Norwich City are proving to be bang average this season

When I last penned my thoughts on the Canaries, David Wagner's team were fifth in the embryonic league table with three wins and a draw plus the defeat at Rotherham.

The side were the league's top scorers and had the best goal difference.

In that piece I wrote about how the up coming three weeks were going to be crucial in shaping the season - and indeed the club's future.

The period included the matches against Stoke, Leicester, Plymouth, Birmingham, Swansea and Coventry plus the cup trip to Fulham.

There was also the little matter of the shareholders' meeting where a key hurdle was cleared in the Attanasio's playing a much more significant part in the future of the club.

So how do we some up that pivotal time of the campaign?

The home wins over Stoke and Birmingham were much-needed with more than a few positives.

The defeat to Leicester was predictable. I maintain my view that they will win the league by about 10 points this season.

I went to Craven Cottage. Borja Sainz's first goal alongside excellent performances from Jaden Warner and Kellen Fisher gave us reasons to be cheerful as we went out and avoided a fourth round trip to Portman Road.

In case you haven't realised, I'm working my way down the scale of negativity......

Coventry wasn't great but at least we left with a point. And let's remember they were a spot kick away from promotion last year.

The defeat at Swansea was miserable. The capitulation at Plymouth was catastrophic.

City actually start the latest international break two places below where they were before the last one.

That, however, masks the reality around the disappointing period it has been. 

The gap between the Canaries and Leicester and a team currently in second place has grown significantly.

Optimists will point out that City remain just a point out of the play-offs. On the flip side, we're just three points ahead of 16th.

I started the season considerably more positive than many fans I spoke to.

The over-reaction in some quarters to the recent malaise - especially from those who caused trouble in the away end at Coventry - has been extreme.

There's not a crisis at Carrow Road. 

However, I've come to a conclusion about where we're at. Norwich City are sadly bang average.

Jonathan Rowe has been superb this season. Gabby Sara is a terrific  footballer. We're clearly missing Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes.

But none of that deflects from my overall analysis of average-ness.

Teams seem to have found ways to play against Wagner's men. There appears to be a lack of a plan B or C. There are big questions around how we can perform away from home.

The concerns about the depth of the squad are proving to be genuine.

Will new sporting director Ben Knapper be able to work his magic to wake up the sleepiness and build up some momentum?

Once the domestic action resumes, we just can't afford to drift back into the rudderless performances of last season.

Game management has to improve. The tempo and intent we have seen during the good times so far this campaign must become the norm.

There are some big games ahead. Daniel Farke brings his Leeds side to NR1 next week. Then fast-improving Middlesbrough head to Carra, followed by the long trip to fourth-placed Sunderland.

Another crucial phase of the campaign looms. I sincerely hope my conclusion is proved wrong.

OTBC.

Fans forgotten - yet again

The real heroes in yellow and green in the past week were the 340 hardy souls who made their way to Swansea.

If ever you need proof that common sense is woefully lacking in modern football, then consider who allowed that game on a Wednesday night.

So many restrictions are put into the computer before fixtures are worked out.

For instance, Norwich and Ipswich never play at home at the same time (I understand that is on the request of the police, so that must have been factored in).

So why can't there be a limit of, say, 150 miles for an evening game?

To make supporters endure a 600-mile round trip is scandalous.

The club coaches left NR1 at 11.30am and got back at about 3am.

Such madness has to stop.

One other observation is that the cost of a ticket and bus travel was £92 - and there was a £1 discount for members/season ticket holders.

Surely the club should be honouring the incredible loyalty of these fans and giving more subsidy?

Go, go Westy!

One thing is for certain at the Leeds game next week - Westy will get a hero's reception at Carra.

Unless you've been hiding on a faraway planet for the last month, you'll know the story of how Nathan West was trolled on social media after a video interview on our Pink Un channel.

There was a phenomenal reaction from the football community and Westy raised more than £60,000 in sponsorship for Macmillan Cancer Support after successfully completed his half marathon challenge.

Westy has been picked to be the community hero which will see him present the match ball before the match and allow him to be saluted by the City faithful.

Before that, he's going to attend the England v Italy game at Wembley as a guest of the Football Association.

I'm delighted for Westy and I wish him a fantastic week ahead.