Depending on whether you are an optimist or a glass half empty person, the next few fixtures will either prove a great opportunity for our team to start playing as a convincing match-winning unit, or a test to demonstrate that they will struggle all season and be lucky to survive in the Championship.

Depending on whether you are an optimist or a glass half empty person, the next few fixtures will either prove a great opportunity for our team to start playing as a convincing match-winning unit, or a test to demonstrate that they will struggle all season and be lucky to survive in the Championship.

Over the past few weeks I have spent some idle moments looking at various message boards on the web - and reading post after post speculating that Norwich City will fail dismally this season. I am an average sort of supporter - a season ticket holder, sitting in an unfashionable part of the ground, and going to away games whenever family commitments allow. I could not - and I sense that the majority of those who sit around me in the N & P upper feel the same - come and watch our team if I thought that way. I can cope with losing (too often recently) but there is always the hope that we can turn things around. I suspect that many of the doom and gloom merchants don't actually see as many games as I do. Perhaps they are indulging in some sort of personal therapy in their depressing meanderings?

So what are the reasons to be cheerful?

Our manager has brought in some good players this season - and some who are potentially excellent. We have some seriously promising youngsters in the squad - it is good to see Joe Lewis making a name for himself at Morecambe. We fill the ground every week, and have the most amazingly dedicated away supporters.

Over the next month our opponents will seriously test the depth of squad and skill and resolve of our players. Some of our Championship rivals have brought in big and expensive names. It is possible our defenders will be up against Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the Cardiff game - although I think their main threat is more likely to be Steven McLean. Many of our squad are still settling into the Championship, some have injuries, some are not fully fit, and some have been ill - but I will go today hoping and expecting that we can show team spirit and passion and give a really good account of ourselves.

I was at home this week, listening to the Rochdale game on Radio Norfolk. It was a long and stressful evening, but in the end - through the unlikely means of a penalty shootout - we are through to the next round.

Unlike some other teams such as Sunderland, Wigan, Derby, Wolves and Watford!

Thank you players, manager and coaches. May the force be with you!

t NCISA AGM: On Thursday, September 6, at 7.30pm in The Business (Jarrold Stand). Please note change of venue this year. The formal agenda will be followed by a players' forum. This is an opportunity to ask those burning questions.