Who are Norwich City's top Premier League 'Barclaysmen'?

Perhaps it is a sign of the desperation for domestic football to return, but it has captured the imagination of many supporters desperate to fill the void while the pause button has been pressed on league action. 

It isn't necessarily about those with the best quality - it is about baggy shirts, memorable goals, tricks off the street and 'vibes', specifically between 2004 and 2016. See the below example as the type of thing that has circulated social media in the last few days. 

Grant Holt x Jump Jump Dance Dance#ncfc #Barclaysmen pic.twitter.com/H8dlFdaoH0

— Norwich images that precede unfortunate events (@ncfcpain) September 9, 2024

Norwich's time in the Premier League hasn't always been the most enjoyable, but there are some players worthy of the tag. 

Here are the top seven 'Barclaysmen' that represented Norwich City, successfully or otherwise, in their Premier League years. And yes, it has been a quiet international break... 

Wes Hoolahan played over 100 games in the Premier League for Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

1 - Wes Hoolahan 

Tricks. Goals. Magic. 

Nobody needs to lecture Norwich City supporters on the wizardry of Wes Hoolahan's left-foot, even if his wider impact may be less significant. 

The creative Irishman, despite his slight frame, spun, passed and tricked his way away from Premier League defenders and was even the first scorer of their top-flight return under Paul Lambert in 2011. 

There is a reason he is a part of Canaries folklore and often named by his colleagues as the most gifted player they shared a pitch with. 

Grant Holt was the poster boy of Norwich City's revolution under Paul Lambert. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

2 - Grant Holt 

The fact that a video compilation of Holt, with the backing track provided by Jump Jump Dance Dance, has surpassed nearly 2,000 likes on social media proves that Holt is befitting a high place on this list. 

Holt was naturally a throwback - a constant torment to defenders, unapologetically himself and a goal-scorer against the very best in Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City in their own stadiums. 

He is now remembered fondly as a Norwich legend, but for a certain vintage of football fan, his goals will have formed a key part of their formative years following the game. 

Anthony Pilkington was a key part of Norwich City's top-flight survival mission in 2011. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

3 - Anthony Pilkington 

A throwback winger with a thunderous shot and often went under the radar, Pilkington is unquestionably one that provokes positive memories for City supporters. 

City signed him from then League One side Huddersfield Town, but he instantly slotted into their Premier League machine with his hard graft, technical qualities and attacking intelligence. Pilkington netted eight times in his first top-flight campaign. 

His spell at Carrow Road was the only time he braced the Premier League. 

Youssef Safri was a cult hero during his time at Norwich City. (Image: Newsquest)

4 - Youssef Safri

That goal against Newcastle United is qualification enough for Safri to be part of the top seven. 

But it was more than that - a tough-tackling midfielder who never shirked a tackle and was admired for his work rate during his spell at Carrow Road. Safri wasn't flashy but was the type of player that supporters gravitated towards. 

Throw in an exceptional chant from the terraces, and Safri is well-worthy of the 'Barclaysmen' description. 

Damien Francis was a much-maligned figure during his time at Norwich City. (Image: Nick Butcher/Newsquest)

5 - Damien Francis 

Francis was a player who split opinion during his time at Carrow Road, but with memorable goals, often long sleeves and an admirable work rate. 

His volley against Portsmouth at Fratton Park is worthy of its place in any compilation; it's a shame his exit from the Canaries saw him cast in a different light. 

In total, Francis made 95 Premier League appearances, with 32 coming in yellow and green. The midfielder netted seven goals in that campaign, including a flurry between October and February. 

Dieumerci Mbokani spent one season on loan at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

6 - Dieumerci Mbokani 

It was a fleeting visit, but Mbokani's loan spell at Norwich City fits the definition that matches the criteria for the trend. 

Mbokani was a powerhouse - one that scored a backheel in that memorable 5-4 defeat to Liverpool and nearly helped City retain their top-flight status under Alex Neil in 2015/16. Whilst his training standards may have left plenty to be desired, his on-pitch abilities did not. 

He went on to play at Hull a year later - but it was at Norwich where his Premier League performances stood out. 

Robert Snodgrass produced plenty of standout Premier League moments for Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

7 - Robert Snodgrass

The Scottish winger is remembered fondly for his contribution at Carrow Road during a productive spell with Norwich. 

Free-kicks, a goal-scoring threat and even a bit of an on-pitch edge made him enjoyable to watch and a key part of Norwich's Premier League sides in the early 2010s. Like Holt, Snodgrass had a habit of converting against some of the very best. 

In two Premier League campaigns in yellow and green, Snodgrass netted 12 times and produced eight assists. A very decent return relative to the Canaries' respective quality at that time.