The Real Loyalty Card

Daphne Griffith, NCISA On October 24th 2009, Leeds United were beaten 2-1 at the New Den. They then went on a run of 17 games unbeaten (of which 13 were wins) in the league until they came a cropper at Exeter in mid-January this year.

Daphne Griffith, NCISA

On October 24th 2009, Leeds United were beaten 2-1 at the New Den. They then went on a run of 17 games unbeaten (of which 13 were wins) in the league until they came a cropper at Exeter in mid-January this year.

Please don't get me wrong, I am no Leeds supporter! I am quoting these stats purely to show that if we are as good as, or better than Leeds we should be looking to pick ourselves up after our own 2-1 defeat last week at the New Den. There aren't even 17 games left until the end of the season, so..."On the ball, City!"

The really good thing to come out of last Saturday at Millwall is the positivity surrounding the manager, the players and the fans. Paul Lambert is quoted this week as saying "no team on earth can hope to win every single game" - but I am absolutely sure he is focused, as are the players, on winning the next one.

I wasn't able to go to Millwall, but it was heartening to hear the amazing Norwich fans trying to drown out Chris Goreham's radio commentary, even when our team went behind. The feel-good factor, which comes from the expectation that our team will go on battling until the final whistle blows, is definitely back.

It is a couple of weeks since the club AGM, and this well-attended and well-run meeting has been covered by the media - but it is worth saying that the feel-good factor was there too. No-one is trying to say that the club doesn't have problems, but there is a new openness about these problems and a confidence that our club is in now the hands of dedicated, intelligent people who believe in respecting the fanbase. It certainly isn't rocket- science to gain support through showing respect!

And Norwich City fans certainly earn that respect. Season tickets are now on sale for next season - and I am sure that, in spite of the recession and less money to spend among fans, there will be a good take-up of renewals. A season ticket is a real loyalty card - representing a significant financial outlay in order to support our club at home through relegation, snow and ice and the loss of key players.

The away support is legendary and has been particularly remarkable this season in the face of the shocking weather and very long distances. I am fortunate in being among the few who will be at the Withdean Stadium this weekend. We will be raising our voices with pride!