John Tilson, NCISA As this year comes to an end looking back on 2008, as far as Norwich City is concerned, is not for the faint hearted. You might be tempted to say that in 2009 things can only get better.

John Tilson, NCISA

As this year comes to an end looking back on 2008, as far as Norwich City is concerned, is not for the faint hearted. You might be tempted to say that in 2009 things can only get better. That would be a bold and brave statement to make as, in all honesty, every week seems to bring with it more depressing news.

2008 saw the departure of who I believe were the last two great personalities and characters in the playing squad. We were told that new heroes would be arriving. Well if anybody has pulled on a shirt who is in the same class as Huckerby and Dublin I must have blinked and missed them.

The two newest directors on the board who assured us that they were here for the long haul and were perceived by many as the heirs apparent to Delia and Michael's throne up and departed literally overnight. Andy Cullen, the brightest star behind the scenes at Carrow Road, who was liked by all supporters and every member of staff left to take up a post at MK Dons. Yes, the mighty MK Dons who, if we are not very careful, we will pass like ships in the night next summer.

Only this week Lee Clark has jumped ship to Huddersfield. It was obvious at the last NCISA forum that Lee, who was the guest speaker, was an ambitious and focused man who knew where he wanted to go. NCISA wishes him well and hopes he has great success but I for one did not see Huddersfield being such a temptation when there surely was one hell of a challenge still to be overcome here at Norwich City.

2008 also saw Cullumgate and to prolong that debate would just add insult to injury to us fans. Will he turn out to be the hero and saviour or just an irritant, only time will tell. My feeling is that we have not heard the last of Peter Cullum.

Unfortunately this year has seen Roeder make more enemies than friends amongst the fanbase with his outburst at the AGM, the handling of Huckerby's departure, the complete turnaround inside a week over Lee Clark and the media reporting of it. The media had it right after all despite the manager's protests that they were irresponsible, unhelpful, unfounded, etc.

How could I finish without mentioning Neil Doncaster. Here is a plea from the heart Neil. Please, please, please could you not try and justify the financial pickle we are in by drawing comparison with fellow Championship clubs. Yet again this week Southampton came under the spotlight. In recent EDP articles we have had the 'everything in the garden is rosy' attitude compared with the likes of Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City.

Frankly, Mr Doncaster, all I am interested in is what you and the other directors have in mind for 2009 for our club.

Finally, since the NCISA AGM in September, we have co-opted two new members into our committee, Jane Markland and Terry Springall.