Lots of Norwich City fans spotted a very familiar face in the Carrow Road Lower Barclay on Saturday.
Onel Hernandez took his place amongst the supporters to watch the Canaries draw 2-2 with Swansea.
Scrimmage co-host Chris Reeve was with him and tells the inside story of how it all came about.
You can listen to the full Scrimmage podcast on BBC Sounds here.
Here are some of your thoughts on the Canaries' push for the Championship play-offs, with the team on the brink of securing their place. They just need to avoid defeat at Birmingham on Saturday (12:30 GMT) to confirm it:
Simon - We are 95% there with the goal swing that’s needed to miss out if we lose. Stranger things have happened in football so wouldn’t want to see a weaker team played. Let’s go into the play-offs on the back of a solid away win.
Lee - Norwich are in the play-offs, no doubt about it. It’s irritating that we haven’t made mathematically certain of it in our last two home games but we are all but there. I don’t see us winning them but if we do I fear for another humiliating season in the Premier League. We have made progress this season and the fans are more positive about the club.
Andy - Regardless of the score at St Andrew's, I cannot see there being an eight goal shift. On this basis I'd not play Sargent, Sara or Rowe who are most likely to be pivotal to the play off push.
Danny - So, City in the play-offs? Have we made it? Pretty much home and dry I reckon!! However, realistically should we go up? Don't get me wrong, a Prem season would be amazing again but we would definitely need a major financial input and need to have a shake up with the squad. Especially if we are selling Sara and Sainz!! Let's see what happens, buh!!
Andrew - What a weird season. We have been so very poor for large chunks of it, and so very good in others, it feels odd to be in this position. I think Hull will win their last game so we need that point, but more importantly, we need to win to see us against a now struggling Southampton, rather than the loser of the automatic shootout. I think we do it.
Rob - Rest players? Please, no. That would be an insult to Birmingham and other teams. We need to play our best game, win and carry the confidence into the play-offs.
Buster - My main concern if City do go up to the Premier League is that they would sell their best players before a ball is kicked. That would seriously weaken the team. They should keep the squad together until January, and then assess the team’s results.
Gilles - Of course Norwich will be in the play-offs. Their goal difference is to high for Hull to overcome them. It's almost impossible for Hull to catch up Norwich, and go in the play-off. 100% sure!
Image source, Getty ImagesSteve Sanders, @ncfcnumbers, external
Cards on the table. This week’s column was going to be a homage to the winner of the Barry Butler trophy, Kenny McLean. But if the pre-match trophy handout was the Lord Mayor’s show then Saturday’s game itself was very much, well, after it for Norwich City’s captain.
Instead, let’s reserve the words for the guy who came second in awards season and who took centre stage on Saturday: Gabriel Sara. (If there’s a way of assuaging my guilt of not voting him as Player of the Season, maybe a 500-word tribute will do it…)
The Brazilian put on an exhibition against Swansea. The Canaries had 27 shots across the game and Sara was involved in some capacity – whether by shooting or playing the two passes leading up to a shot – in 16 of them. His nine key passes (passes setting up a shot) were a joint record for a Norwich City player in a single game in the last ten years.
One of those nine helped Josh Sargent to his 16th of the season, and that was after Sara had notched – understatement incoming – a pretty decent goal of his own. He’s making strikes from distance look routine but, in case you need reminding, they’re really not. That’s four goals from outside the area for Sara in his last 12 games. Only two Championship players have scored more than four from further out than 18 yards all season.
That left foot now has six from outside the box for Norwich City, as many as Wes Hoolahan’s and Robert Snodgrass’ left pegs achieved. Sara is now behind only Bradley Johnson and Mario Vrancic (who both got seven) for long-distance left-footers this century.
But pick any body part you like – it’s been a stupendous season all round for Sara. He has, of course, started every single league game alongside McLean, and this weekend joined a true ‘hitters only’ club of Darren Huckerby, Grant Holt and Emi Buendia as Norwich City players to have both scored and assisted 12 goals in a league campaign since 2000.
