Norwich City

Image source, Getty Images

Here's the answer to our regular quiz question, which is devised by BBC Norfolk's Chris Goreham.

A reminder of the teaser:

What does Bristol City manager Liam Manning have in common with Canary greats Chris Sutton, Grant Holt and John Deehan?

The answer:

He played for non-league Norfolk side Wroxham. Sutton, Holt and Deehan also had spells at Trafford Park.

Manning was born in Norwich and played for the Yachtsmen in 2008, he was also on the books of Ipswich Town earlier in his career.

Well done if you got it right!

We want your thoughts on Norwich's draw against Bristol City

Image source, Getty Images

Tell us what you thought about Norwich's draw at home to Bristol City in the Championship on Saturday.

Is it two points lost in the Canaries' push for the play-offs?

Or, with other results going their way, is it a point gained?

Will one more win be enough to secure a place?

Or do you think the team need to aim for two wins?

What did you think of the atmosphere at Carrow Road?

So many questions to answer! Get in touch here.

Flo Allen's view on Norwich City 1-1 Bristol City

Norwich City stuttered in their push for the Championship play-offs following a 1-1 draw against Bristol City at Carrow Road on Saturday.

The visitors took the lead in the second half through Haydon Roberts, but Borja Sainz equalised just three minutes later. It's the first time City have failed to win at home in the last nine league matches.

Norwich City Women general manager Flo Allen was BBC Radio Norfolk's summariser, here are some of her full time thoughts:

"Bristol City came and executed a very good game plan.

"They are probably one of the better sides we have seen here at Carrow Road this season. They tried to play very nice football. We (Norwich) probably weren't at our best and Bristol have put in some very good performances recently.

"They've (Bristol City) taken points off Leicester City and for us (Norwich) it's another point gained. Yes, it could be seen as two points lost but it's one more point than we had at the start of the day and it does keep the momentum and this unbeaten run at Carrow Road going."

She continued: "We've got a really important game against Swansea next Saturday and then to finish the season away to Birmingham City."

You can listen to the Canary Call phone-in show with Chris Goreham and Rob Butler on BBC Sounds here.

Norwich City will look to continue their superb home form when they host Bristol City at Carrow Road on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

A win would see the Canaries on the brink of confirming their Championship play-off place.

You can listen to full live coverage of the game with BBC Radio Norfolk on FM, DAB and Freeview.

The guest summariser is Norwich City Women general manager and former Bristol City defender Flo Allen.

Norwich City host Bristol City at Carrow Road in the Championship on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

A win would take the Canaries a step closer to securing their play-off place.

Head coach David Wagner says it won't be easy against the in-form Robins:

You can listen to full live coverage of Norwich v Bristol City with BBC Radio Norfolk on FM, DAB and Freeview.

Here's our regular pre-match Canary quiz.

As always, the question comes from BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Goreham:

What does Bristol City manager Liam Manning have in common with Norwich greats Chris Sutton, Grant Holt and John Deehan?

Send us your guesses here.

Norwich City supporter Nathan West has been named as the club's fan of the season for 2023/24.

Mr West received widespread support from football fans around the world after he was trolled online in August 2023.

In October 2023 he raised over £60k for charity by completing the Tonbridge Half-Marathon.

David Wagner, Kenny McLean and Jonathan Rowe gave Mr West his award at the club's training ground., external

Congratulations, Westy!

Norwich City have several first team players coming to the end of their contracts in summer 2024.

They include:

• Ben Gibson

• Sam McCallum

• Dimitris Giannoulis

• Danny Batth (option of a further year)

• Jacob Sorensen (option of a further year)

• Ken Aboh

• Jon McCracken

• Dan Barden

Which of these players should the club keep? Get in touch here with your thoughts.

Head coach David Wagner said decisions will be made soon on those players, but the priority is making it to the Championship play-offs:

Opinion: 'Play-off football - and promotion - is in our own hands'

Matthew Soakell, North East Canary

It’s stating the obvious I know, but what a position we found ourselves in to have the chance of finishing in the play-offs and extending our season further in our own hands. And with two of our three remaining games at home, you’ve got to fancy Norwich to finish the season on a high and give the fans the excitement of play-off lottery.

