of the league standings. Having said that, the psychological advantage of a win on Sunday, to extend our lead over Norwich back to 4 points, cannot be underestimated. As I mentioned earlier in the week, a fourth win in five would give us the confidence to go on and mount a serious challenge for automatic promotion. With Brentford, Middlesbrough, Watford and Bournemouth to come in the space of six fixtures after the derby, the coming month or so is set to have a crucial bearing on the outcome of our season.

The Opposition – Norwich City





Norwich City F.C. was formed on 17 June 1902.

Following a FA Commission, the club was ousted from the amateur game in 1905, as it was deemed to be a professional organisation. Later that year Norwich were elected to play in the Southern League and with increasing crowds, they were forced to leave Newmarket Road in 1908, moving to The Nest, a disused chalk pit. The club's original nickname was the Citizens, although this was superseded by 1907 by the more familiar 'Canaries' after the club's chairman (who was a keen breeder of canaries) dubbed his boys 'The Canaries' and changing their strip to yellow and green. During the First World War, with football suspended and facing spiralling debts, City went into voluntary liquidation on 10 December 1917.

The club was officially reformed on 15 February 1919. When, in May 1920, the Football League formed a third Division, Norwich joined the Third Division for the following season. The club went on to endure a mediocre decade, finishing no higher than eighth but no lower than 18th. The following decade proved more successful for the club with promotion as champions to the Second Division in the 1933–34 season. With crowds continuing to rise, and with the Football Association raising concerns over the suitability of The Nest, the club considered renovation of the ground, but ultimately decided on a move to Carrow Road. The club was relegated to the 3rd Division just before the outbreak of Second World War. The league was suspended the following season and did not resume until the 1946–47 season. City finished this and the following season in 21st place, the poor results forcing the club to apply for re-election to the league.

In the 1959–60 season, Norwich were promoted to the Second Division after finishing in second place. In 1962 Ron Ashman guided Norwich to their first trophy, in a two-legged final to win the League Cup.

Sixth place in the league was the closest the club came to promotion to the First Division during the 1960s, but after winning the division in the 1971–72 season under manager Ron Saunders, Norwich City reached the highest level of English football for the first time. Relegation to the Second Division in 1974 resulted in the resignation of Saunders and the appointment of John Bond. A highly successful first season saw promotion back to the First Division. Bond resigned during the 1980–81 season and the club were relegated, but bounced back the following season after finishing third.

The 1984–85 season was of mixed fortunes for the club; under Ken Brown's guidance, they reached the final of the Football League Cup at Wembley Stadium, having defeated Ipswich Town in the semi-final. In the final, they beat Sunderland , but in the league both Norwich and Sunderland were relegated to the second tier of English football. This made Norwich the first English club to win a major trophy and suffer relegation in the same season.

City bounced back to the top flight by winning the Second Division championship in the 1985–86 season. This was the start of what remains in 2012 a club-record nine consecutive seasons in the top division of English football until they were relegated to the First Division at the end of the 1994/95 season.

English television cook Delia Smith and husband Michael Wynn-Jones took over the majority of Norwich City's shares in 1996.

Nigel Worthington took over as Norwich City manager in December 2000 following an unsuccessful two years for the club under Bruce Rioch and then Bryan Hamilton.

The 2003–04 campaign saw the club win the First Division title, and returned to the top flight for the first time since 1995, but were relegated after one season.

Following this relegation, the club entered a 'dark' period with Worthington, Peter Grant, Glenn Roeder and Bryan Gunn all taking on the Managers role and achieving mediocre results, culminating in the relegation to League 1 at the end of the 2008/9 season.

Following their relegation, their first game of the season resulted in a shock 7–1 home defeat against East Anglian rivals Colchester United. This was the club's heaviest ever home defeat, succeeding a record that had stood since 1946 and Gunn was sacked six days later.

