Zöe Fail, Capital Canaries Christmas is coming and many of us hope to receive lots of cards. Who will they be from? Will we reciprocate the gesture? What is Rudolf doing? Unfortunately we have seen too many cards already this season.

Zöe Fail, Capital Canaries

Christmas is coming and many of us hope to receive lots of cards. Who will they be from? Will we reciprocate the gesture? What is Rudolf doing?

Unfortunately we have seen too many cards already this season. I remember a time when City regularly did well in the fair play table. Somewhat unlikely this season I think. And as for penalties conceded, well…

I was saddened at Pattison's yellow at Forest for his first senior goal, moreover his first for Norwich - in my opinion a harsh decision from an otherwise well refereed match. As for Rusty's red against Preston, it's been discussed ad infinitum; I expect him to pick up bookings because he's a tackling midfielder but not when reacting to an opponent's efforts to rile him. He was sorely missed against Swansea, particularly in the second half. This could prove to be a loss of vital points.

Professional standards need to be maintained within the professional game. Far too many slips are becoming the 'norm'. These in turn are aped by a number of spectators, often impressionable youngsters, plus some who should know better.

They see a footballer do something, therefore believe it must be acceptable, which it sometimes is but often is not. Things happen in our places of work that we have to deal with without it affecting the outcome.

For many of us, that workplace is not watched by over 24,000 people who have paid for the privilege (what a relief!) but for City players the reality is they are watched, as is their reaction to any provocation. A cool head will be difficult to maintain at times, yet that is part of the responsibility of pulling on the team shirt.

Keep the cards for special occasions boys!

Referees also play a significant part in maintaining professional standards and it's a job I would not want to do. (I'm sure not many of you would want to teach either, as I do).

Often a thankless task, as at least one side's supporters are usually upset by one or more decisions, the referee has to make split second judgements, though not always alone.

Technology or not, the best way forward has yet to be decided. Using yet another teaching analogy, many classrooms now have interactive whiteboards so we are expected to use them constantly.

It doesn't matter if the topic doesn't warrant this use of technology, it's there therefore it must be used. Technology only works well if it is used appropriately to support the teaching of a topic. In football would it help or hinder the game? The jury is still out.

Still on the topic of cards, though a different sort, and because of my love of trivia, I felt it should be shared: 650,000 people in South Korea have a Manchester United credit card. Makes you wonder how many are real supporters and demonstrates the skill of excellent marketing by some executive within the Old Trafford set-up.

Unfortunately I could not find the figures to compare the number of people with NCFC credit cards or if any holders live in exotic places.

On that note, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and may all your cards be full of joy.