Norwich City

Norwich City head coach David Wagner has been speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion (15.00 GMT).

Here are some of the key points:

• Wagner says confidence is improving following two wins in a row

• Danny Batth and Dimitris Giannoulis are both set for scans on injuries. Batth is definitely out of Saturday’s game

• Grant Hanley is still out with back problems but will return to team training next week. Adam Forshaw is fit to return

• Wagner said he’s happy with Jacob Sorensen’s return, he played the full 90 minutes in the FA Cup win at Bristol Rovers

• With big games coming up, Wagner said he’s excited about what’s to come but will not look beyond West Brom

• The Baggies are tough to break down according to Wagner. The two sides met on Boxing Day 2023 with WBA winning the game 1-0.

Norwich City midfielder Jacob Sorensen is fit again following a long spell out out with injury.

The Dane played 90 minutes in the FA Cup third round replay win at Bristol Rovers. It was his first full game for City this season.

Sorensen started the game in his preferred central midfield position but reverted to a central defensive berth in the first-half following the withdrawal of Danny Batth through injury.

Sorensen's contract is up in the summer of 2024 (with an option to extend it for a year) and he says he's keen to impress head coach David Wagner so he can stay at Carrow Road:

"I would be lying if (the contract situation) wasn't in my head. It's up in the summer so I am running out of time.

"Hopefully I can stay fit now for the next half a year and then we will see what goes on from there," he said.

You can listen to a full interview with Jacob Sorensen here.

Che Wilson's verdict on Bristol Rovers 1-3 Norwich City

Che Wilson is a former Norwich City and Bristol Rovers defender and he was the guest summariser on BBC Radio Norfolk's coverage of a 3-1 FA Cup win for the Canaries.

Here's his full-time summary:

"David Wagner will be really happy to negotiate through this fixture, but it was far from vintage."

He continued, "They gave themselves a lot to do. The first half was certainly less than desirable. They didn't really change too much in the second half, they just upped the energy levels and started running in behind Bristol Rovers.

"It's just simple willingness to run off the ball. So, I think there will be questions asked and they will be analysing the match and assessing it.

"There's still work to do but they will be really pleased that they are going to Anfield in the next round," he said.

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

You can watch video highlights of the game here.

Opinion: A game, maybe a season, of two halves?

Matthew Soakell, North East Canary

Rather remarkably, Norwich City have made an unbeaten start to 2024. Granted we’ve only played four games, and really it should’ve been three had we taken care of Bristol Rovers at home. Okay, we were lucky to get a point against Southampton and fortunate to beat Hull City but - stay with me now - we’re unbeaten in four, into the fourth round of the FA Cup and are starting to, dare I say, win ugly.

I appreciate that’s quite possibly the most optimistic spin you could put on Norwich’s first four games of this calendar year, but last week I wrote that I "have some cause for optimism about the second half of this Championship season, irrespective of who is in charge". Winning in a third round FA cup replay at a League One club isn’t exactly a cause for huge celebrations, but winning is a habit and it’s hopefully a habit this group of players can quickly get used to.

Victory last Friday night in Hull probably came as a surprise to some Norwich fans given the Tigers’ home record and league position this season. Whilst David Wagner certainly had Angus Gunn to thank for securing all three points, the optimist in me wonders if avoiding defeat to Southampton on New Year’s Day, and therefore four points from two tricky league games, is more justification for positivity and optimism.

Have Norwich played brilliantly in either of those games? Frankly, no. Despite Ben Knapper saying he wants to see attacking football, fans certainly haven’t been overly entertained of late, but given that a change of head coach doesn’t seem likely anytime soon, it can be argued that the best thing for us fans to do is separate our frustrations over the club’s decision making from our contributions in term of support from the stands.

Let’s hope that like Wednesday’s game of two halves (a 3-1 win at Bristol Rovers), this season can have an exciting, positive turnaround. Regardless of who’s in the dugout or who’s in the boardroom, the lads on the pitch will undoubtedly benefit from support of the Norwich faithful.

One shirt. One football team. One City strong.

Norwich City will play Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday 28 January (14.30 GMT).

The Canaries overcame Bristol Rovers in a third round replay, it finished 3-1 to City at the Memorial Stadium.

It’s freezing cold but the FA Cup third round replay between Bristol Rovers and Norwich City is on.

You can listen to live commentary with BBC Radio Norfolk on FM, DAB and BBC Sounds here.

Image source, Getty Images

Norwich City do not have a good recent record in FA Cup replays. Here's some stats ahead of the game (provided by OPTA):

• Bristol Rovers have progressed from both of their FA Cup ties against Norwich, doing so in 1912-13 after two replays (second round), and a 2-1 third round win in 1963-64

• Norwich have won their last two away games against Bristol Rovers, with this their first such visit since a 3-0 victory in League One in May 2010

• Bristol Rovers haven’t reached the FA Cup fourth round since 2007-08, going out at this stage of the competition five times since then

• Norwich have progressed from three of their last four FA Cup third round ties, though they did go out at this stage last season against Blackburn

• Norwich City have been eliminated from their last five FA Cup ties that have gone to a replay, with all of these coming in the third round between 2007-08 and 2017-18

Norwich City head to the Memorial Stadium for an FA Cup third round replay against Bristol Rovers on Wednesday (19.45 GMT).