On 18 August 2009, Paul Lambert was announced as the new manager, leaving his post at Colchester, and nine months later led Norwich to promotion back to the Championship as League One Champions, after a single season in League One. The following season saw Norwich promoted to the Premier League, finishing second in the table, completing the first back-to-back promotions from the 3rd tier to the 1st.

A generally successful season saw the club finish in 12th place in their first season back in the Premier League. Manager Paul Lambert resigned within a month of the season's close to take up the vacant managerial spot at Aston Villa, and was replaced by Chris Hughton.

The 2012–13 season started poorly and a bad run of form that was followed by a club record unbeaten run in the Premier League. A 1–0 home defeat to Luton Town on 26 January 2013 resulted in Norwich becoming the first English top flight team to lose a FA Cup tie to a non-league side in 24 years.

Norwich secured their third year in the Premier League with consecutive victories in the last two games of the season, to finish 11th in the league, however they were relegated back to the Championship after finishing 18th in the 2013–14 season.





One To Watch – Cameron Jerome



The dubious honour of selecting a ‘one to watch’ from Norwich’s squad is a little like picking out a serial killer who I have particular admiration for. Luckily for me, those of you with at least a passing interest in the fortunes of our nearest and not-so-dearest will back me up in my choice of Cameron Jerome.

Jerome has had to take on the mantel of goalscoring duties after the departure of some big names in the wake of City’s relegation, and the spectacular flop of the biggest name of them all, Ricky van Wolfswinkel. He may be no Daryl Murphy but the former Cardiff, Birmingham and Stoke hitman has been a big part of Norwich’s upturn in form in the New Year. His 16 league goals have included powerful headers as well as more subtle finishes and have often proven the difference to keep the Canaries in contention. The experienced striker had enjoyed a season-long loan with Crystal Palace in 2013/14, helping them to their 11th place finish in the Premier League. It was therefore seen as something of a coup when Neil Adams was able to tempt him to Carrow Road, along with Bournemouth hotshot Lewis Grabban, ahead of this campaign. They have complemented each other well, with their combined 27 goals in the Championship forming a strong platform for their promotion challenge.



The Gaffer – Alex Neil





A central midfielder, Neil began his career at Airdrie in 1999 making 16 appearances before joining Barnsley in 2000.

Neil spent four years at Barnsley and featured 121 times before joining Mansfield Town in 2004, where he spent only one season although he played in 41 of that seasons matches.

In 2005 he signed for Hamilton Academical where he saw out his playing career making 211 appearances for the club.

Known for his aggressive playing style, he is a fan favourite for many of the Accies supporters. Neil won the Scottish First Division with Hamilton Academical in 2008.

After manager Billy Reid vacated his managerial position at Hamilton in April 2013, Neil was appointed player/manager on an interim basis. He was made manager on a permanent basis on 24 May 2013.

Neil led the club to promotion back to the top flight in his first full season, winning through the play-off system in May 2014.

Hamilton then enjoyed a good start to the 2014–15 Scottish Premiership, defeating Celtic away for the first time in 76 years.

In January 2015, Norwich City obtained permission from Hamilton to speak to Norwich about their managerial vacancy.

On 9 January 2015, Neil was confirmed as Norwich City manager making him the youngest manager in the English Football leagues.






Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev






Trev's Trivia

Players to play for both Ipswich and that lot:

Clive Baker Ipswich 1992-1994, that lot 1977-1984

Trevor Putney Ipswich 1980-1986, that lot 1986-1989

Andy Marshall Ipswich 2001-2004, that lot 1994-2001

Alan Lee Ipswich 2006-2008 2013-2014, that lot 2009 loan

Kevin Lisbie Ipswich 2008-2011, that lot 2005 loan

John Deehan Ipswich 1986-1988, that lot 1981-1986

Media Watch - K L Blue

Alex Neil has challenged his Norwich City players to seal the deal and cap a superb week for the club in the Championship promotion stakes by beating bitter rivals Ipswich.


