Darren Huckerby has urged Norwich City supporters not to pile too much pressure on Johannes Hoff Thorup or his squad after an uplift in performances, results and points in the Championship.
The Canaries have started to impress with a distinct style of play and have found form under the Dane, winning four of their last five matches.
That form has injected real excitement into the fanbase, but Huckerby, who knows the unpredictable nature of the Championship having played over 200 times in the second tier during his career, is urging caution.
"We've hit a good bit of form. The manager and Ben Knapper have done really well. It wasn't plain sailing - we've had a few things thrown at us with the Jon Rowe thing, Gabriel Sara going and Abu Kamara.
"It's not been easy, and the manager could have used that as an excuse, but he never did. We signed some good players who have been bedded in now, and I think the fans can see that we're heading in the right direction.
"It's only early, though. Let's not get carried away after winning four games," he said. "The fans can see that we're trying to do the right things, we're aggressive with and without the ball, whatever is happening, we try to win the game if we can, and it's been really positive.
"It's a long season, and we have to be careful not to get carried away. I know it, and the players know it - four or five wins doesn't get you anything in this league."
After a positive few weeks that saw City extract 10 points from a possible 15 since the last international break in September, the next block of fixtures building up to Christmas are laden with more challenges.
With some injuries to key performers, three-game weeks becoming more regular and teams beginning to counteract their methods, Huckerby feels this run of matches will be a real test of their mettle under Thorup.
"Everyone has seen us and they will know what our threats are. Sainz has been unbelievable so far this season but if you're the opposition team then you're thinking 'let's put a stop to that.' That's how football is.
"It's up to us to find ways to win games, to keep improving and we can do that. We have got the players to do it," the City legend said.
"We're going in the right direction but we have to be a bit careful that we don't put too much pressure on the manager or the players. We're still adapting, and you're one injury away from it going where you don't want it to go.
"Hopefully, we get over this international break, and the players who are slightly injured are fit for the next games because Angus and Nunez would be a big loss if they aren't fit.
"We've had an excellent start to the season, but we've got to keep it going and not get too carried away."
- Huckerby was speaking as part of Blakely's World Mental Health Day Fun Run to promote mental well-being and in support of The Samaritans. The Norfolk clothing brand were confirmed as the Canaries front of shirt sponsor in the summer
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel