Oppenents view: Norwich

Leading up to the clash between PNE and Norwich, PNE vital catch up with the thoughts of the Norwich fans.

Leading up to the clash between PNE and Norwich, PNE vital catch up with the thoughts of the Norwich fans. Thanks to Michael Bailey the Norwich vital editor.

Are you looking forward to the new season?

Yes, definitely. There have been a lot of changes at Carrow road during the summer and we will have a very different starting 11 to last year. Peter Grant has created his own side on paper. It’ll be interesting if it’s reflected on the pitch. He needs to sign a centre-back for the season kicks off really – all City fans a hoping this happens because it’s been a glaringly obvious weakness since last season.

How do you think Norwich will do this season?

I wish I knew. We have a stronger, deeper squad than last season. Even without Earnie and Dickson Etuhu. There is far more competition for places. If we get in the centre back and tighten up, we could at least slightly threaten the play-off places. If we haven’t tightened up, midtable obscurity once more.

Who is your star player after Earnshaw`s departure?

Huckerby remains a City legend and our quality man, but he’s expected to be out of the Preston game with a groin strain. He missed all of preseason. Dave ‘the striker’ Strihavka will be a quality signing, was the Czech league’s leading scorer last year, but he needs time to settle and learn English! Outfield will probably be Julien Brillier – free agent from Hearts. They loved him, but he may be short on match fitness having missed a lot of preseason. He will break up play and I think PG plans to build his whole side around him.
ANYWAYS, in reality, I expect our star man as the season kicks off, to be keeper David Marshall. Signed from Celtic for around £1m, he looks unstoppable (touch wood).

How do you think Preston will do this season?

I think you’ll do well to match last season’s performance. I like Nicholls in the middle, but I’m not sure you’ve replaced Nugent. You should end up in the top half though, and it’s never easy to go to Deepdale – especially from Norwich!

What do you expect the result will be on Saturday?

I expect a draw. It’s been a while since we won the first game of the season, and our away record over recent years has been appalling. But I’m hoping we’ll have tightened up, which probably means we’ll struggle to score.

Which team are you fearing the most this season?

It’s a tricky one this season. West Brom have a great chance as they’ve replace quality with other good signings. Charlton will do well too under Pardew. Then Wolves. But it’ll be tight this year. There will be lots of teams, like last season, in with a decent shout of the play-offs. Hopefully we’ll both be in that pack.


We will catch up with the views of the opposition fans again after the match.

Also we will try to catch up with the Morcambe editor before the Carling cup clash.