The Canaries have triumphed on the road at both Watford and Blackburn over the past six days to set up an epic Carrow Road derby clash against Town on Sunday.

Norwich will climb above Ipswich if they complete another league double, and strike a major blow in the race for the Premier League.

“It’s a great game to be involved in. I am really looking forward to it,” said Neil. “More importantly than playing well is winning the game. I think if you play well and get beat then no one is happy so we have to make sure we are ready and do our very best.

“We said this would only be a good week if we picked up a fair amount of points and performed well otherwise it could have gone the other way and be disheartening for us. I am confident with these lads. Everyone can see how hard they are working.”

Neil insists City’s promotion rivals will be well aware the Canaries are now on a charge after seven wins in nine games since his arrival.

“I think the teams around us already know what Norwich is capable of,” he said. “I don’t think any of them will be under any illusion if we really hit a bit of form and top gear then we will take some stopping.

“We have given ourselves an opportunity to catch teams above us. We know the task we have got. We had no room for error when I first came in, but if we are neck and neck with six or so games left then it’s a mini league. The bottom line is now if we win more games than Watford and Brentford we stay above them. That wasn’t the case before.

“If we can get ourselves into a better situation again, where with eight or so games to come we are in that mini league and level pegging with the guys at the top end, we would fancy our chances."

Stat Time


Head to Head


Norwich Wins................31 (37.35%)
Ipswich Wins.................38 (45.78%)
Draws.........................14 (16.87%)

Norwich Goals...................96 (ave. 1.16/match)
Ipswich Goals...................129 (ave. 1.55/match)


Head to Head at Norwich

Norwich Wins....................17 (41.46%)
Ipswich Wins.....................15 (36.59%)
Draws..............................9 (21.95%)


Norwich Goals...................51 (ave. 1.24/match)
Ipswich Goals....................49 (ave. 1.20/match)







The Predicted Teams



Norwich


This is the side that beat Blackburn on Tuesday


01 Ruddy
02 Whittaker
05 Martin
30 Bassong
23 Olsson
41 Dorrans
04 Johnson
22 Redmond
08 Howson
14 Hoolahan
07 Grabban


Ipswich Town


Skuse injured?


33 Bialkowski
04 Chambers
05 Smith
06 Berra
03 Mings
27 Bishop
17 Bru
18 Tabb
02 Parr
20 Sears
09 Murphy



Marko’s Caption Contest



Excellent couple of weeks of captions. The Don scores a maximum 8 points for his efforts. Very funny stuff. But he shares a 4 pointer with Blueblood for the "cat" caption. Dons Lesbian caption was excellent....., but Bluebloods caption regarding not seeing a single job got a great laugh at the weekend down the pub at Easter Road.


Fulham week scores:

Don 4pts
James 3pts
Herforder 2pts


Reading week scores:

Don/Blueblood 4pts
James/JimmyT 3pts
Frosty 2pts

TABLE

1. Herforder ......... 32
2. Blueblood..........31
3. Quasar..............29
3. Frosty...............29
3. James...............29
3. The Don............29
4. Derick...............27
5. Bluemike ......... 21
6. Barmy Billy....... 17
7. Supershred....... 12
8. Ashfordblue ..... 9
9. Jamma .......... 6
9. Floors ......... .. 6
10. OhioTB...........5
10. Number 9.......5
10. LnP ...............5
10. Andy M ......... 5
11. Nicscreamer 4
11 ITNO1.......... 4
11. Charnwood....4
11. Mr Punch ......4
12. Jimmy T........3
12. Morph ...........3
13. Hallamblue.....2

Have a budgie bash at this fkn clown:





COME ON, YOU BLUES!!!!



Match Referee – Paul Tierney





Final Thought - Frosty


Cool, we beat the Brum for an entree, now for this weeks Main Course ……. mmm Canaries!

In fairness what needs to be said by me as closing comments for this fixture? To be honest it goes far beyond just trying to win 3 competition points, and it would be great to return the favour by beating them on their home ground just like they did to us earlier in the season.

