All Russell Martin wants for the start of 2017, is for Carrow Road to give Norwich City a chance come Monday afternoon.

A goalless draw at Brentford on New Year’s Eve was a fitting footnote on City’s woeful 2016, and threatens a toxic atmosphere for Alex Neil’s men on their return home for the visit of in-form Derby (3pm).

But captain Martin felt there were “baby steps” forward for City at Griffin Park – and they deserve the chance to show they can turn their season around with the turn of a new year.

“You don’t want negativity from the off and I know it’s chicken and egg – what comes first? – we need to give them something to cheer but I don’t think it’s in anyone’s benefit to start with an atmosphere that’s negative and baying for blood,” said Martin.

“I don’t think it will be like that – or I hope it won’t. I don’t really follow it on social media. I think the lads with give them something to shout about if we play with the intensity we did here and it’s up to us to do that for them.

“And then I hope they will get behind us because at the end of the day they want to see their football club win.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully playing on Monday. I think the lads will be. We’re desperate to put it right. I think that’s the thing, and you’ve seen that desperation in certain games. Monday is a start and an opportunity for us.

“Of course there’s a lot riding on Monday and I just hope people turn up and get behind us. I don’t think it will help anyone if they turn up waiting for us not to produce. I know it works both ways and we need to give them something to cheer about; I’m positive we can do that.

“There needs to be togetherness at the club that has maybe drifted apart recently because of the position we’re in. But there’s 20-odd games to go. We can still turn this into a good season – and we’re going to need everyone to do it.”

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