Rob Butler is joined by guest co-host Jack Reeve for this week's Scrimmage podcast.
The pair look back to defeat at Birmingham and preview the upcoming Championship play-off semi-final against Leeds United.
Plus, they are joined by Tim Merchant who had a very difficult day in the Midlands after watching the Canaries.
Head to BBC Sounds to download the podcast here.
Here's some more of your views on Saturday's defeat at Birmingham for Norwich City.
We also asked what you thought about David Wagner's post match comments, (his full interview is here):
Lorraine - I have been to worse away games, but it wasn't a great watch for the fans that had travelled to Birmingham and spent hard-earned cash. Then to hear Wagner's comments was a kick in the teeth. I left St Andrew's, not excited that we were in the play-offs, but disappointed that Wagner's tactics spoiled another day out.
Lenny - Last game of the season, happy to lose 1-0. The man’s a motivational and tactical genius! We got into the play-offs despite Wagner rather than because of him. I doubt we will go up but even if we do Wagner must be replaced in the summer if we are going to move the club forward.
Dave - Disappointing result and performance against Birmingham. A winning mentality is hard to beat and concerns over other recent games which have not been of high enough quality to secure all three points - Bristol (City) and Swansea. The crowd will be up, now just need the team to show what they are capable of as on their day they are brilliant. Come on you yellows!!
Darren - Wagner again made some significant tactical blunders, an ongoing trend that means he should not be the answer for NCFC next season. Success this season has seemed to be down to individual player’s ability, rather than quality management. I hope we win and go up, but either way Wagner has served his time.
Richard - We all know what Wagner meant - the main thing was qualifying for the playoffs and he achieved that. There is a group of fans who think they are somehow doing something noble by going to an away football match. You’re not. It’s entertainment. If you can’t cope with the possibility of a loss, don’t go. Spend some time with your family instead.
Here are some of your views on David Wagner's post match comments following the defeat at Birmingham on Saturday (you can listen to the full interview here):
Garry - WHO CARES? Every Canaries fan in the world, that’s who. OTBC.
Blue - I was at St Andrew's and the way Norwich played sucked the atmosphere out of the game. After 10 minutes, both sets of fans were quiet as it was horrible to watch. Slow backwards and sidewards passing with no urgency! Even after we conceded the players didn't seem bothered. Not a good way to go into the play-offs.
Kris - I was at St Andrew's and was really disappointed with Norwich’s lack of ambition in possession. Wagner intimated in the week that they would go all out to win the game and to hear his after match comments shows a complete disrespect to the fans who travelled to support the team.
Kevin - What an unprofessional thing to say when 2000 of your club's fans paid a lot of money to watch a game Wagner says he did not care about. He should be made to pay for them away fans tickets, in my opinion.
Terence - Absolutely it was the correct call. Nobody was going to put their body on the line. The importance was that everyone is fit and healthy for the play-offs. On current form we can beat Leeds over two games.
Paul - Disgusted by Wagner comments. "Who cares?" Us fans do David, particularly those who travelled up and spent their day and hard earned cash on a no show and a manager who treated it like a friendly and couldn’t care less! Not sure what he was trying to do? Needed take some momentum into play-offs - that’s all gone with a defeat preceded by two draws
There's a special guest co-host for The Scrimmage this week.
Jack Reeve sits in for Chris Reeve alongside Rob Butler. Here's his reaction to the defeat at Birmingham and the news that Norwich City will play Leeds United in the play-offs.
You can listen to The Scrimmage on BBC Radio Norfolk live at 18:00 GMT on Monday, or download the podcast version on BBC Sounds here after 19:30 GMT on Monday.
Image source, Getty ImagesNorwich City and Leeds United will face each other in the Championship play-off semi-final with both going into the game on the back of indifferent form.
The Canaries failed to win any of their final three games, and were beaten 1-0 at Birmingham City on Saturday. The Blues were relegated to League One despite that victory.
Leeds had a 2-1 reversal at home to Southampton on Saturday and have lost 4 of their last 6 games, they finished third in the table behind Premier League-bound Leicester and Ipswich.
After the game at St Andrew's, City head coach David Wagner had this to say to BBC Radio Norfolk:
"We don’t have the best squad but we do have the best team.