We are going to have to be really on our game, as these guys are no mugs. Alex Neil will probably win ‘Manager of the Month’ if we are beaten on Sunday as he has 5 wins from 5 this month, including away wins at Blackburn, Watford & Charlton along with convincing wins against Wolves and Blackpool at home.

Forest did us a favour midweek by beating Bournemouth, however they have a great opportunity to bounce back at home to Blackburn on Saturday. Our other top 6 competitors on paper don’t have the most terrifying of fixtures this weekend, however they will need to be on their mettle as Derby travel to Craven Cottage, Leeds fans will no doubt offer a warm welcome to Watford, and finally Boro will have to play well to take 3 away points at Wednesday’s.

I have never been to an East Anglian derby, it’s on me ‘Bucket List’, however if its anything like a NZ/Australia clash across just about any code then it must be a fantastic atmosphere. The anticipation of the clash (as well as that back of your mind thought, I hoped we don’t get dicked) means you start thinking of the fixture well before any other fixture. The thought of travelling to enemy territory and nicking a win is always an exciting one.

If you are attending on Sunday, no doubt expect a scrappy tense game, but this is usually ‘covered up’ by the atmosphere thankfully. Take care, safe travels and holler loudly! COYB!


NORWICH CITY 0 IPSWICH TOWN 1

Looking like a great preview...... No time to read at the moment though. Just had to comment on the fat bstd Norwich fan. I mean, seriously? Who is responsible for letting that absolute fkn arsehole out for the day?

It looks like a Norfolk Tranny to me.

1 - 3 to town....Town coming from behind to the tune of "One nil and you fcuked it up..One nil and you fcuked it up!"....

Caption...."Cum on then!!! Less be avin u....we need a forth man out their!!" (hic)

loudnproud wrote:1 - 3 to town....Town coming from behind to the tune of "One nil and you fcuked it up..One nil and you fcuked it up!"....

Caption...."Cum on then!!! Less be avin u....we need a forth man out their!!" (hic)

I will go along with that Dave.

Caption:


"its an absolute credit to Marko's mum that he has turned out the way he has"

Caption: 'Delia pissed again. She thought the condoms were a bunch of bananas. Sucker!'

Ipswich 2 Norwich 2

i believe we can win this, it would be great to keep a clean sheet but that's unlikely so i'll go for a 1-2 victory

2-1 to Town I hope

CAPTION COMPETITON

The Norwich fan is about to suck off the inbred's 3 big green c*cks!!!

Going to have a go at the caption:

Anchor News reporter with that picture behind him;

"And finally..... The world of science has unveiled to the world it's experiment whereby they took some common, defective Norfolk DNA from a kings Lynn man and mixed that with the DNA kindly provided by John McCririck and Dame Edna Everidge. The result was simply outstanding. One of the first men to see the abomination was a kiwi going by the name of Frosty who claimed it looked like some Scottish guys mother. The abomination told the kiwi, "2/1 on, bar none that you are correct you pussums!", before heading off into a field of sheep wearing Wellington boots.

Voted on points shared as couldn't quite bring myself to award those whores the victory. At least that way it keeps them behind us and we're still very much involved in the play-off picture.

I don't care if it's at their venue, I don't care if they've done well since the new manager came in, it's a derby game and whatever form there is becomes immaterial when two neighborhood teams get it on. In games of this nature, all things are possible.

Home 1 Ipswich Town 1

marko69 wrote:Going to have a go at the caption:

Anchor News reporter with that picture behind him;

"And finally..... The world of science has unveiled to the world it's experiment whereby they took some common, defective Norfolk DNA from a kings Lynn man and mixed that with the DNA kindly provided by John McCririck and Dame Edna Everidge. The result was simply outstanding. One of the first men to see the abomination was a kiwi going by the name of Frosty who claimed it looked like some Scottish guys mother. The abomination told the kiwi, "2/1 on, bar none that you are correct you pussums!", before heading off into a field of sheep wearing Wellington boots.