I ended last week’s column by saying that “I hope he (David Wagner) proves me wrong on Saturday away to Preston.” - well he and his team certainly did, and I’m delighted to be proved wrong. I’d mentioned how his in-game management and changes from the bench had been poor and how bad our away form was, but Saturday’s win at Preston felt huge. And credit to Wagner; bringing Jonathan Rowe on at the right time to run at tiring Preston legs and leaving Josh Sargent up front for as long as possible definitely worked. The noise coming out of Colney is that Rowe is still not quite fit enough to start and I think most City fans are fine with him coming off the bench for the last 20-30 minutes to build up fitness just in time for the play-offs, hopefully then giving Wagner a headache about who starts where.

But going back to this weekend’s football, it’s a lovely position to be in to know that we’re fully responsible for what happens going forward. The win at Deepdale almost certainly secured 6th place and I still feel there’s every chance we catch West Bromwich Albion and finish 5th, especially given that two of their three remaining fixtures are Leicester - challenging for the title - followed by Sheffield Wednesday - who’re scrapping for survival! These games won’t be easy for West Brom and I think Norwich’s aim should be catching them and keeping the good form going.

Now isn’t the time to take our foot off the gas, we’re in a position Hull and Coventry would love to be in. Even with their respective games in hand, you’ve still got to fancy Norwich to have cemented 6th place and who’s to say that the side who’re joint top of the form table over the last 10 games (that’s us by the way, Canary fans!) won’t keep that good form going and finish 5th. After that, who knows who we’ll face in the play-off semi finals and hopefully final, but one thing is for certain: it’s some achievement that whatever happens from here on in is in our own hands.

Credit to David Wagner, his coaching staff and the players; no one saw this coming at Christmas, did they?

Norwich City head coach David Wagner has had his say on the Football Association's decision to scrap FA Cup replays from next season onwards.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter, get in touch here.

There has been condemnation about the decision from clubs in England since it was announced on Thursday:

Opinion: NOW - That’s what I call football

Susannah George

How many of us have reprimanded others for being on their phones, rather than being engaged in a conversation over the dinner table? Or perhaps been pulled up ourselves for the same offence?

As football fans it is our fundamental right to look back, to compare, perhaps even to revel in the glory days of old – or 15 years unbeaten, as the case may be. Equally, it would be short sighted of us not to zoom out occasionally and look at the bigger picture, where do we see our football club going? Is that a realistic goal this season… next season… in a few seasons time etc?

There is nothing wrong with either, it’s perfectly fine to reminisce, to dream and even to be disappointed if our team does not live up to our expectations.

Many will agree that this season, until 2024, initially looked to be rather unremarkable. As Gary Gowers pointed out recently, few saw operation play-offs coming this season.

And now that we are here, there has been much talk – including from myself - looking back at previous play-off/promotion run-ins but also looking forward with much caution, full of warnings by those apprehensive as to Norwich City’s fate should we successfully navigate the season and end up in the top flight.

What has this got to do with phones? Sometimes it is very easy to forget to be present, to be in the now. Speaking of which, what a joy not to be mid-table fodder! What a joy that we aren’t being relegated! What a joy that we get the excitement of a potential play-off run and another legendary open-top bus parade!

It is well-known that our club is famously coined a “yo-yo” club, but honestly, I don’t find that the least bit insulting. Norwich City rarely have a boring season, whether it's magic moments like beating Manchester City or Bayern Munich, winning the play-off final at Wembley, or Marcelino seeing off our rivals occupying the top spot. Let’s be frank, being a Norwich fan is one hell of a ride.

Now here we are, six points clear in 6th, with everything still to play for. Do we need to be realistic and consider how we will fare in the Premier League? Yes, but that’s a June problem (hopefully). Do we need to worry about the players we might lose if we remain in the Championship? Maybe, but they aren’t going anywhere right now. Would it have been nice to have pulled our socks up two months prior and be coasting into autos? Of course, but that opportunity has passed.

