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We should have known after the lacklustre second-half display at Brentford that we would see a reaction from Mick and his team. Having struggled to sustain our momentum for the 90 minutes on Saturday, Town were the better side throughout at Molineux, with improved performances across the park. There was some consternation when the team was announced, as Jonathan Douglas took the place of Kevin Bru, with Teddy Bishop coming in for the injured Conor Grant. But, rather than purely signalling a move to stifle Wolves’ threat by matching them up in the middle, this added an extra dimension to our own midfield. Cole Skuse was as effective as ever in protecting the back four, who enjoyed a relatively comfortable evening. This in turn gave Douglas the licence to push forward, helping Bishop provide a link between midfield and attack which had been sorely missing after the break at Griffin Park. It was no coincidence that Daryl Murphy enjoyed better service, and was unfortunate to have what seemed a perfectly legitimate goal chalked off. With the rampaging Grant Ward and Freddie Sears joining the attack at every opportunity, the Blues caused problems for Wolves’ reargard as they searched for the breakthrough. In what was a strong team performance, Bartosz Bialkowski again came to the fore, first producing a fingertip save to keep out Jon Dadi Bodvarsson’s penalty, awarded against the run of play. Then, in the second half, he came up with just as crucial an intervention, as he deflected Helder Costa’s fierce volley away.
Bart’s latest set of acrobatics could be critical as much for Town’s fortunes as for his hopes of making the Polish Olympic gymnastics team. Joking apart, I think we are all agreed that it was essential for us to steady the ship in the wake of the Brentford game. To do so with our first clean sheet of the campaign, against a Wolves side with their tails up, should give us confidence ahead of the return of the East Anglian derby. As long as we maintain our level for both halves, as we did at Molineux, there is no reason why we shouldn’t relish the challenge of such a big fixture. Interestingly enough, we faced the Canaries at a near identical juncture of the season two years ago to the weekend. The Blues had impressed with an opening day win over pre-season promotion favourites Fulham, before expectations were checked by a one-goal League Cup exit to Crawley and an uninspiring first away league defeat at Reading. Rather like this time around, though, we went into the derby on the back of a morale-boosting point in the West Midlands, fighting back to clinch a 2-2 draw against Birmingham with a last-gasp Christophe Berra goal. On that occasion, we were never really able to get a foothold in the game, and Norwich eased to a 1-0 victory, albeit courtesy of a fortuitous (and offside) winner from Lewis Grabban.
As always seems to be the case heading into these clashes, our bitter rivals are nicely poised in the table, keen to supplement the bragging rights with a commanding league position that 3 points would cement. But with that chance comes added pressure, even at this early stage of the season. Local derbies are impossible to predict at the best of times, as respective form and league standings count for nothing. From a purely neutral perspective (I would imagine!), this must be an even more difficult one to call. Ipswich will have home advantage, something on which we appeared to thrive in the play-offs, whereas Norwich will be able to call upon their recent Premier League pedigree, together with the immense resources that brings. Yes, our feathered friends could potentially go top with a win, but – throwing off my ‘neutral’ hat – who says we can’t claim that long-awaited derby success and knock them off their perch with a 2-goal victory?
The Opposition – Norwich City
Norwich City F.C. was formed on 17 June 1902.
Following an 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 changed 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, winning the League Cup in a two-legged final.
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.
1984–85 was a season 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 remained in 2012 a club record nine consecutive seasons in the top division of English football, before 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 return to the top flight for the first time since 1995, but they 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 manager’s 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 he led Norwich to promotion back to the Championship as League One champions, after a single season at that level. The following season saw Norwich promoted to the Premier League, as they finished 2nd 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 featured 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 an 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.
After a mediocre first half of the 2014–15 season, Neil Adams resigned, which paved the way for the appointment of then Hamilton Academical manager Alex Neil in January 2015. The appointment reinvigorated Norwich's season and, after they narrowly missed out on automatic promotion back to the Premier League, victory in the 2015 Championship play-off final secured an immediate return to the top division of English football.