The winners will face Premier League Liverpool in the fourth round on Sunday 28 January (14.30 GMT).

David Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk that his side would love a trip to Anfield but beating League One Rovers is a tough task, the two sides drew 1-1 at Carrow Road on 6 January.

Image source, Shaun Whitmore/BBC

Opinion: 'Maybe, for one window only, boring is the way to go'

Gary Gowers, My Football Writer - Norwich City, external

I’ve learnt to my cost in the recent past that it’s unwise to get too disdainful over City’s lack of transfer activity before a window closes. The scope to end up with egg on your face is immense.

So it is with caution that I question whether David Wagner’s suggestion that his squad will look “very different” after the window was little more than a line thrown out to placate the fans.

As things stand, only two minor bits of business have been done – Hwang Ui-jo back to Forest following the termination of his loan spell and Tony Springett on loan to Northampton for the rest of the season. And that’s it.

Even the rumour mill has given the Canaries a wide berth. Occasionally we may get mentioned briefly in one of those 'Norwich City are among a host of clubs interested in so and so’ type rumours but, as City fans well know, rarely do we emerge with a new player when in competition with others.

If that fact wasn’t made clear to new sporting director Ben Knapper during his induction day then he’ll soon learn, because being in charge of recruitment at Norwich City is a tough old gig as numerous ex-employees would testify.

The reasons are numerous but the big two are the club’s perceived location (even though it’s less than two hours from London), and the fact we are supposedly perpetually skint (for which I have no mitigation).

Put those two things together and the only logical conclusion is that for the club to lure anyone of note to Norfolk in this window, a prized asset or two - I’m talking Gabriel Sara, Jonny Rowe, Josh Sargent and Angus Gunn - would first need to be sold.

And, yet, those four players should be the spine around which a new, progressive Norwich City side is to be built – the one Knapper spoke about when he first arrived.

Lose one or more of those four players and you raise a few million but you also have a much weaker team. And, from experience, we know that rarely does all of that revenue make its back way into the transfer kitty. Those pesky day-to-day running costs also need addressing.

So, tricky… right?

Maybe, for one window only, boring is the way to go.

Good luck Mr Knapper!

Image source, Getty Images

Former Norwich City winger Robert Snodgrass has announced that he has retired from playing.

Snodgrass revealed on social media that he is calling time on a career that spanned 20 years.

He joined the then top-flight Canaries from Leeds United in July 2012 and spent two years at the club before leaving to sign for Hull City in 2014.

The Scotland international was named player of the season for the 2013/14 campaign and scored seven goals in 34 appearances as City were relegated from the Premier League.

He went on to play for West Ham United, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Luton Town and Heart of Midlothian.

Image source, Darren Doggett

Thanks to Norwich City supporter Darren Doggett who sent us pictures of a wonderful piece of Canary archive.

It's the programme from a game against Bristol Rovers which took place on 5 May 1934 in Division 3 South at The Nest (the ground Norwich played at prior to moving to Carrow Road).

The Canaries had won the title that season and were set to take their place in Division 2 for the first time.

Here's how the two teams lined up that day (the game finished 0-0):

Image source, Darren Doggett

There's a fantastic description for the Norwich goalkeeper Norman Wharton:

"His great joy is to meet a forward who does not know him and tries to rush him through the goal. No forward has ever tried twice."

Image source, Darren Doggett

Finally, a word from then manager Tom Parker. He wrote about how important the supporters had been in that successful season.

He said, "I finish the season as I began. At the start I said the team spirit with the supporters is just as essential as with the team and events have proved this true."

Image source, Darren Doggett

Special thanks to Darren’s neighbour Peter for lending him the programme.

If you have any archive you'd like to share with us, please get in contact here and leave your email address.

Norwich City supporter Andy Wall suffered a cardiac arrest while watching the Canaries in August 2023.

On the Scrimmage he was reunited with one of the people who helped save his life - John Guymer from East of England Ambulance Service.

You can listen to the full programme with Rob Butler and Chris Reeve here.

David Wagner said he's "quite sure" that his friend Jurgen Klopp will be supporting Norwich City when they face Bristol Rovers in an FA Cup third round replay on Wednesday (19.45 GMT).

If the Canaries can beat the League One side, they will go on to face the Reds at Anfield in the fourth round on Sunday 28 January (14.30 GMT).

Norwich City head to Bristol Rovers for an FA Cup third round replay on Wednesday (19.45 GMT).