Norwich City love doing things the hard way – let’s remind ourselves of the not so distant – and fondly remembered - 18/19 season where autos looked all but confirmed. Towards the end of the season, we almost capitulated, despite having the potential to have secured our promotion weeks before. Thankfully we brought it back in the last 2-3 games.

Right now, let’s enjoy the adrenaline and excitement of going down to the wire, where pressure can topple to most on-form teams and allow the more unlikely contenders in 5th and 6th (how convenient) to shine. Let’s make sure that the noise that the boys hear from us is focused on the task at hand.

Supporting Norwich would not be half so rewarding if the wins and promotions came easily, if we were mid-table Championship or even I daresay mid-table Premier League fodder. Give me scrappy wins, holding our breath in the 90th minute, down to the wire football. This, right now, for me, this anticipation, this excitement, is what it is all about.

Everything from hereon in, is a bonus, we may not have expected it, we may not have even planned it, but my goodness we absolutely deserve it. Let’s take full advantage and worry about next season WHEN we get promoted!

On Wednesday it was announced that Norwich City's head of football development Steve Weaver will be leaving the club.

Here's head coach David Wagner's reaction to the news, he's speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk's Phil Daley:

Norwich head coach David Wagner has been speaking to the media ahead of the Canaries' game against Bristol City on Saturday (15:00 GMT):

• Jacob Sorensen is back in training, Grant Hanley should be back next week

• There are no fresh injury worries ahead of the game against the Robins

• Sorensen should be available for selection for Saturday's game

• Jonathan Rowe came through his substitute appearance against Preston with no issues. He made his return following 10 weeks out with a hamstring injury

• Wagner spoke about the atmosphere against Ipswich in City's last home game, he says the team need exactly the same attitude from fans for Saturday's match

• "It's just another game at home where we can collect three points." Wagner says the job of getting to the play-offs won't be done, even with a win on Saturday

• Wagner says his strike duo Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes "have a good harmony"

• "I will not swap any strikers in the division for our strikers, "Wagner said

• On Sam McCallum: Wagner said he persuaded him to stay last summer with the defender ready to leave the club. McCallum is currently City's first choice left-back with Dimitri Giannoulis out injured

Norwich City head coach David Wagner will speak to the press on Thursday ahead of a vital Championship game at Carrow Road against Bristol City (Saturday, 15:00 GMT).

Wagner will update the latest injury news and speak about how his team are feeling as they prepare for a final push towards the play-offs.

After Saturday's match against the Robins, the Canaries have two regular season games remaining.

City are currently sixth in the table with a six point cushion to seventh-placed Hull City.

The press conference takes place at the Colney training centre at 12:30 GMT. You can get updates on this page, so stay tuned.

Here are some of your thoughts on how the Canaries would fare if they returned to the Premier League next season:

Julian - NCFC probably require five points from three games to secure a play-off spot. If current form is a guide, then promotion back to the Premier League would be a remarkable transformation and fully justified. Not since the days of Martin Peters have Norwich rattled up so many late wins in a season. Carrow Road is the place!

Simon - We'll get hammered (in the Premier League) unless our midfield and defence are significantly strengthened.

Victor - Please, no promotion this season! Odds on, the result would be the same as the last two promotions. Without grander financial resources, there is zero chance of staying up more than one or two seasons. We don't have ambitions to be a Premier League side. Delia (Smith) and husband (Michael Wynn-Jones) surely don't harbour ambitions to be a Premier League team either. Stop dreaming!

Derek - We need a totally new back four! All are either too old or not up to job, rest are just about acceptable but strong incomings desirable. Essential any prize money is spent on a few decent signings not run of the mill buys spread too thinly.

John - We would maintain our record as the most consistent 'yo-yo' side in history. We would be relegated again.

Image source, Norwich City Football Club

The Canaries have announced that the club's head of football development Steve Weaver will leave at the end of the season.

Weaver was brought to the club in 2017 by previous sporting director Stuart Webber with players such as Jonathan Rowe, Adam Idah and Max Aarons progressing from the academy to the first team under his guidance.