This was only temporary relief, however, as at the end of last season they were relegated back to the Championship again.
Quasar 8
DerickIpsw 7
Patthegimp 5
Herforder 4
Bluemike 3
Frosty 3
Nicscreamer 2
Watership Down 2
Blueblood 2
Ando 2
Itfc76Trev 1
Gold&Black 1
Shed on Tour 1
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IpswichtownNo1 1
Week 3 pic
Match Referee – David Coote
Final Thought - Bluemike
Tuesday night’s trip to Wolverhampton was important for two reasons. Firstly it was crucial we laid the ghost of Brentford to rest. We had to bounce back straightaway and put in a performance. Thankfully we did that with the kind of shift we have come to expect from a Mick McCarthy team. It may have only been a draw but on the night we deserved more. The players gave it their all and the intensity of their efforts never wavered throughout the ninety minutes, which was so pleasing to see.
The second reason for the trip being so important was the small matter of an East Anglian derby on Sunday. We just had to go into this game in a positive frame of mind. Three defeats on the bounce would have been a disaster and probably would have seen us lacking any confidence for what is without doubt "The big one". If fans can't get up for this one I would suggest they have fallen out of love with football. Sunday will be a nerve-jangling affair. Form tends to go out of the window as the whole occasion is frenetic and means so much to both teams. Bragging rights are at stake and for the victors the next few months are most enjoyable.
Norwich will be tough, we know that, but play as we know we can and it can be won. They aren't unbeatable by any means. We have to start well and get the fans behind the team. Let’s take the game to them and show them we are up for a fight. I believe they got the rub of the green in the play-off games and, but for the big decision of the sending off, we had them on the ropes up until that point. That is all water under the bridge now and we have our chance to exact revenge on them. I just want the boys in Blue to play with pride and give their all, leave nothing out on the pitch, give sweat and blood for the cause. We can ask no more. Us fans have a vital part to play. We must make it hostile and loud. It makes one hell of a difference at home, so for those attending let's sing our hearts out for ninety minutes and make the players proud. It could just make the difference. I would love to predict a Town win but will for once sit on the fence – score draw for me. COYB'S !!!!!!
As Berra has publically stated. All the pressure is on them - not us! So I hope our boys can go out and enjoy themselves, play their normal gave and get in the f.....kin faces.
Good to have the excitement of the derby back but i feel norwich will breeze it at PR this sunday. Dont get me wrong, i can see itfc putting in 100% but feel norwich are just too strong. Ipswich 1- 4 norwich.
Caption comp
The nice scarf given as a gift to Delia by Marcus turns out to be a boa constrictor in disguise.
Excellent preview by all. Actually had time to read it all. Well done, chaps.
Bit worrying Berra saying "passing ball across the back, fans shout ooooo boooo..."
When Paul Hanlon & Co are passing across the back at Easter Road, there is never any booing. Berra is hearing booing from the terraces when the ball is in defence before being negotiated forward? Absolutely shocking. I think some fans may need to have a word with themselves. Fking Erseholes.
And has there been an explanation for the Murphy goal being disallowed?
Said two draws over next two games, (Wolves, Norwich) would be decent and I'm going to stick with that. I genuinely think Norwich are a much better side but the intensity of derby matches can bring out something extra from the so called weaker opposition. (ie; Scottish cup holders, Hibs v Jambos at Shitecastle last season, 4th Round, 2-2 draw from 2-0 down) It'd be absolutely stunning if ITFC could pull off the win, but draw for me.
0-0.
Ref Caption:
"Alex, take yourself and your mole up there to the stand please."
marko69 wrote:
Bit worrying Berra saying "passing ball across the back, fans shout ooooo boooo..."
When Paul Hanlon & Co are passing across the back at Easter Road, there is never any booing. Berra is hearing booing from the terraces when the ball is in defence before being negotiated forward? Absolutely shocking. I think some fans may need to have a word with themselves. Fking Erseholes.
And has there been an explanation for the Murphy goal being disallowed?
