The think I cling onto with this season is the reset over the World Cup and

in particular looking at what Smith achieved with Villa after the lockdown in the premier league.

I did hope that Farke would do something similar with us over that lockdown but it went the other way.

With this lot though I just feel that after a month off we should have a fully fit Hayden, Dimi and McCallum back and match fit, Big Andy back and Smith and Shakey will have had a good 3 weeks at least with them on the training pitch to try and iron out some of the issues and build a more coherent style of play and some understanding.

I know all teams will have the same opportunity but for this Norwich side I feel it could be particularly important.

Which is why despite my misgivings about Smith and the way he has us playing (I would on balance prefer us to change coach but i don't think that will happen unless the next two games go badly) I still think we can make a run for that second place if (as it looks likely) we are within half a dozen points of the top 2 at the start of the World Cup.

Posted By: Jim, Nov 3, 12:17:52