Head coach David Wagner has been speaking to the media ahead of the game, here are the key points:

• Jaden Warner is not available due to illness, but Adam Forshaw is fit for the game

• Grant Hanley will be back in team training next week

• Josh Sargent will be rested for the Bristol Rovers game, no new injury problems for him though

• Warner could be sent out on loan but Wagner said it's early in the window so decisions will be made in the coming days

• On Tony Springett's loan departure: "He didn't produce an end product in the opportunities he had." Wagner said the move to Northampton Town will benefit his career

• On potential transfer incomings: "At the minute, it's quiet"

• Wagner said he thinks it's a quiet transfer window so far in general, but it could "accelerate" at any time

• On the Bristol Rovers game: "We expect a very testing environment. Tight stadium, sold out, difficult place but the reward is clear. I'd love to go to Anfield." Wagner is looking forward to a reunion with old friend Jurgen Klopp if Norwich can win the replay. Premier League Liverpool await in the fourth round

• Wagner said he got a phone call from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp "5 seconds" after the fourth round draw was made

Presenter Gethin Jones shares the time he went on a stag do in Munich with former Norwich City midfielder Jeremy Goss.

Listen to Fighting Talk on BBC Radio 5 Live, Saturdays 11:00-12:00, and download the podcast on BBC Sounds.

Your comments on Norwich City's win at Hull

As usual we have had plenty of messages from people wanting to have their say on Norwich City.

The Canaries won 2-1 at Hull in the Championship on Friday.

On Wednesday they head to Bristol Rovers for an FA Cup Third Round replay.

Here are some of your recent comments:

Adam - Didn't really deserve to win. Boring football. Manager should go.

Grapeo - A win is a win. Nothing changes, Wagner still needs to go. Don’t see the point in signing anyone until we get a new manager.

Dave - I'm not changing my mind on Wagner, he needs to go. Although I expect the club to wait for the end of the season. His body of work over 12 months has been poor, and once his high-risk attacking format at the start of the season collapsed with no plan B and a couple of key injuries, we can all see how limited his coaching is.

Andrew - Feel like results are continuing to paper cracks. Need to reinvigorate our season by implementing emerging talents such as Lima and Aboh before they leave at the end of the season (such as Alex Matos before). Just one of multiple problems that the club continuously misjudges.

Freddie - Massive three points, and a determined performance full of grit. Didn’t make it easy for ourselves whatsoever, but when do we ever? Always looked dangerous when we went forward as well which was made clear with the two goals. Really hope it’s a turning point and we go into the game with West Brom with similar intensity, but we’ve fallen off before.

Kieran - My thoughts on Wagner after the win at Hull hasn’t changed, because it was a typical Wagner win. No team cohesion and discipline that’s ultimately bailed out by a few moments of individual quality. The scoreline could’ve been completely different had Gunn been sent off after smashing into Connolly, so it’s a win that just papers over deep cracks.

John - Love the fight shown, need Sargent, Rowe and Sara healthy and on pitch together for the rest of the fixtures. With that, hope is alive. Wagner, in my opinion, vilified arbitrarily by lifelong malcontents.

Ian - I actually enjoyed the game. I loved the grit we had on Friday. Putting in a tough tackle, picking up a booking, a bit of fight with that added spark of quality. Yes, it wasn't pleasing on the eye, but it worked. If you can’t enjoy a 2-1 win away from home then I don’t really know what to say. Up the Norwich.

Max - A win shouldn’t paper over any cracks. We rely so heavily on individual quality and our only game plan is to sit back and protect whatever we have. We have so many gifted attacking options who are being stifled by Wagner, whose current style makes Chris Hughton look like Pep Guardiola.

Have your say on the Canaries at any time here.

Image source, Getty Images

The Scrimmage with Rob Butler and Chris Reeve is back on BBC Radio Norfolk (Monday, 18.00 GMT).

Tonight the chaps discuss Jonathan Rowe's impact since bursting onto the scene at Carrow Road.

Special guest is Canary fan Andy Wall who is recovering from a cardiac arrest. It happened after Jonathan Rowe had scored against Hull City on the opening day of the season in August 2023.

You can listen to the show on BBC Sounds here.

Image source, Northampton Town Football Club

Norwich City forward Tony Springett has joined League One Northampton Town on loan until the end of the season.

Springett is a Republic of Ireland under-21 international and has made thirteen appearances for the Canaries so far this campaign.

Cobblers manager Jon Brady had this to say about the capture of Springett:

"Tony is an exciting, attacking player who can play in the wide positions.

"He has been in and around the Norwich squad over the last couple of seasons and he also played for Derby a number of times last season."

Brady added, "He has a good pedigree and he adds depth to our squad in attacking positions.

"He has played in the Premier League, the Championship and League One so has a good pedigree and good ability and we believe he will fit in well in the excellent dressing room we have here."

Springett was on-loan at Derby County from January 2023 to March 2023 and made eleven appearances.