I've just spoken to Neil Doncaster

I'm not sure if many of you saw my post on here earlier today. A couple of you suggested that I forward it on to the Board for them to read, to know how some fans are feeling. I consequently sent an email with the text from my post.

A few hours ago I had a phone call from Neil Doncaster, the Chief Executive of Norwich City. He spoke to me honestly and openly about the situation at the club, for about 10 minutes. He asked me what were my opinions and views, and how would I go about improving the situation. After listening he then gave his counter argument, basically arguing for stability and saying the players still back Worthy. Interestingly he suggested that it would cost certainly in excess of ?1million to remove Worthy and replace him, and that effectively there would need to be a player sale for this to happen and new manager have funds to spend. We then debated these points for a while.
He then offered the idea that ultimately it was the players fault that we are in this position, and that there is only so much a manager can do. I raised the point that these were all Worthington?s players, and tat surely his signings must be viewed as failures. We had an interesting discussion about the qualities of the players signed ? and he conceded that the deal that we paid to buy Andy Hughes was actually in excess of ?1million pounds when wages are considered. This shows how the transfer fee you see are just the tip of the iceberg ? he was reported for joining for ?500k in the summer.

He concluded by saying that everyone still backs Nigel, including the players ? and that they always do what they think is right for NCFC. He said that they have proven they can make the difficult call in the past ? citing the gamble to sign Huckerby 2 years ago as one example. He said that if they did feel it right ? they would be prepared to bite the bullet.

To be honest we probably would have carried on talking but I thought I?d better let him get back to work!

All in all it was fascinating and unbelievable stuff, that the Chief Executive of a pretty major club would actually personally respond within an hour by phone, to have such a frank and honest discussion. Whatever happens what a fantastic board we have, can you imagine Peter Kenyon doing the same?! I still believe it?s time for a change, but I trust the board to do the right thing when they feel it is right themselves.

For the record ? the guys in the office heard me on the phone going into my ?norwich tone? probably thinking I was chewing over the cud with my Dad again. When they heard who I?d spoken to the could not believe it ? and were unanimous in their admiration for Doncaster for doing so. I should add that I live in Colchester ? so they are not fans too.

Summing up ? I may still feel the same ? but my love for the club is stronger than ever. We really are a great club.

OTBC

Posted By: canary_don on November 23rd 2005 at 17:49:47

Message Thread

Reply to Message

In order to add a post to the WotB Message Board you must be a registered WotB user.

If you are not yet registered then please visit the registration page. You should ensure that their browser is setup to accept cookies.

Log in