“The most important thing was that everyone stayed healthy. We had to manage our squad. It wasn’t great but to be totally honest, who cares?”
You can listen to the full interview with Wagner here.
What do you make of his comments?
Were you one of the 2200 fans who made the journey to the West Midlands?
Are you glad the Canaries took it easy in the sunshine at Birmingham with much bigger matches to come?
How do you think Norwich will fare in the play-offs?
Are you happy City are facing Leeds rather than Ipswich or Southampton?
Get in touch with BBC Sport here.
Image source, Getty ImagesChristian Fassnacht has made 21 appearances from the bench in the league this season
Here's the answer to our regular pre-match quiz.
First, a reminder of the question:
Which player has the most substitute appearances for Norwich City in the league this season?
The answer is:
Christian Fassnacht with 21 appearances.
The rest of the list is as follow:
Liam Gibbs - 18
Onel Hernandez - 17
Adam Idah - 16
Przemyslaw Placheta - 13
Norwich City are preparing for a Championship play-off semi-final over two legs against Leeds United, with the first leg taking place on Sunday 12 May (12:00 GMT).
The Canaries finished sixth despite losing their last game of the regular season 1-0 at League One-bound Birmingham City.
Former Norwich defender Darren Kenton was BBC Radio Norfolk's summariser, here are some of his thoughts on the defeat:
"They will be disappointed (with the defeat at Birmingham) as they can play better.
"Norwich knew it was going to take a massive swing for them to be out of the play-offs so I think that played on their mind really.
"They (Norwich) didn't really go for the game as much as they should have done but at the end of the day we are in the play-offs now, let's look forward to that. We (Norwich) know we need to be better than that because if it's against Leeds, that game will be a different story."
You can hear more from Darren Kenton on Canary Call with Rob Butler here.
Norwich City have qualified for the Championship play-offs despite losing 1-0 at Birmingham City on Saturday.
The Canaries will host Leeds United in the semi-final first leg on Sunday 12 May at 12:00 GMT. The second leg at Elland Road is on Thursday 16 May at 20:00 GMT.
Birmingham City have lost nine of their last 10 Championship meetings with Norwich City (D1), including each of the last six in a row
Norwich City have won three of their last four away league visits to Birmingham (D1), although the last time they lost was against Gary Rowett’s Blues in his first spell in August 2016, a 3-0 defeat
Birmingham have ended their last four league seasons with a defeat, losing to Derby in 2019-20, Blackburn in both 2020-21 and 2021-22 and Sheffield United last season. They last won their final league match of the season in 2017-18 with a 3-1 victory over Fulham
Norwich City have lost their final league game of the season in their last two seasons. They’ve not done so in more consecutive seasons since between 2004-05 and 2009-10 (six in a row)
Birmingham go into this match in 22nd place and could be relegated to League One depending on the result in this match. The last time they were relegated to the third tier of English football was in 1993-94
Susannah George
Many a Norwich fan will recall May 1985, and even those that don’t may have inherited a grudge against Everton - already Division 1 winners - owing to their surprising defeat to Coventry City which saw the Canaries relegated. Everton had already won the title before heading into that final fixture, and it’s hard to escape the allegation that the Toffees were suffering from classic on-the-beach mode. Norwich City once again being ever so slightly hard done by.
Whilst many of us would strongly prefer to be heading into this weekend having secured play-offs, the fact that we are going down to the wire has somewhat of a wholesome feel to it. Whilst all teams must technically field a full-strength squad, the underlying mentality or make-up of the subs bench can never fully eradicate potential bias if a team ends up with nothing to play for on the final day.
Aside from being wholly unsportsmanlike, not to mention ever so slightly disrespectful to the opposition, for Norwich City fans especially - who felt the keen sting of 1985 - such an attitude should be entirely unpalatable.
Football is never more exciting than when everything hangs in the balance, it is in those heart-racing, adrenaline pumping, breath-holding games that victory feels all the sweeter.
We are well placed going into the weekend, however Birmingham have plenty to fight for and we would be silly to underestimate their hunger for the three points, but for the reason above, I am glad that this is how the season will draw to a close, and in front of full-house away support no less.
