Norwich City

Sydney van Hooijdonk says he is proud of his famous footballing surname.

The Norwich City striker is the son of Dutch legend Pierre van Hooijdonk who had successful spells at the likes of Celtic and Nottingham Forest.

The 24-year-old joined the Canaries on transfer deadline day in January and is eager to be a part of the Championship play-off push.

Here's part two of our in-depth chat with Sydney van Hooijdonk, he was speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk's Rob Butler:

Norwich City striker Sydney van Hooijdonk says it was an easy choice to join the Canaries.

The Dutch striker is on loan from Italian side Bologna until the end of the season, so far he has made three substitute appearances.

The 24-year-old hasn't managed to score yet, but he does have an assist to his name.

van Hooijdonk has been speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk's Rob Butler:

You can watch part 2 of the BBC interview with Sydney van Hooijdonk on this page on Thursday.

Image source, Getty Images

On this day - 21 February 1985

Plans for what is now known as the Geoffrey Watling City Stand were announced.

The old Main Stand at Carrow Road had been destroyed by fire in October 1984.

The new stand opened in 1987, you can watch the BBC report here., external

What are your memories of the 1987 fire? Get in touch here.

Image source, Getty Images

Opinion: Is 'On the ball, City' sung too fast?

Gary Gowers, My Football Writer - Norwich City, external

Even folk who profess to know little about Norwich City, probably know two things about us. One, that we are 'owned' by Delia Smith, and two, that we have a song all of our own called, 'On the Ball, City'.

“The oldest, the greatest football song in the world”, is how Carrow Road's stadium announcer introduces it before kick-off before cueing us in with, in my opinion, a little-bit-cringy “3… 2… 1…”.

He’s right in saying it’s the oldest. No argument there. But the greatest?

I mean, it could be. Has potential to be. Probably should be. But in it's current guise, the greatest?

Hmm.

City fans of a certain age will know what I’m talking about; the younger generation will think (as ever) I’m talking a load of rubbish; those inbetween will probably not give two hoots.

But I refer, of course, to the speed at which said song is sung... which is breakneck.

We used to think that prime Darren Huckerby was the fastest thing to grace Carrow Road. Wrong. More recently, while Przemysław Płacheta failed to light up Carrow Road with his footballing skills, he had a turn of pace akin to Usain Bolt’s. But still he wasn’t the fastest thing at Carrow Road.

That prize firmly rests with 'On the Ball, City-2024 style'.

But it’s not just about the breakneck speed. If it was just about the tempo, we fifty-somethings could just about live with it. No, our biggest gripe is that the final line of the song isn’t even sung in its entirety. It's barely sung at all.

Such is the haste to get that final line out of the way and onto the “CITY… [clap, clap, clap], CITY… [clap, clap, clap]", that what should be, “Hurrah, we scored a goal” is now reduced to a stricken, indecipherable, “Hrarw'scdagul”!

No one, of course, expects it to be sung music hall style as it was in the first recorded version of the song – no way could that version survive the rigours of the 21st century – but we dreamers still believe it possible for Carrow Road and away grounds to echo to the sound that filled Wembley so beautifully in our two League Cup Finals back in the 1970s (it's on Youtube, have a look!).

Admittedly, this is a road we’ve been down before, and previous attempts to slow down the singing of OTBC and pleas for it to be sung in its entirety have failed miserably, but you just never know.

If David Wagner can start to win around the City faithful, which he appears to be doing, then anything is possible in NR1.

Never say never.

'City are hitting their straps at exactly the right time' - Your views

Most Norwich City supporters agree that the Canaries have a real chance of making the Championship play-offs with 13 games left to play.

Here's the latest comments you've sent to us:

Olly - If you had said are we play-off contenders before Christmas it would have been laughable. But our form in 2024 puts us right up there with West Brom and Coventry, both of whom we’ve beaten. It’s going to be tough, but our favourable fixtures should help. Sixth it is for me.

Max - Whilst signs are obviously positive at present, in the short reign of David Wagner we’ve seen the ability to go on runs and then capitulate at any moment! I’d love us to get to the play-offs, but I have a sneaky feeling our inconsistencies will see us finish just outside.

Canaryworf - City are hitting their straps at exactly the right time in the season, momentum is crucial at this time of year in any campaign; lose it and you're done mentally (eyes down the A140). Of course they can make the play-offs, whether they've got what it takes to overcome either Leeds or Saints in a big game scenario I'm not so sure, but you never know.

