Norwich City: Reflections on Stuart Webber's post-season interviews

The Gunn Club was empty beyond two decorated round tables that had been set up in the left corner. 

A white table cloth was placed over them with jugs of water and glasses also laid out. 

Webber entered the room shortly after our team - there was no small talk or niceties, and a quietness filled the air prior to record being pressed on the camera and audio devices. 

This was the first time that City's sporting director had conducted interviews with local media since October 2021 - plenty of water has flown under the bridge since that particular touchpoint occurred.

At that stage, it was Daniel Farke's future that was firmly under the microscope and Webber was debunking myths that were being spread in national media forums surrounding City's spending and approach to Premier League football. 

This time around it was him in the spotlight after City's disappointing Championship campaign, answering questions amid fan fury, disappointment and confusion over the direction of the club. 

Webber had conducted two interviews prior to the one with this organisation - both had been equally as probing and long-ranging. 

In total, Webber took questions from football editor Paddy Davitt for 50 minutes. The topics are now there to be consumed and individual judgements reached. 

No subject was off the table. No time limit set. Webber took his time to provide detailed responses to all of the questions that were put in his direction. It was, as ever, blockbuster and not lacking in opinion and fight. 

Given the focus that been put on this round of media by supporters desperate to hear answers as to why the season derailed in the manner it did coupled with an eye on the future, everything that Webber did from terminology developed, body language to energy was always going to be scrutinised to the nth degree. 

In that regard, he was never going to emerge as a victor from the verbal tussles - but ensuring he didn't lose was also critical. 

There was a tension as he kicked off - a banging noise that threatened to interrupt one answer offered a moment of light relief.

Webber did seem to warm up as the interview developed - the initial frostiness was replaced by energy when outlining the new approach to data influenced by the Milwaukee Brewers and their development of the South American arm of their scouting network. 

There were valid points raised, ones that raised further questions and some that many will disagree with - but after a clamour for an increase in accountability, the fact it happened at all should be appreciated and represented a step forward. 

By the end of the conversation, handshakes were shared and smiles were visible. Webber seemed content with how it had gone as he headed off to conduct his final interview with TV. 

The exchange with Stuart Webber did provide lighter moments. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Ultimately, it is not the words in an interview that will define where next season goes - but the outlining of strategy and importance of accountability will hopefully change the narrative and create a buy-in. 

Now the focus will turn to actions within player recruitment, playing style and performances next season after what is expected to be a gruelling pre-season campaign with David Wagner determined to make Norwich the fittest side in the division next term. 

There were concessions about the change in style and the desire for Norwich to have a nasty streak on the pitch next season. Signing Ashley Barnes is the first step in that process with more experience likely to follow in due course. 

As he sunk back into his chair in his office at Colney, he will have been content with the job he did. In his view, he will have responded to his critics and not allowed other fires to rage. 

That said - only progress from here will quieten down the dissenters. Frustration over curious comments made in separate interviews on comments about those in the Snakepit and women's football will continue to be debated. 

Some will accept that is part of his brand, others find that kind of honesty refreshing but for some it will do little to ease the frustrations. Webber has always split opinion - that is even true in moments of success, let alone now.  

Webber was typically robust, divisive and forceful in his answers. Many will have been unsatisfactory to many - but at least they have answers to disagree with, which hasn't been the case for a prolonged period. 

Stuart Webber was robust in his defence of his Norwich City record. (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

Other questions that remain will only be answered with time - but Webber remains confident that, alongside Wagner, they can build a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season. 

Whatever happens from here - the spotlight won't be shifting from Webber anytime soon. 

But one thing is clear - Webber is willing to fight his corner. But it will be his work from here that will either reset or reinforce public opinion.