I have supported Norwich City since I left school in 1957 and started my first job and earnt enough money to pay to get in Carrow Road.
In all these years, I have never bothered myself with any events that unfolded down the road at Portman Road unless of course we were involved and I’ve never been a fan of any other dream team such as United, Spurs or Chelsea although I must confess to admiring the current Man City side for their attractive football and the players that are currently there.
Unfortunately I have not been able to attend Carrow Road for a few seasons because with a wife and son that also supports the team I found that the cost of all three of us attending was just too much so I was the one to miss out.
I couldn’t be that cruel to either my wife or son.
Looking back I suppose it was a blessing in disguise as the tension, frustration, anger and all to often, disappointment was too much to bare.
At least by not going and relying on TV, radio or the internet for my match report while stuck at home on my own I could at least vent my frustration without upsetting anybody which is more than can be said about the guy who sits in front of my wife and son on matchday who was usually the source of my anger on the odd occasion that I have attended a match during the last few seasons.
His appreciation for good play by the opposition was completely non existent. I recall his lack of appreciation and constant barracking of Luis Suarez during a game when he scored a superb hat-trick was a particular source of my anger.
However, I am now in the position of being a season ticket holder on account of my son taking up refereeing and wanting to make a career of it thus relinquishing his seat for me.
Had it been last season I dread to think how I would have handled the emotional rollercoaster that ensued.
Am I looking forward to this coming season? I certainly am.
The new direction that the club has decided to pursue, while certainly not new to the Football League, is a step in the right direction and early indications are that those in positions of power are determined to make an impact.
They have gone about the job of restructuring with openness and honesty and overall I am very impressed.
There were some decisions that may have caused a few negative thoughts but they were decisions made in the best interests of Norwich not just for going forward but from a very sound financial point of view.
The dealings in the transfer market both incoming and outgoing has been very interesting to say the least and the reports from the pre-season friendlies have resulted in an anticipation of a season filled with much hope.
At this stage it is very difficult to pick out any new signings as potential match winners but it has to be said that the one area that caused most concern during last season, central defence, has been strengthened and bodes well for the coming season.
By the time August comes around I will be ready for what I hope will be 10 months of hope, frustration, elation and hopefully only a little disappointment plus of course a little anger.
That’s the only real downside. I am not sure that I am going to cope very well with the guy in front of me!
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