Spud Thornhill: A City win would solve my birthday present headache...

In the eye of the storm - Todd Cantwell, left, and Emi Buendia Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Paul Chesterton)

It was the second leg of the play-off semi-final with Ipswich. We all know how great it was and the celebrations afterwards will live long in the memory, with many celebratory beers straight after the game for me.

That evening I had a surprise 40th birthday party to go to. After all the emotions of the game and the celebrations afterwards, all I wanted to do was to go home, have a takeaway and watch Sky Sports News and relive our win over them, over and over again, all night.

But no ... my wife Hayleigh (or as some people know her, Mrs Spud) told me we must go to the surprise birthday party. So I turned up – and the party was for me! I was absolutely shocked. And with the help of a lot of fellow Norwich fans, the celebrations and plenty of Wembley songs were sung long into the night. What a day, what a night!

For personal reasons, it was possibly my greatest day following Norwich City.

On Sunday, Mrs Spud turns 40. It’s my turn to try and make her special birthday extra special. With us at home to Derby County on Saturday I could’ve arranged something at the club, I could have even given her a bonus of a new ground next Saturday, like going to watch Barrow v Leyton Orient.

But no... sadly, this pandemic has done in 2020. And it has also ruined my chance to try and make something special for her.

So, instead of me trying to do something for Mrs Spud, it’ll be a lunchtime TV viewing of the Canaries against the Rams ... whilst I try think what I can do for her.

It wasn’t just my plans that were ruined, though. Even Daniel Farke had plans last week that were ruined. Unlike me, though, Farke’s plans were not ruined by Covid, but by individuals for whom he has done so much.

After our defeat last week at Bournemouth, Farke said in his interview that Todd Cantwell and Emi Buendia were dropped, and how disappointed he was with the pair of them in training, that they weren’t switched on for the game.

With Farke, Stuart Webber and the coaching team, you know how much planning would have gone into last Sunday’s game. But, like my plans, they were going to be wasted.

Unlike a pandemic, this was avoidable because of people’s attitude. Todd’s and Emi’s attitude is very disappointing, especially considering the amount of faith and time people like Farke and Webber have put into them.

Some fans may not like Farke’s outburst on the subject, but you know a lot of a high-profile managers would have done exactly the same. Farke has been superb and loyal with our players throughout his time here, showing great respect. Now is the time for some to repay it.

Yes, we will want the best deal for the club in regards to our players, but I’m sure that the way Webber and Co run the club they will want to also get the best deal and club for the player. Jamal Lewis is a prime example. Jamal will get better opportunities at Newcastle than he would have done at Liverpool which I’m sure will make Jamal an even better player. It’s something the current stars at our club should take note of. The grass is not always greener. I think we can think of many players who have left and their careers have definitely hit the buffers – Alex Pritchard is a prime example.

If only we could just fast forward to October 16 when we close the transfer window and just focus on the football.

I really hope this is just a bit of tough love from Farke and maybe both Todd and Emi can be back in the team against Derby. Maybe we are owed a performance by these two. Hopefully they can provide a performance that we at Norwich are desperate to see.

So, hopefully a win and three points and the Thornhill household can start some birthday celebrations early. No pressure.