Ian Russell, Capital Canaries We need to know that 2009 is going to be an improvement on the year we've just closed the door upon. Whether or not the next 4 weeks of transfer activity can help to induce the return of some long overdue feel good factor remains to be seen.

Ian Russell, Capital Canaries

We need to know that 2009 is going to be an improvement on the year we've just closed the door upon.

Whether or not the next 4 weeks of transfer activity can help to induce the return of some long overdue feel good factor remains to be seen.

One thing is certain - as a Norwich City fan, it's been one atrociously miserable twelve months and I defy anyone to convince me otherwise.

It says something when the only uplifting memorable achievement was to successfully avoid relegation.

I reckon that if our chairman had the opportunity to address a Christmas speech to the staff, players and supporters, he might have taken the opportunity to name 2008 an 'annus horribilis'.

I can't help thinking that the January window may have come at the right time to allow the manager, supported by the board, to bring in the additions that may just spice things up sufficiently and get us away from the potential hole we find ourselves staring directly into.

We could all do with a little tonic and some new blood and a good shake up could do the trick.

I enjoy reading the gossip columns and listening to the transfer speculation and, whilst I expect there may not be too many comings and goings generally, we shall all as one be anticipating fresh faces at Colney.

My feeling, however, is that we may once again have to settle and be content with another band of loanees donning the canary yellow shirt.

Regrettably, regardless of our opinions on the loan system, I sense we will need to accept it as our main source of business over the next few weeks.

We're fast approaching the meat and drink of the football calendar, when the proverbial men are sorted from the boys. It would be so easy for Norwich City to be dragged into a dog fight with the league's other strugglers and the manager needs to sprinkle a little more of the magic that turned our fortunes this time last year.

Some inspiration from the spirit of the 59ers wouldn't hurt either; belief, resolve and hard work will surely give us a foothold out of the current mire

And so on that note please allow me, on behalf of the Capital Canaries committee, to wish all our members, staff, management and players of the football club and all City fans a very happy, healthy, and I sincerely hope, fruitful New Year.