An Interview with a Rival... Norwich City

Ahead of today’s match with Norwich we spoke to Adam Harvey, a Canary who’ll be hoping for a better season come August.

How long have you supported Norwich City?

I’ve supported Norwich since I was about 6 and in primary school due to influence of friends, so I’ve now supported them for over 12 years. I went to many Norwich youth\reserves matches before going to my first Norwich game in 2008 against Charlton a 1-0 victory.

What’s your favourite moment or era as a Norwich City fan?

Favourite era would be under Paul lambert who came in after a 7-1 defeat on the opening day against the club he was managing Colchester. He then took us to the league one title, before masterminding automatic promotion to the premier league before guiding us to a 12th place premier league finish with 47 points. A squad built on a small budget so was nothing short of miraculous. However my favourite moment would be the playoff final win at Wembley in the 2014/15 season after beating our bitter rivals Ipswich over the semi finals before beating Middlesbrough 2-0 in the final after they’d done the double over us in the season.

Tell us about a player you were proud to have on the back of a shirt?

A player I was proud to have on the back of a shirt would be Grant Holt, a man who we signed for 400k from Shrewsbury before going on to score 68 goals in 154 games. Despite fans having doubts of his credentials initially he scored goals at every level and was one of the main reasons we had so much success under Paul Lambert. He was the second highest English goal scorer in the premier league in 11/12 after Rooney.

What’s your most memorable moment playing against Leeds?

Most memorable moment against Leeds would be in league 1 when Chris Martin scored a dramatic late winner at Carrow Road to take us 11 points clear at the top ahead of Leeds. Revenge for the previous result at Elland Road.

Who do you need in the transfer market?

After a huge summer of change last year we never addressed the striker position and are still missing a proven goal scorer the reason we are currently 13th and not in the playoffs. With oliveria likely to leave in the summer, the striker search will be main focus for Norwich. A striker with pedigree of scoring goals in league one such as jack Marriott at Peterborough would be ideal.

What’s your realistic aim for the next season?

Norwich had a huge overhaul last summer and was branded a transition season, with everything changing from manager, players, backroom staff to taking the sporting director route with Stuart Webber previously of Huddersfield. Now that farke has had a season to get to the grips with the league, along with many players we are beginning to see glimpses of excitement for what’s ahead. If we sign a proven striker and have better luck with injuries. Myself and many Norwich fans expect to be pushing playoffs as a minimum.

Who in your mind is going to be promoted this season with Wolves?

Cardiff look too consistent for the other automatic spot so i fully expect them to go up. With Fulham going up via the playoffs, they’ve been the best side at Carrow Road this season with the exception of Wolves.

Can you name who will be relegated this season along with Sunderland?

As much as I hope they stay up I can’t see Burton surviving despite some huge results of recent weeks. I’m backing Barnsley to survive and Bolton to go down.

Who’s your danger man?

There’s only one man who poses danger to opposition and that man is highly rated attacking midfielder James Maddison. An England u21 international and for his first full season at championship level has been the reason Norwich are mid table and not relegation candidates. Scoring 15 goals along with many assists. Scoring the winner in the east Anglian derby, a hat trick away at Hull and scored many of his goals in 1-0 victories against teams such as Brentford, Middlesbrough and Bristol City. He’s won every accolade possible this season for his performances, with his profile now being tracked by all the big clubs.

Can you tell us about a rising star in the youth ranks?

One for the future who has broken through this season is Jamal Lewis a 19 year old left back. A man who was unheard of till farke took a likening too and brought him into the frame in pre season where he shone. However injury meant he didn’t get his chance till December making his senior debut against Brentford. He’s gone on to be our main left back, scoring a dramatic late equaliser against Chelsea in the fa cup replay at Stamford bridge and made his international debut for Northern Ireland last month against South Korea.

Prediction and scores for the game?

I’m predicting a 2-1 victory for Norwich with Wes Hoolahan scoring on his last ever appearance for Norwich after the news he’s leaving the club this summer a man who’s been an integral part of Norwich for 10 years and a legend of the club. Maddison to grab the other on the day he’ll inevitably get player of the season award. With Hernandez scoring for Leeds.

By Keith Ingham