Ian - Best performance of the season against Cardiff by a long way. The attacking football on display and positive play was worth paying for and made the whole stadium unite. With Kenny McLean undoubtably player of the season at present the team looks and plays better with him playing out of the central defensive roll, allowing Nunez and Sara in central midfield.

Lorraine - We certainly aren't out of the running. If we can keep our players fit until the end of the season (and get Rowe back), there's no reason why we can't do it. However, we cannot afford to drop silly points like we did against QPR.

Tom - Our points average with Sargent playing is 2.28 per game which would give us 80 points by the end of the season if he stays fit, the average for finishing sixth is 73.84, we've played virtually everyone in the top 6 home and away, barring a trip to Leicester and at home to Ipswich - so we have every chance.

Norwich City's former head of sport science Dave Carolan was the special guest on The Scrimmage podcast.

He was at the club when Nigel Worthington was sacked as City manager in October 2006.

Carolan spoke about the pressure football bosses face in today's game:

Image source, Getty Images

Norwich City midfielder Gabriel Sara scored from a brilliant free-kick in Saturday's 4-1 win over Cardiff City.

He had a special celebration planned and after the game he told the club's offical X account what it all meant:, external

"We are expecting a little girl, probably she's going to be born in Norwich and we are really happy. So this goal is for her."

Congratulations to Gabby and his partner!

Josh Sargent has scored 10 goals in 13 league games for Norwich City. It's clear he's a talisman for the team.

But what makes him so good?

The Canaries' former head of sport science Dave Carolan had some answers on The Scrimmage:

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

Image source, Phil Greig

BBC Radio Norfolk's Norwich City fanzine show The Scrimmage is back at 18.00 GMT on Monday.

Rob Butler and Chris Reeve will be joined by the former Canaries' head of sport science Dave Carolan.

The chaps will be asking for your views on City's play-off hopes and looking back at a great 4-1 win over Cardiff on Saturday.

The podcast will be available here shortly after 19.00 GMT on Monday.

Norwich City fans had their say following the 4-1 win over Cardiff City on Saturday.

BBC Look East sport reporter Tom Williams asking the questions here:

Image source, Getty Images

Norwich City head coach David Wagner was in a good mood following the Canaries 4-1 win over Cardiff on Saturday.

It was a far cry from the previous Tuesday when he criticised fans for booing his substitutions - the negativity came despite a 4-2 win for City against Watford.

Here's what Wagner had to say on Saturday:

"I think it was another good performance today. There were a lot of positives apart from the result.

"In possession and without possession we looked very sharp, aggressive and energetic. We didn't concede one corner against one of the best set-piece teams in the league, which was very important.

"We stayed calm after we conceded, when we could easily have lost our heads. There was a fantastic atmosphere as well so it was a complete, top afternoon which we had."

You can listen to BBC Radio Norfolk's full interview with Wagner here.

Norwich City have a big few weeks coming up as their push for the Championship play-offs continues.

Lots of supporters will have their eye on two tough games in April against league leaders Leicester and arch rivals Ipswich, but before that the Canaries play five teams who are currently in the bottom half of the table.

How many points do you think City can get before they play in the second East Anglian derby of the season?

Get in touch here.

Can Norwich make the play-offs?

The Canaries have had a good start to 2024. They are unbeaten in the league at home and only goal difference is keeping them out of the Championship play-off positions at the moment.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on if you think they can make the play-offs.

Plus, just how good is Josh Sargent? The American international can't stop scoring for Norwich, where does he rank in all-time great strikers for the club in your opinion?

Send us your comments here.

Norwich City striker Josh Sargent is in a rich vein of form since returning from serious injury.

He added another two goals to his tally in Saturday's 4-1 win over Cardiff, that's now 10 goals in 13 league games this season.

Sargent is now averaging a goal for every 80 minutes he's on the pitch in the Championship during this campiagn.

Some supporters booed when he was taken off during Tuesday's win over Watford, Sargent said it was good to see that fans were totally behind the team during the Cardiff win:

You can hear Josh Sargent's full interview with BBC Radio Norfolk on Canary Call here.

Simon Lappin's view on Norwich 4-1 Cardiff

Norwich City scored four goals at home for the second successive match as they beat Cardiff 4-1 at Carrow Road in the Championship.

Former City midfielder Simon Lappin was BBC Radio Norfolk's expert summariser, here's what he had to say at full-time:

"It's no more than they (Norwich) deserve.

"An absolutely outstanding performance - to go and back-up a 4-2 victory in midweek with a totally dominant performance."

He continued, "David Wagner talked about 'drawing a line in the sand' and showing unity - you see that now with the players and fans, as well.