OI!! is that a knock back you Jambo!!

Caption Comp: Michael Wynn Jones will do anything Delia tells him to do, even playing the new mascot for next season.
It's photo,s like this that make you glad you support Blue and White.

f*ck em. Stuff em Chambo, Et al!

hallamblue wrote:f*ck em. Stuff em Chambo, Et al!

My sentiments exactly! Biggest game I have seen!

2-1 Town

i have bt vision with sky sports 1 & 2

what idiot at sky decided to put this game on sky sports 3 ?!

i only just found out and i'm not happy

You got fifteen votes and not one in favor of a home team win. Maybe others were of equal thinking when making a forecast : 'I feel they may win it, but can't quite bring myself to say it'.

Read some news on the opposition side by way of the Pink Un 'site and their manager is getting them pumped up for this upcoming game. 'Keep the recent run going' etc. (If it wasn't for this recent appointment they would still most likely be in mid-table)

There was also a long (and nauseating) article about where City will finish by end of season, which in the end decided that Norwich will miss out on an auto place and have to settle for the play-off games. They didn't include preferred opposition or ones to avoid.

Perhaps best of all was a side bit that advertised a book / DVD titled 'Norwich City, History as it Happened'. I go to take a look and lo and behold I get a message stating 'page not found' (!)

Well here it is, the so called big one, the game is always bigged up by everyone and by and large it turns out to be a damp squib. As it stands they go into the game as favourites what with their current form and home advantage but derby games are great levellers.

We are pretty good away from home and the fact we have avoided defeat at Derby, Forest, Brentford & Bournemouth suggests we are well capable of coming home with something. All the talk is of their five game winning run but we have wqon Three of the last four too. What does concern me is that our defending has to improve, the keeper needs to get back to that assured figure who burst into the team while Smith in particular has to cut out the stupid errors or Jerome, Hooper and or Grabban will have a field day. Much will depend on our line up etc but it looks like we will be without Skuse which will be a big loss, on other forums Tabb is given a hard time but he would be the one to step in and prtect the back four, I would not play bishop in this game, last Three or Four he has looked a little bit lost in truth and Bradley Johnson and co would probably eat him alive. Murphy & Sears are no brainers to start up front.

As it stands I would snap your hands off for a point right now as it is away to a fellow promotion contender but this is Norwich we are playing not Bayern Munich and we should fear nobody, we can win this if we get it right on the day and they can't go on forever winning, it will end soon. I hope the 2000 of us that will be there are the ones who open their mouths and sing, it will make such a difference to the boys if we are on our game too so lets all get behind from the first whistle to the last and you just never know. Make some noise for the Tractor Boys !!!!

1-1 draw for me.

bluemike wrote:Well here it is, the so called big one, the game is always bigged up by everyone and by and large it turns out to be a damp squib. As it stands they go into the game as favourites what with their current form and home advantage but derby games are great levellers.

We are pretty good away from home and the fact we have avoided defeat at Derby, Forest, Brentford & Bournemouth suggests we are well capable of coming home with something. All the talk is of their five game winning run but we have wqon Three of the last four too. What does concern me is that our defending has to improve, the keeper needs to get back to that assured figure who burst into the team while Smith in particular has to cut out the stupid errors or Jerome, Hooper and or Grabban will have a field day. Much will depend on our line up etc but it looks like we will be without Skuse which will be a big loss, on other forums Tabb is given a hard time but he would be the one to step in and prtect the back four, I would not play bishop in this game, last Three or Four he has looked a little bit lost in truth and Bradley Johnson and co would probably eat him alive. Murphy & Sears are no brainers to start up front.

As it stands I would snap your hands off for a point right now as it is away to a fellow promotion contender but this is Norwich we are playing not Bayern Munich and we should fear nobody, we can win this if we get it right on the day and they can't go on forever winning, it will end soon. I hope the 2000 of us that will be there are the ones who open their mouths and sing, it will make such a difference to the boys if we are on our game too so lets all get behind from the first whistle to the last and you just never know. Make some noise for the Tractor Boys !!!!