For the match-pickers who selected Birmingham (A), of whom I know there are a fair few of you – my dad included - I can only assume that you are the die-hard faithful, the hopeless romantics and optimists who had faith that we would be ending the season with promotion, or potentially play-offs.
Let’s not forget, these match-pick selections are made pre-season before the die are cast. One may be slightly disappointed if the narrative of the season had concluded prior to this stage, depriving those faithful supporters of a potential full-force celebration.
To those supporters, the Birmingham (A) match-pickers – Bravo! I hope your belief rubs off on the players on Saturday and beyond. I am sure that the lads will put on a fantastic display to show you what your faith has purchased. As for the last-minute bid to secure play-offs… am I worried? Of course not, after all, never mind the danger!
Time for our regular pre-match quiz which has been devised by BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Goreham:
Which player has the most substitute appearances for Norwich City in the league this season?
Here are some of your views on the news that injured Ashley Barnes will miss Saturday's game at Birmingham and possibly both legs of the play-off semi-final if Norwich qualify:
Zak - I think Barnes will be missed, but at least it means we can bring Rowe back in without upsetting anyone! Push Sara to number 10, Rowe back out wide, job done.
Ivan - I can only assume his character on the pitch is integral as I can’t keep up with how many chances he’s missed. Get Sara in at 10 any day, with Hanley back and Duffy/McLean, we have enough experience on the pitch.
Delia - This enforced change will force City into playing their best 11. Sara can play behind Sarg with Rowe in Sara's usual position. I hope we can test this out against Birmingham. OTBC.
Kristan - Big loss. People will see what happens without him. He does the ugly stuff. Absolutely crucial component in recent success.
Reuben - He’s such an instrumental figure on and off the pitch. He’s transitioned into much more of a no. 10 under Wagner and has been crucial in matches this season.
Tants - He’s alright, wouldn’t say he’s vital. The view that he makes Sargent better is wrong, Sarge makes him better. Hopefully we can get the flair players going now. I like a 10 to be skillful and have vision. Not to be a grafter and put himself about.
Dave - Big loss, however as one door closes, another one opens. A big opportunity for Jonny Rowe to come into the side and make the difference.
Matthew Soakell, North East Canary
I’m not going to mention too many previous failures - final day or play-off related - other than to say that I remember that 6-0 pummelling at Fulham as being one of the flattest I’ve ever felt after a football match. I’m confident something like that won’t happen this weekend and it’s with heads held high and a swagger of confidence that Norwich City’s players, coaching staff and fans alike should head to Birmingham this weekend for the final game of the Championship season.
Okay, so it very likely won’t be our final game of the season, given the very strong likelihood that we’ll make 5th or 6th place, but before we even think about who we might be playing when our season extends, we have the small hurdle of a side battling relegation to overcome - or at least not mess up.
The Canaries haven’t lost to Birmingham City since 2016, with a total of 11 matches played in this time. With an inferior points tally and goal difference to Plymouth, who’re one place above them in the table, the Blues will be bang up for Saturday’s game, however now isn’t the time to worry about the opposition. David Wagner’s men must focus on themselves, play their own game and quickly quieten the home crowd. This isn’t exactly a side in form that we’re up against; Birmingham have only managed to produce back-to-back draws against Huddersfield and already relegated Rotherham in their last two games and without wanting to be disrespectful to Gary Rowett’s side, it’s a game we should be winning.
So let’s go to St Andrew's loud, proud and fully expectant. Let’s break our own back-to-back draw streak and go into the play-offs with some momentum and put fear into whoever it is we end up playing before a ball is even kicked.
On the ball, City!
Image source, Getty ImagesNorwich City head coach David Wagner revealed on Thursday that striker Ashley Barnes will miss Saturday's trip to Birmingham with a calf injury. He is likely to be out until the end of May.
This would potentially rule him out of a Championship play-off final, should the Canaries make it that far.
What do you make of this news?
How much of a blow is losing Barnes?
Should Sydney van Hooijdonk step up to replace him?
Or should Wagner shuffle his pack and maybe move Gabriel Sara to the number 10 role?
Get in touch with your thoughts here.
Norwich City head coach David Wagner has been speaking to the media ahead of the Canaries' final Championship match of the regular season.