I'm afraid Berra is right. There's several who sit near me who moan if the ball is passed backwards or sideways...but also moan if we hoof it aimlessly. To me, football is about possession; nothing wrong with sideways or backwards passes, although I do feel we emulate the mighty England in never playing it forwards at speed. Being unpredictable is important; sometimes build slowly, keeping possession, but when you can break quickly.
Having seen the disallowed goal, I am probably in a minority of 1 thinking it was the right decision. Sears was stood in an offside position right in front of their keeper. That has got to be "active".
Regarding Sunday, I fear the worst while hoping for the best. I still worry about our defence and our seeming inability to create clear cut chances. If we lose by the odd goal we'll have done well.
Jamma 123, why the f*ck go to all that trouble to provide a historical account of Norwich City when all that was necessary :
1903 - Club came into existence
1985 - Won League Cup
1993 - Beat Bayern Munich in a European game
Each to their own but on the game itself voted in favor of the home team victory. Unable to recall the last time we saw a win over these pricks, but got an instinct somewhere (that) we can provide a significant success to the fans. A point won't be the worse case scenario, and something to build on after the Wolverhampton game, but a win here would provide some serious incentive to the players and fans alike if we can do it.
Ipswich to win against the scum ???? no way I can see a sound thumping like last year, so I would say around a 4.0 loss, as it stands, we cant score for love nor money,
AndyM, I have a cousin who lives in Coventry, big football fan, Coventry City season ticket holder......, he just sent me a link along with this text:
"Can't understand why Mick is so upset, Sears is bloody offside when the corner kick is taken. Yes he's not interfering but at least eliminate the doubt and get onside ffs."
I've since scrutinised it, and yes, the wolves player runs back on to the near post well after the kick is taken. Freddie isn't interfering with play, he's just plain offside. Obviously an old fashioned linesman where offside is offside. And for the record, personally, that's what I want the game to return to.
He isn't offside at all, under the new rules Freddie would have had to have been moving forward with the intension of playing the ball, it matters not when the ball was played in, perfectly good goal.
I can't wait for this one, I hate the scummers with a passion, part of me is filled with excitement and part with trepidation. Let's face it they should bloody win with the cards heavily stacked in their favour what with mega millions for failing etc. I can ask no more than the boys to put in a performance filled with passion and total effort and commitment.
Derby games are a great leveller and we have a chance for sure. I await the team news with interest, I would love for Conor Grant & Brett Pitman to be available, they give us far more options. Our defence will need to be rock solid because despite Norwich being short of quality strikers they have Midfielders than can harm us, Howson, Hoolahan, Naismith all possess a threat. I hope we stick to the 4-3-3 to counteract their 4-2-3-1 formation.
Caption... "Delia is shocked as someone explains to her what a Big man playing in the hole really means"
Like I said, old fashioned linesman,....., understand the new rules......, but with the old fashioned thinking linesman, he IS offside. I'm agreeing with you...., the officials were a disgrace. But I also agree with Pete, line up level at least, to eliminate the officials.
LOL, bingo! That's the point! Hibs had a goal chopped off v Dunfermline last weekend because Cummings strayed offside when a freekick was taken....., Cummings was no where close! All this interfering with play bullshit. Just scrap it and go back to proper offside. If a player is offside, he's offside..... Confusion over. And it'd also bring an end to the tedious conversations between pricks like Shearer and Ferdinand about it.
Just under 48 hours to go! Every man and his dog expressing opinions, local media in hyper drive and sense of anticipation getting more intense by the minute. Great to have this encounter back again!
We know what we're facing, we know how well every player will have to perform to get something from the game. But let's not be beaten before a ball is kicked; take confidence from Tuesday night's performance, and get the backbone well and truly braced: believe, believe, believe!
Going for a 1-1 draw.
Caption 1: Delia gobsmacked to learn that the little gnome with the big ears was actually the manager, and not the new Club mascot!
Caption 2: Thank fu*k for Tenna Lady!