All told that’s a total of 37 goals and assists in 93 games, a rate of one every 2.5 matches. Of Norwich City midfielders to have played more than 50 games in the last 25 years, only Buendia and James Maddison contributed goals with more regularity.
His overture against Swansea was the display of a man who looked like he desperately didn’t want this to be his last game at Carrow Road, and his two goal contributions have now virtually ensured a packed house there on Sunday 12th May.
If that is the date for the final time we see Sara at the Carra (in yellow at least), then let’s savour it. The ‘best we’ve ever seen’ line was fanciful when his chant first surfaced a year ago. With every passing week it seems less ridiculous.
Don't miss The Scrimmage podcast this week.
Rob Butler has been along to the On The Stall City collector's fair in Norwich.
Chris Reeve gives BBC Sport his first reaction to the Canaries' draw against Swansea on Saturday.
He will join Rob Butler for The Scrimmage on BBC Radio Norfolk from 18:00 GMT on Monday.
You can download the podcast version on BBC Sounds here from around 19:30 GMT on Monday.
Image source, Getty ImagesNorwich drew 2-2 with Swansea in the Championship on Saturday
Norwich City need to avoid defeat at Birmingham City on Saturday (12:30 GMT) to seal their place in the Championship play-offs.
Even if the Canaries lose, Hull will need to win and score a hatful of goals at Plymouth to force their way into the picture.
Are City home and hosed in your opinion?
Do you think there's any chance of Norwich not making it?
Would you rest key players at St Andrew's?
How are you feeling ahead of the play-offs (if City get there)?
Get in touch here with your thoughts.
Take a trip up the Carrow Road gantry with BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Goreham, Rob Butler, big Josh Sargent and Bear the dog.
Image source, Getty ImagesHere's the answer to our latest Canary quiz question.
First, a reminder of the teaser posed by BBC Norfolk's Chris Goreham:
The son of which former Norwich City player could line-up against the Canaries for Swansea at Carrow Road on Saturday?
The answer is Oli Cooper. He started the game in the 2-2 draw on Saturday.
His father is former City loanee Kevin Cooper.
Well done if you got the correct answer.
Norwich City are on the brink of confirming a Championship play-off place.
Hull's draw with Ipswich on Saturday night means the Canaries will finish in the top six barring an improbable goal difference swing.
Earlier on Saturday, City drew 2-2 with Swansea at Carrow Road. Dean Ashton was BBC Radio Norfolk's summariser, here are some of his thoughts at the final whistle:
"I think they are disappointed - the supporters - because they've seen enough moments in the game where if that final pass or bit of quality was there, I think they would have won the game pretty comfortably.
"It got very nervy in that second half and it's something those players have to deal with. But ultimately it's about getting points on the board, it's about getting into a position where you say to Hull City: 'Go on then, go and win your last two, are you good enough to go and do that?'. I'm not sure they are going to be."
He continued: "We might look at the end of play today and say that this is a good point."
Well, Dean was spot on as the Canaries' destiny is still in their own hands. They need to avoid defeat at Birmingham City on the final day of the season to guarantee a play-off place.
You can hear more from Dean Ashton on Canary Call with Phil Daley here.
Jacob Bowles and his family run a shop in Norwich called On The Stall City.
They sell Canary merchandise in order to raise money for charity.
Rob Butler asked Jacob to show us some of his favourite items.
Norwich City have lost just two of their last 16 home league games against Swansea City (W11 D3), though the Canaries did lose this exact fixture last season 3-0
Swansea City have won each of their last two league games against Norwich City and will be looking to record three victories in succession against this opposition for the first time since December 1936
Since the turn of the year, only Leeds United (45) have won more Championship points than Norwich City (38). They are also one of two teams unbeaten at home in 2024 (W8 D2), along with East Anglian neighbours Ipswich Town
Swansea City have won their last three Championship matches, keeping a clean sheet in each victory. The Swans last registered four wins in a row without conceding in February and March 2008 in League One under Roberto Martinez
In their 4-0 victory at Huddersfield Town, three Swansea substitutes scored (Jerry Yates, Jamal Lowe and Liam Walsh). It was only the sixth time in Championship history that three subs had scored for a team in a match and second time this season, which was also against Huddersfield (Southampton in February)
A win for Norwich City against Swansea on Saturday will all but guarantee a place in the Championship play-offs.