1-1 draw for me.

Mike
That is the worry though as they have beaten Bayern Munich in their illustrious history!
At least we should be thankful Jeremy is not playing.

A Bayern Munich team very much in a transitional period at the time scum played them and nowhere near tge force they used to be. But of course norwich fc or their mefia convienetly overlooked that point.

hallamblue wrote:A Bayern Munich team very much in a transitional period at the time scum played them and nowhere near tge force they used to be. But of course norwich fc or their mefia convienetly overlooked that point.

Yes but at least they did participate.

Nice preview.

Definitely a little bit concerned about this fixture. I know first hand how hard Alex Neil's teams can play....., they are always up for the challenge and in hard. The belief he can instil in players is quite incredible for a man of his age......, turning it around at Ewood Park the other night was testimony to that.
And then reading the past three ITFC match reports speaking largely of a shaky defence? Just a little concerned.
Get the team fired up, Mick......, no more "car crash football" (whatever the f*ck that is)......, yes, they won 4-2 @ Brum, but you've made it sound like a fluke.
Nothing flukey about Sears' finishing abilities though, so more of that for Sunday. COYB.

Ref:

"4th official....., can you get the Mrs on the phone and ask her if she has told anyone that she caught me masturbating to the babe station last night?"
4th official says something down the earpiece.
Ref:
"Well why else would they be singing "the referee's a wanker?"

4-3-3 with Murphy Sears & Wood anyone?

Caption - She Kissed Delias Arse so hard - her lips went blue.


Town to smash them webbed wallies - 4-0

With the arrival of Varney and Chip, and the not too bad Chappers, I think we might do quite well now, I just hope Mick now goes for 4 3 3 with a back 4 of Parr Chambers Berra Mings and for the midfield, I'd be tempted for Scuse, Varney or Chaplow & Bru. Murphy Sears and Wood up front, a real attacking formation, On the Bench, Connolly, Stewart, A Keeper? Smith Tabb I just hope we don't do a 4 4 2 and start lumping the ball up top, since Daryl had that bonk on the nose, he aint none to eager to head the bloody thing now.

So I will go for a 3 - 3 draw as I think there will be goals, but I'm hoping we can sneak a late winner, COYB

Caption: The 2014 Norwich Carnival Beauty Queen winner, is Delia's choice for the match day Medicine man ritual

Great news that Skuse is fit, I feel a little more confident now as he protects the back four so well and boy do they need it at times.

Varney in Midfield Ash ? Do you want to get beat ? He is a striker and a poor one at that.

Local media operating on max Warp drive, ex late but great Town players chipping in with motivational words of wisdom and all fans' hearts already beating faster - but, just another 3 points! Like, oh fu**ing yea!

Just hope all the hype doesn't get to the boys and mess with their heeds - which need to be spot on going into battle. Sure MM and TC will get them right.

Team selection will be interesting - with various options given above. Midfield battles absolutely critical to securing a positive result; win would be brilliant, but a point will also be very acceptable!

Going for 1-1.

Caption: 'This'll fool those nosy bastar*s' - Marcus Evans, notoriously camera shy millionaire.

bluemike wrote:Great news that Skuse is fit, I feel a little more confident now as he protects the back four so well and boy do they need it at times.

Varney in Midfield Ash ? Do you want to get beat ? He is a striker and a poor one at that.

He can mop up behind the other front three, he wont be the first ex striker to sit behind the front three, shame Bishop's injured

Charnwood wrote:It looks like a Norfolk Tranny to me.

That aint no tranny, thats the norwich carnival queen!!

CAPTION COMEPTITION

Instead of sucking off the green c*cks, Delia's sister decided "once a blue always a blue" so sucked off Bluey's c*ck!!! (hence the blue around her mouth)