Last edited by herforder on Sat Aug 20, 2016 8:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Great preview thanks to all those involved. I cant see anything but a scum Victory unfourtunately ,and its about time we addressed our recent poor run of results against the shyte i just cant see it happening.
We dont seem to score many,and i know this season has´nt started too badly but we just are not as good as recent seasons in the goals department. Coupled with the fact a clean sheet is also a rareity...i know the wolves result but we are´nt as solid as we have been. For YEARS ive bitched on about our defence which is strange because we have the nuclious of a good defensive back five or six if you include Skuse.
Lets just see what sunday brings. My fear 1-3 but im hoping 2-0.
Striker Brett Pitman is back in training and should be available for Sunday’s East Anglian derby at home to Norwich City. The 28-year-old has missed the last three matches due to a thigh problem.
“Pits has trained today, it’s his first day back, but he’s training tomorrow and should be available for selection on Sunday,” manager Mick McCarthy said.
However, midfielder Conor Grant remains sidelined with a groin injury he suffered in training earlier in the week.
“Conor’s not, Conor will be back for Preston at best,” McCarthy added. “Other than that everybody’s fine, we cam back from Wolves with a clean bill of health after a good performance with no injuries, thankfully.
Town are also without striker David McGoldrick (ankle), Luke Hyam (knee) and Giles Coke, who is continuing his recovery having undergone knee surgery at the end of last season.
The Blues boss says he’s still looking for additions to his squad ahead of the closure of the transfer window at the end of the month: “We’re still looking, not able to tell you about them.”
Earlier in the summer McCarthy made Polish defender Piotr Malarczyk, winger Cameron Stewart and Coke available but says no one has yet been in contact: “There’s no interest in any of them, no.”
Similarly, no one has made a move to take any of Town’s youngsters on loan: “We’ve had no interest there but, to be honest, the better younger players have all been in the squad and around and on the bench so it’s pretty difficult to let them go anywhere.”
Meanwhile at Norwich, winger Jacob Murphy has returned to training after a hamstring problem and could be involved on Sunday, but keeper John Ruddy (groin), full-back Martin Olsson (hamstring) and midfielder Alex Pritchard (muscle injury) are all expected to miss out.
Midfielder Graham Dorrans is also a big doubt having suffered a setback as he recovers from a groin injury, while winger Matt Jarvis, who played for McCarthy at Wolves, underwent surgery on a knee injury in the summer.
Can understand a football league side shunning the available players, (Piotr didn't exactly set the world afire at Southend) but can't believe a non league side hasn't come in for Malarcyzk or Stewart. What I've witnessed of Giles Coke, he'd be on the bench at the local High Schools games.
I think people (here and TWTD) are giving narwich a bit too much credit. Remember they were relegated last year, they have injuries and haven't played that well against Sheffield Wed or Bristol. Add to that a manager who is a bit naive and yet to win over the majority of the budgies.
One thing Town do have is spirit and that counts for a lot in derby games, especially at home with what I hope will be an awesome atmosphere.
Will we see a Chambers fist pump? I hope so.
Ipswich Town v Norwich
Joking apart, I think we are all agreed that it was essential for us to steady the ship in the wake of the Brentford game. To do so with our first clean sheet of the campaign, against a Wolves side with their tails up, should give us confidence ahead of the return of the East Anglian derby. As long as we maintain our level for both halves, as we did at Molineux, there is no reason why we shouldn’t relish the challenge of such a big fixture. Interestingly enough, we faced the Canaries at a near identical juncture of the season two years ago to the weekend. The Blues had impressed with an opening day win over pre-season promotion favourites Fulham, before expectations were checked by a one-goal League Cup exit to Crawley and an uninspiring first away league defeat at Reading. Rather like this time around, though, we went into the derby on the back of a morale-boosting point in the West Midlands, fighting back to clinch a 2-2 draw against Birmingham with a last-gasp Christophe Berra goal. On that occasion, we were never really able to get a foothold in the game, and Norwich eased to a 1-0 victory, albeit courtesy of a fortuitous (and offside) winner from Lewis Grabban.
3-0 to the birds.