Here are some of the key points:
Ashley Barnes has a calf injury and won't be available until a potential play-off final. He will definitely miss Saturday's game at Birmingham
Defenders Dimitris Giannoulis and Grant Hanley are back and can take part at St Andrew's
Wagner says Saturday is a good test ahead of the play-offs to get his players ready for competitive games. The Canaries need a point to secure their top six finish
The boss is happy that his players have to be switched on until the last kick of the regular season with plenty to play for
On City's season as a whole: "Ask me about it after Saturday, my answer will be fairer"
"Bring on Saturday, let's play the next one. The guys are super sharp" - Wagner issues a rallying cry ahead of a big game for his team
On Abu Kamara returning to the club after his loan at Portsmouth: "He gets some days off in Vegas, but he's too young to enjoy it!"
Image source, Getty ImagesNorwich City head coach David Wagner will speak to the media at 12:30 GMT on Thursday ahead of the Canaries' final game of the Championship regular season.
City need at least a point at Birmingham on Saturday to seal a place in the play-offs.
Wagner will provide an update on the status of striker Ashley Barnes. The 34-year-old came on as a substitute in the draw against Swansea on Saturday, but then limped off after just 14 minutes.
After the game, Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk that Barnes has been struggling with an calf injury.
Stay tuned to this page for updates from the presser later.
On this week's Scrimmage podcast, Rob Butler and Chris Reeve issued a rallying cry ahead of a season-defining Championship game at Birmingham.
The Canaries need to avoid defeat to guarantee a play-off place.
The Canaries face Birmingham City in the Championship on Saturday (12:30 GMT) knowing a point will secure a play-off place.
The Blues are desperate for the win to escape relegation to League One.
It's all set up to be an exciting last game of the regular season at St Andrew's in the second city.
Rob Butler and Chris Reeve were joined by broadcaster and Birmingham fan Will Brazier on The Scrimmage podcast.
You can listen to the full show here.
Gary Gowers, My Football Writer - Norwich City, external
First, there was that odd feeling of departing Carrow Road after the final home game of the regular season not knowing if you were bidding those around you farewell for the summer or just a couple of weeks.
Then Hull and Ipswich went and did the honourable thing, which was to conjure up a draw, and it felt (at the time) as if City were in one of those healthy, 'barring-a-miracle' type positions.
Alas, that feeling was short-lived. We support Norwich City, who have an unhealthy and uncanny knack for doing Norwich City things.
Those who were at Craven Cottage on 15 May 2005 will know what I mean. So too those who watched the disaster unfold live on Sky Sports (and listened on BBC Radio Norfolk, of course). If you dare transport yourself back to that day, the pain still gnaws away.
For those young enough and lucky enough to have been spared the excruciating pain of that west London afternoon, City played Fulham away on the final day of that Premier League season knowing a win, any win, would be enough for survival.
But not only did they lose. They lost 6-0.
So forgive me for coming over all clammy upon learning that Sky Sports have selected Birmingham City v Norwich City as one of their live games this Saturday.
*Gulp*
Back in the real world, the worst shouldn’t happen. City need to lose at Birmingham while Hull need to win at Plymouth and there needs to be a collective eight-goal swing in the Tigers' favour.
Impossible, right?
Except there are a few reasons why it isn’t.
First of all, let’s not forget that it was only 31 short weeks ago that this same group of City players went to Plymouth – current occupants of 21st place – and got thumped 6-2.
Nor must we forget that on the final day of the 2019-20 season, Nottingham Forest, who were in a similar position to City, blew a three point and five-goal cushion when beaten 4-1 at home by Stoke. As a result, Swansea, who won at Reading by the same scoreline, pipped them to the final play-off spot.
And then there was poor Northampton Town who went into the final day of the 2021-22 League Two season level on points with Bristol Rovers but with a five-goal superior goal difference as they battled for the final automatic promotion spot.
Despite winning 3-1 at Barrow, the Cobblers still missed out as The Gas crushed Scunthorpe 7-0 in the most bizarre circumstances. Unsurprisingly, Northampton proceeded to lose both of their play-off semis.
So let’s not get too complacent and think this is virtually a done deal. Hopefully, we emerge unscathed, but don’t be surprised if the two hours between 12:30 and 14:30 on Saturday are the most chaotic and nerve-shredding of the season.
Strap in. It could yet get bumpy.