Head coach David Wagner says he's happy to have clarity about what his team need to do.
You can listen to full live coverage with BBC Radio Norfolk on FM, DAB and Freeview from 14:00 GMT.
BBC Radio Norfolk's Rob Butler chats to Andy and Jacob Bowles who run On The Stall City, a shop which sells Canary merchandise to raise money for charity.
They are hosting an NCFC collector's fair at The Forum in Norwich on Sunday 28 April from 10:00 GMT.
Image source, Getty ImagesChristian Fassnacht is Norwich's 4th joint top scorer
Susannah George
The last time Norwich City played on Saturday 27 April was five years ago. For those who may not recall, this was the day when we secured automatic promotion against Blackburn Rovers. We all know how beautifully the season ended, with the Canaries being crowned champions.
Norwich City’s hallmark that season was their unwavering ability to score last minute goals, and there were plenty to be had, in fact the 31 late goals comprised 33% of our total that season. Now whilst autos is not on the table this season, and our goal tally following the 75 minute mark is only half of that of the 2018/19 season, we have still demonstrated sufficient resolve and stamina to re-create some of those magic moments. Approximately 50% of our late (post 75 min) goals this season – if my calculations are correct- went on to be determinative and translated into points.
As the pressure mounts heading into our final games and hopefully playoffs, whilst in theory we have more than sufficient talent to put games to bed early, if we find ourselves looking to grind out a win, who are we looking to?
Given the overall stats you could be forgiven for assuming Rowe, Sargent, Sainz, Sara and even Barnes are the “likely candidates”. However, upon closer inspection, it transpires that when we focus on the post-75 minute mark goals this season, those leading the charge are in fact Adam Idah and Christian Fassnacht.
With Idah on loan, perhaps Fassnacht is the secret weapon we are looking for in the final moments of the upcoming games against Swansea and Birmingham. Fassnacht is our joint 4th highest scorer alongside Sainz, Idah and Barnes. If my sources are correct, in terms of goals per 90 he actually betters Sainz, Barnes and to my surprise, Gabriel Sara.
Me along with some of my fellow lower Barclay season ticket holders have often likened Christian Fassnacht -with his style of play, execution and intelligence - to former Norwich City player (and legend) Marco Stiepermann.
Now aside from the date symmetry and the fact we were also playing at Carrow Road, it was interestingly Marco Stiepermann who teed up that win on Saturday 27th April 2019. I for one am therefore 'fassnachted' (it had to be done) to see whether Christian can achieve similar heights. If we need a hero when the clock hits 60 minutes, he is the sub I am calling for.
Time for our pre-match quiz, and we have a corker for you.
BBC Norfolk's Chris Goreham asks:
The son of which former Norwich City player could line-up against the Canaries for Swansea at Carrow Road on Saturday?
Thanks for all the Norwich City questions you sent in for BBC Norfolk's Chris Goreham and Rob Butler.
They headed to the On The Stall City shop in the city centre to answer some of them in the first ever Canary Questions.
Matthew Soakell, North East Canary
There’s a lot to be positive about right now if you’re a Norwich City fan. We’re sixth in the league, with every chance of finishing fifth, meaning our season will likely be extended by two games at least; we’re all celebrating what a wonderful season Kenny McLean has had and why he’s rightly been awarded Player of the Season; and Mark Attanasio’s Norfolk FB Holdings group has formally been announced as joint majority shareholders of the club.
Whilst some fans might wish Attanasio had even more say and influence, the club has gone about things the right way, gradually integrating the Attanasio’s into the fold and it certainly seems like the family has bought in - in every sense of the word.
