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My name is Michael Dilley and I'm 28. I work in the Computer Software industry (by day) and I'm a "citizen writer" by night.
The Editorial Inquisition: Norwich City - 17th October
My name is Michael Dilley and I'm 28. I work in the Computer Software industry (by day) and I'm a "citizen writer" by night.
How long have you supported Norwich?
I've only actually supported City for about 8/9 years. Before that I had a couple of years "in the wilderness", and before that I was actually a Luton Town season-ticket holder.
It's a much more complicated story than most, but this will fill you in.
What is your earliest memory of the club?
My earliest memory of the club was I think in 1988. I played for the Junior Hatters againstNorwich at Luton's training ground in the morning, and then watched Danny Wilson score a penalty to keep them in Division One.
My earliest memory of the club was I think in 1988. I played for the Junior Hatters againstNorwich at Luton's training ground in the morning, and then watched Danny Wilson score a penalty to keep them in Division One.
What is the club's proudest moment you have witnessed?
It has to be the Play-Off Final in Cardiff in 2002. An absolutely incredible experience - god knows what we would have done if we'd actually won!
It has to be the Play-Off Final in Cardiff in 2002. An absolutely incredible experience - god knows what we would have done if we'd actually won!
How did the Canaries do last season?
Awful. There aren't too many other words to describe it really (well there are, but not that you'd be able to print).
We had a terrible start, a better middle (which effectively kept us in the division), and a fairly woeful finish.
Awful. There aren't too many other words to describe it really (well there are, but not that you'd be able to print).
We had a terrible start, a better middle (which effectively kept us in the division), and a fairly woeful finish.
Did you make many additions or suffer many loses as you prepared for the new campaign?
Just a few!
Glenn Roeder has brought in 12 players since the end of last season (including 9 loans) so it is almost a completely new side from last season. We obviously lost a couple of big names as well in Darren Huckerby and Dion Dublin - two players that we have so far struggled to replace.
Just a few!
Glenn Roeder has brought in 12 players since the end of last season (including 9 loans) so it is almost a completely new side from last season. We obviously lost a couple of big names as well in Darren Huckerby and Dion Dublin - two players that we have so far struggled to replace.
How have you got on so far this term?
Not very well in truth. We've been a little all over the place really; we have played some great stuff at times, but on other occasions we have played shocking. Consistently inconsistent I would say.
Not very well in truth. We've been a little all over the place really; we have played some great stuff at times, but on other occasions we have played shocking. Consistently inconsistent I would say.
What can you tell us about the meetings between Norwich and City last season?
Well we got well and truly turned over at Carrow Road, and at Ashton Gate it was all going so swimmingly until that free-kick for hand-ball. The less said about that the better I think!
Well we got well and truly turned over at Carrow Road, and at Ashton Gate it was all going so swimmingly until that free-kick for hand-ball. The less said about that the better I think!
Who is your best player?
Difficult to say really at the moment. David Marshall has probably been our most consistent performer in the early part of the season.
Difficult to say really at the moment. David Marshall has probably been our most consistent performer in the early part of the season.
Who might Bristol City be able to expose as a weak link?
Our "weak link" is probably the centre of midfield. We don't seem to be able to grab a game by the scruff of the link in the middle of the park.
Our "weak link" is probably the centre of midfield. We don't seem to be able to grab a game by the scruff of the link in the middle of the park.
Glenn Roeder always seems to be a man under pressure, what are your views on the manager?
Mixed. There are times when he really impresses me with the way he handles himself, but you are sometimes left shaking your head with his team selections and post-match interviews - he does seem to like a tinker.
Mixed. There are times when he really impresses me with the way he handles himself, but you are sometimes left shaking your head with his team selections and post-match interviews - he does seem to like a tinker.
How do you assess your chances this campaign and what ambitions do you realistically have for Norwich?
It couldn't really be much worse than last year could it? Realistically I think we should be looking for upper mid-table this season with the intention to push on towards the play-offs next season.
It couldn't really be much worse than last year could it? Realistically I think we should be looking for upper mid-table this season with the intention to push on towards the play-offs next season.
How do you think Bristol City will do this year?
If they repeat their success of last season I would be very surprised to be honest. I can see the Robins finishing somewhere around the 8th-11th mark.
If they repeat their success of last season I would be very surprised to be honest. I can see the Robins finishing somewhere around the 8th-11th mark.
Which Bristol City player do you think will be the dangerman for your team?
After last season I'd have to say Steve Brooker - I'm just glad D'Urso isn't refereeing it again!
After last season I'd have to say Steve Brooker - I'm just glad D'Urso isn't refereeing it again!
If Norwich were a crisp flavour, what would they be?
Cheese and onion. Fairly inoffensive, most people like them, occasionally leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Cheese and onion. Fairly inoffensive, most people like them, occasionally leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Sum Norwich up in three words...
Nice. Too nice.
Nice. Too nice.
Give us your prediction for the game...
I think it'll be a good game as both sides like to play football "properly" - I wouldn't expect to see too many throw-ins raining down on the penalty spot from the halfway line. I think it'll be 1-1.
As far as the season goes generally...
Who will win the league?
I don't think you look much beyond Birmingham this season.
Who else will get promoted?
I'd be surprised if Reading didn't bounce straight back, but apart from that it could be almost anyone. I've got a sneaky feeling Wolves will be able to make it stick this season.
Who will be relegated?
Doncaster, Barnsley and Southampton.
Who will win the golden boot?
If he stays fit I think Kevin Doyle is leagues ahead of most in the Championship.
Quick Predictions?
Ipswich Vs Swansea...
Ipswich's home form was the making of them last season but they've not been able to repeat that so far this year. I'm still getting to know Swansea again, but I can't go for a home win on principle, so I'll plum for 1-1.
I think it'll be a good game as both sides like to play football "properly" - I wouldn't expect to see too many throw-ins raining down on the penalty spot from the halfway line. I think it'll be 1-1.
As far as the season goes generally...
Who will win the league?
I don't think you look much beyond Birmingham this season.
Who else will get promoted?
I'd be surprised if Reading didn't bounce straight back, but apart from that it could be almost anyone. I've got a sneaky feeling Wolves will be able to make it stick this season.
Who will be relegated?
Doncaster, Barnsley and Southampton.
Who will win the golden boot?
If he stays fit I think Kevin Doyle is leagues ahead of most in the Championship.
Quick Predictions?
Ipswich Vs Swansea...
Ipswich's home form was the making of them last season but they've not been able to repeat that so far this year. I'm still getting to know Swansea again, but I can't go for a home win on principle, so I'll plum for 1-1.
Sheffield Wed Vs Sheff Utd...
The Steel City derby is always a great game to watch, and both teams have started well this season. Ordinarily I'd go for a United win in this one, but I think Wednesday will edge it 3-2.
Cardiff Vs Charlton...
Charlton are fairly toothless away from home, but Cardiff's home form is hardly intimidating (even we got a point there). Cardiff to win 2-1.