"An absolutely brilliant afternoon for the club, what a performance from Norwich City. Cardiff would have no complaints if it had have finished 6-1 or 7-1 given the opportunites they (Norwich) created.

"Going into that business-end of the season, who knows what can happen?"

You can listen to more of Lappin's thoughts on Canary Call with Rob Butler here.

Image source, Getty Images

Here's the answer to our pre-match quiz.

First, a reminder of the question set by BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Goreham:

When Norwich City played Cardiff City on the opening day of the 2022/23 season which two players made their Canary debuts?

The answers:

Danel Sinani and Liam Gibbs.

Well done if you got it right!

The kind folk at OPTA have provided some stats ahead of the Canaries hosting the Bluebirds at Carrow Road on Saturday (15.00 GMT):

• Norwich City have won eight of their last 11 league games against Cardiff City (L3), including each of their two against the Bluebirds under David Wagner.

• Cardiff have only won three of their 28 away league visits to Norwich, losing 71% of their games at Carrow Road (20/28).

• Norwich manager David Wagner didn’t win any of his five league games against Cardiff City when he was Huddersfield Town boss (D2 L3), but has won both in charge of the Canaries.

• Cardiff have lost four of their last five Championship matches, failing to score in three of those defeats, including their last two games.

• Since the start of December, only Blackburn Rovers (9) have lost more Championship matches than Cardiff City (8), with the Bluebirds netting the joint-fewest goals in that time (9, level with Rotherham).

Norwich City could head back to the top six of the Championship, if they can beat struggling Cardiff City at Carrow Road on Saturday (15.00 GMT).

Wales captain and Bluebirds’ midfielder Aaron Ramsey could make his first start for five months, the former Arsenal and Juventus player has recently returned after recovering from a knee injury.

Wagner says it will be a tough fixture:

Get your thinking caps on, it's time for another quiz question from the BBC's Canary commentator Chris Goreham:

When Norwich City played Cardiff City on the opening day of the 2022/23 season which two players made their Canary debuts?

Have a think and send us your guesses here.

Good luck!

Ahead of Norwich City's game against Cardiff (Saturday, 15.00 GMT) head coach David Wagner was asked about his comments following Tuesday's win over Watford.

Here's what he had to say:

Image source, Getty Images

Opinion: 'Should Norwich City fans be careful what they wish for?'

Matthew Soakell, North East Canary

We should’ve been buzzing after Tuesday night’s win over Watford, however the discontent was palpable, especially across social media. The main reason being David Wagner hitting back at the boos that met his 55th minute substitutions. His comments even had some saying he’d ventured into Dean Smith territory!

This got me thinking that from the outside-in the club might look OK; we’re pushing for the play-offs, we’re on a decent, unbeaten run and we should be really optimistic, right? What have Norwich fans got to complain about, and why on earth would they boo a couple of second half changes? There’s even a contingent of Norwich fans who are criticising fellow fans for booing during the game. It all feels very fractious at the moment.

The problems, however, run deeper than what some outsiders might think of as entitled fans or overly expectant whiners. Those of us who watch Norwich enough know David Wagner is fairly fortunate to still be in a job - even though the team are enjoying a good start to the calendar year. A lack of ruthlessness before the new year to change the head coach frustrated many and seemed to represent a general state of apathy around the club at large.

Those who booed Wagner’s changes didn’t decide to do so randomly. There’s been frustration at his tactical decisions for some time now, with many fans wondering what could be achieved with a more tactically astute head coach in charge. The domino effect of hypothetical 'what-if's' from here is a rapid one: what if we’d changed head coach in the summer or earlier this season? What if we’d made more of a go at staying in the Premier League previously? What if we had more financial backing? What if we’d been taken over by someone who could invest hundreds of millions?

In my opinion, from the top down, our business model is either outdated or naive - or both - and has been proven not to work, not if we want to compete as a top-flight club at least. The accounts released at the back end of last year don’t make for good reading and we’ll likely have to sell key players come the end of the season - yet again!

Fan frustration - aimed at the fact the club appears to be going backwards of late, most likely mixed in with the envy that smaller, yet better ran clubs (Brentford and Brighton being good examples) are having sustained Premier League success - is justified. So should Norwich City fans be careful what they wish for in terms of head coach, ownership and direction? I don’t think so. I think healthy ambition is necessary to avoid stagnation and stagnation is very possible where there’s apathy.

I love what Delia and Michael have done for the club, but what should've ended as a graduation could possibly end as a divorce.