Looking at matters on the pitch, we’ve got Jonathan Rowe back and getting minutes in the legs, with the 20-year-old this week being named Young Player of the Season - again, rightly so! There was a palpable buzz when he started warming up last week and he received a fantastic ovation from the Carrow Road crowd when he was brought on in the 56th minute.
Some would argue Gabriel Sara should’ve been named POTS, and I can make a case for that, but irrespective of awards and nominations, the Brazilian has been superb this season and played a key part in Borja Sainz's equalising goal against Bristol City. He’s another reason to be positive; having someone like Sara in your side going into the play-offs is huge.
Then there’s Angus Gunn, who put in a brilliant performance to keep Bristol City’s goal tally down to just one last week. Arguably the best keeper in the Championship, City fans love having one of their own and the son of a club legend between the sticks.
So with all of this factored in, and without wanting to sound like I don’t care what happens regarding the play-offs, it finally feels like most of the sentiment around Norwich City is well on it's way to being back to it's positive best - both for players, staff and fans - whether this season is deemed a success or not.
Should we fail to finish in the top six, Ben Knapper will have a decision to make regarding David Wagner’s position as head coach, but irrespective of who’s in charge and what happens between now and the end of May, it feels like we’ve overcome the winter blues and a bright summer lies ahead.
Canaries head coach David Wagner says supporters got their Player of the Season votes spot on.
Kenny McLean has won the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy for the first time, Wagner says he deserves it:
Norwich City announced this week that changes to the boardroom had been rubber-stamped.
American businessman Mark Attanasio and his Norfolk FB Holdings group are now joint majority shareholders alongside Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones.
Here are some of your thoughts on the changes:
Mike - I would like to see a tough CEO appointed and Delia/Michael moved to 'Life Presidents'.
Bloxham - The Attanasio's made the Brewers - an unfashionable baseball team, without huge access to cash - into an over-performing one. It's therefore a great fit, especially as Norwich has already significantly outperformed it's financial position over the last 20 years. Thank you Delia/Michael for keeping the club healthy, now let's see where we can get to.
Gary - Hopefully good news but time will tell. We know Attanasio and co are not coming in with a Forest-style open chequebook, but hopefully, at the very least, what they will bring will be a far more professional approach to competing in elite level sport. High level change is long overdue, along with some financial oomph and some proper strategic planning.
Phil - I think this is really positive news for my club. Delia and Michael have done an amazing job for the club, we owe them a huge debt of gratitude, but it's time for a change and fresh impetus. The club had stagnated with nobody really making the tough decisions, recruitment has been poor. We need to get to the next level. I hope we remain self funding, though.
Norwich City club captain Grant Hanley could be back for the game against Swansea City in the Championship on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Head coach David Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk that he's happy to have the Scottish international back in the mix, the defender has been out of action since early March 2024:
Norwich City head coach David Wagner has been speaking to the media ahead of the Canaries' match against Swansea City in the Championship on Saturday (15:00 GMT). Here are some of the key points:
Grant Hanley could be back in the squad for the Swansea game, he's been out since early March 2024. The head coach says a decision will be made on Friday
Jonathan Rowe had a precautionary scan following the Bristol City draw but has been given the all-clear and is available for Saturday
Wagner says Dimitris Giannoulis should be back in full training soon, but won't be involved against the Swans
The head coach says it's good his team has clarity about what they need to do to ensure they make it to the Championship play-offs. City have two games left
"If a player needs extra motivation for this game on Saturday, he is not from this planet!" Wagner says his players are aware of how important the next game is
On Kenny McLean winning the Player of the Season award, Wagner says the Scotsman would have got his vote too
Image source, Getty ImagesNorwich City midfielder Kenny McLean has been named as the Player of the Season for 2023/24 season.
The Scotland international has started every Championship league game for the Canaries this campaign.
He told the club's official website: "Obviously, I'm really happy with the award and the fact that the fans have voted for me to win it is pretty nice.
"We had a few candidates, which is good and means it's been pretty good, especially recently. It's great, and I appreciate all the support we've had, for me personally, and for the team throughout the season."
Gabriel Sara was second in the voting, with Josh Sargent third.
