In 2004/5, we picked up results here and there, looked to have a chance at Xmas

But we weren't being properly managed. Far too undemanding, far too leaky all over the pitch, far too soft. The inevitable post-Xmas slide followed; I resigned myself to relegation after the Man City game. And even though we revived, we still blew it.

After the Fulham game, a Man Utd fan called up 606 and said: "What's this about Norwich having had a great attitude all season? They've had a terrible attitude. They've been defeatist". He was right. And I was livid: that squad should have finished 17th, it absolutely had the talent to do so.

Compare then with now. This squad is a lot less talented and has to work harder for every point it gets - but it's being properly managed. The attitude is very good. The manager is extracting the maximum.

He's dead right to have rested Wes today. We need him for the biggest game of the season. But this isn't 2004/5. It'll be tight right til the end... but this time, we can do it. And the psychological boost Everton just gave us should help the players too.

We're not in the bottom 3 tonight. Alex Neil can ensure we're not in the bottom 3 after 38 games either.

Posted By: thebigfeller, Dec 26, 19:56:21