“I can recall nothing else that I have coveted for two decades (what else is there that can reasonably be coveted for that long?) nor can I recall anything else that I have desired as both a man and boy. So please, be tolerant of those who describe a sporting moment as their best ever. We do not lack imagination, nor have we had sad and barren lives; it is just that real life is paler, duller, and contains less potential for unexpected delirium.” –Nick Hornsby, Fever Pitch
For 90 minutes, Norwich City Football Club were at the center of the footballing world. It was the greatest 90 minutes of the club’s recent history (or its entirety, however you’d like to remember it). Regardless, what will be remembered is Norwich’s 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley. Here’s five things learnt:
We Are Premier League
City have returned home. There was a slight detour—a yearlong trip filled with unnecessary adventures—but they’re back in the Premier League. Perhaps it’s pompous to say the Canaries were better than the Championship all along. Maybe they were. But it was a league that presented more challenges than the Yellow Army would’ve originally intended.
Yellow
Underachieving led to the single-most exhilarating promotion race conceivable. A derby in the semis (Mind the Gap, Tractor Boys!), only to follow with City’s first win at Wembley since the Milk Cup in 1985. The buildup to the match was unparalleled to anything many Canaries fans have experienced before. Norwich came out in full force, full colour and full throat, showcasing the significance of the afternoon. Dammit, there were even Stephen Fry and Delia Smith blow-up dolls dressed in yellow strapped to a van!
Sir Alex Neil
25 May 2014 – Hamilton Academical are promoted to the Scottish Premier League
25 May 2015 – Norwich are promoted to the English Premier League
25 May 2016 – FA Cup!?
The man who took over in mid-January is still undefeated in away competitions. Geez. Even amidst all the discussions wondering how the former player/manager might deal with the one team City couldn’t beat, there was never any reason to worry. Neil has many qualities as a manager. One of them is getting his side completely prepared for any occasion, ignoring a fixture’s significance. He never deterred the squad from playing the football that had taken them to Wembley. Even from the opening moments the Canaries attacked with breakneck pace. Boro, a side known for its defending, couldn’t withstand the City surges and faltered twice within a quarter hour. Eventually Middlesbrough tried to attack (and hit the crossbar), but their usual goal threat mustered a single touch. It was a collapse that could’ve been predicted before the match. But it was Neil’s ability to carry out the assault that won the game. (To think some fans were unsure about him after the Brentford loss? Pfft.)
Immaculate possession
Not that Neil’s tactics got in the way of anyone’s individual performance. On the biggest stage, Wes Hoolahan pranced around the hallowed pitch with perfect precision, completing every pass. Nathan Redmond, who’s spent the majority of the last two years struggling to reach his full potential, continued the best form of his life, adding a wonderfully placed goal in the 15th minute. Going back to the last “thing learnt,” it was Sebastien Bassong who shut down Patrick Bamford completely in front of goal. Not to say other players didn’t stick out. They all did. But it was a collectively sound performance on the perfect day to do it. Even Gary O’Neill got in on the action momentarily, securing his fourth promotion.
Biggest win in club history
This is the biggest win in club history IF! it means Norwich will permanently reside in the top flight. The cash injection will certainly help. Now it’s up to Neil to manufacture a squad capable of competing, not just annually scrapping for promotion. He’s more than capable of making sure that happens. But until the first match back up, celebrations should continue. Yellow Army, we’re back in the Premier League! We’ve even brought along the Stephen Fry and Delia Smith sex dolls. Let’s be havin’ you!
Final note!
Breaking the rules, but it’s a worthy cause. I just wanted to say thank you to anyone who may have read these ramblings over the course of the last few months. I’ve enjoyed it—even if sometimes I didn’t even watch or listen to the game and improvised (You can never predict the reasons. Sometimes someone paying for a breakfast meal was better than starving and hearing 0-0 draws!)! Your readership is appreciated! Being a guy exiled thousands of miles away, it’s nice feeling included in the Norfolk family. Days like Monday make it worth it. Days in the future will do the same.