The 51-year-old told the club's official website: "From when I first joined the football club, the objective was to help improve that pathway and progression of our younger players through the academy. It was something that Delia, Michael and the board were very strong on. Reflecting on that now, I think we can be incredibly proud of the work across the academy.

"I’d like to thank the board, players and staff for all of their work and support during my seven years with the club. I’d also like to thank Stuart and Zoe, who could not have given me any more support and autonomy in delivering and running the academy."

He continued: “I now feel like the time is right for a fresh and new challenge. I’m incredibly proud of everything that we’ve achieved and I’m excited for what comes next.”

Scrimmage hosts Rob Butler and Chris Reeve were joined by fans from Coventry and Hull.

They discussed which of the three teams will make it to the Championship play-offs.

Coventry supporter Joe Darlow was singing the praises of their manager and former Canary Mark Robins. The Sky Blues face Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday (15:30 GMT):

You can listen to the latest episode of The Scrimmage podcast here.

Opinion: 'Few saw operation play-offs coming in late 2023'

Gary Gowers, My Football Writer, Norwich City, external

What a weird old season this has turned into. And not just because City have gone from something the dog passed to genuine promotion contenders in the space of four months.

The Carrow Road crowd has also done a full 180 – transforming themselves into Portsmouth’s finest (a Delia joke) when, for the first half of the season, our spiritual home was the place to go on a Saturday afternoon if you needed some quiet time.

(It’s only fair to point out that those who follow City on their travels have been admirably steadfast throughout).

But it doesn’t end there. In November, David Wagner – nice chap that he is – was, in a footballing sense, Norfolk’s public enemy number one. Even some of those for whom the cup is usually half-full had to reluctantly admit that his useful life at Carrow Road appeared to be nearing its end. At the time the debate was around who would pull the trigger and when. There appeared to be no 'if'.

But here we are, four months hence and Wagner’s star is rising. While he still may not be everyone’s vision of a Norwich City head coach of the future, in the here and now he’s earned the respect of just about everyone of a yellow and green hue for what has happened in 2024. That, in doing so, he’s recently overseen a win over Ipswich certainly did his street cred no harm.

And there’s more. All of the angst around our majority owners and their questionable ability to run the club has been shelved for the time being. Even their most vociferous critics have put on hold their gripes and concerns while a promotion charge is ongoing. Delia’s “20 per cent of our fanbase are whingers” rant has also been temporarily overlooked.

All of these positives are, of course, related. Little would have changed without the transformation on the pitch but, as things stand, we are all currently in the grip of operation play-offs. An 'operation' that's been a while coming.

Not since back in 2001-02 – when we sneaked into the play-offs and lost in the final to Birmingham (in Cardiff) – have we been in this position. Since then, it’s been either automatic promotion, just missing out on the automatics, or missing out on the top-six altogether by some considerable margin.

This is different. From being outsiders for the top-six, this good run has gradually hauled us into the play-off picture and, thanks to all of the above, we’ve stayed there… so far.

There is still work to be done, but even if we somehow conspire to miss out, few expected this season to still be ‘alive’ when we reached game 46. And it will be.

Like I said, weird old times.

Never mind the danger…

BBC Radio Norfolk's Scrimmage panel discussed the impact midfielder Gabriel Sara has had this campaign.

The Brazilian is many supporters' pick for player of the season and he's already made it to the Championship team of the season.

You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds here.

BBC Radio Norfolk's fanzine show The Scrimmage discussed how Norwich should approach the Premier League, if (big IF!) they get promoted at the end of this season.

Special guest was author and City fan Ed Couzens-Lake.

How do you think the Canaries would get on back in the top flight? Have your say here.

You can listen to the full Scrimmage podcast on BBC Sounds here.

This league table shows exactly how good Norwich City have been so far in 2024.

It includes results from 1 January 2024 to now.

The Canaries would be in contention for a Championship automatic promotion place, with Leeds leading the way.

What do you make of the job David Wagner has done for City in 2024 so far? Get in touch here.