Norwich City’s push for the play-offs took another stumble on Saturday, with a disappointing draw against Blackburn which left the Canaries still sitting just below the top six.

All the verve and vigour from the previous weekend’s display, that had fans leaving Carrow Road with smiles on their faces, seemed to have drifted away.

A point on the road isn’t a bad result, when following two home wins, and City remain on a five-match unbeaten run. Yet if you look at the season as a whole, the away games have been underwhelming with just four wins and a handful of draws to show for our travels - not a convincing return for promotion hopefuls.

The frustrations at Ewood Park are a test for the newly buoyed relations between the fans and the club. Most responded positively to Wagner’s call to get behind the team, following the bizarre situation of some supporters booing the substitution of players struggling with fitness and knocks. 

Rather than staying away, a packed stadium watched the impressive win against Cardiff that followed in the midst of the best atmosphere we’ve experienced for some time.

We have also entered the season ticket renewal period, which can often be a nervous time for the directors of a football club. Gate receipts are still an important part of finances for teams below the top-flight, and the additional revenue they bring in on match days.

The early offer to renew, and the discounts it brings, means fans have to make a decision to return in August without being sure what division the club will be in. Although for most supporters that is irrelevant, as trips to Carrow Road are an essential part of their social life and leisure time.

But it can’t be taken for granted that everyone has room in their bank balance, with so many other financial pressures at the moment.

The Pink Un: David Wagner is hoping to lead City into the play-offs in the final 12 games of the season

The biggest announcement this year however wasn’t the prices, but the introduction of rail seating over the summer, converting the Lower Barclay and the Snakepit into areas for safe standing.

This is something many supporters have been calling for, and is already present in other grounds in the top two divisions. I was one of many who visited Tottenham’s new stadium for the cup match before lockdown, and watched Tim Krul’s heroics from rail seating. Unfortunately, due to train delays I didn’t get there in time to also experience the state of the art beer taps.

I am a Lower Barclay season ticket holder, and have been for a couple of decades, and can’t remember the last time I actually sat in my seat whilst the game was in play.

The majority of those who currently reside where the new rail seating will be installed will have a similar experience, but there are occasions where someone buys a ticket in the stand and is expecting to watch the football seated - causing some consternation.

By having these areas designated “safe standing” people will know what to expect when purchasing a ticket.

I have been asked if this will make a change to the atmosphere, but as there is no change to the capacity and most already stand for the duration, it’s difficult to be sure. However, some residents may have reached the point where 90 minutes plus on their feet may be a bit tiring, and will take this chance to transfer to another stand.

So there may be an influx of new supporters to create a yellow and green wall all the way from the Snakepit corner to the big screen.

However, that is for the next season. There are 12 remaining matches to this one, and the six to be played on home turf will be vital to our play-off chances.

We must get behind the team once more, forget the frustrations from last weekend, and make Carrow Road a fortress once again.