Paul Lambert took charge of Norwich City FC just ten days after he demolished the Canaries on the opening day of last season with Colchester United with a 7-1 win at Carrow Road. A defeat that saw the sacking of Bryan Gunn despite a 4-0 win at Yeovil in the Carling Cup, from then Lambert and his men stormed to the League One title despite being 10 points behind Leeds United, Lambert quickly became very popular with the Carrow Road faithful. Securing promotion at Charlton with a 1-0 victory where they we're relegated to League One, and cliching the title in front of a packed Carrow Road with a 2-0 win against Gillingham.
Now getting the club back in the Championship first time of asking, the former Scottish international will look to get the Canaries flying again at a higher level and maybe just maybe reach the big time...
Norwich City will begin their Championship campaign against Cardiff City away, a tough start for the Canaries with Burnley at Carrow Road after a League Cup tie with League One side Crewe.
Paul, a tough start to the new season. Yeah every game is going to be hard, we'll hopefully get a good start to the season and build on it. Are you happy with your current squad, will you look to make any signings or get rid of some players? Im delighted with the set of players we have here, i will possibly look at a few targets to strengthen up area's. I may farm a few players out on loan but everyone is needed here, and deserve a chance. Jay DeMerit has been training with your squad, will he be signing for the club soon? Its a strong possiblitly he's impressed on trail so far, we'll look into it within the next few days. What will be the minimum you expect from your team this season? To stay up of course, mid-table would be respectable.
The transfer of American defender Jay DeMerit has gone through after spending a week on trail at Norwich, the former Watford player has made 158 appearances and scored 9 goals in his career he also played at the 2010 World Cup. DeMerit was delighted to sign the club: 'Im delighted to sign for a club like Norwich, it is a club on the up and i wanted to be part of the plans as soon as Paul said he was intrested in me. The support here too his brilliant to play infront of 25,000 people every week will be fantastic.' Paul Lambert also had a few things to say about his latest additon to the squad: 'He's a great defender, got some really good experience in the Championship obvouisly playing for Watford and at International level too. Hopefully he will provide competiton for the heart of the defence.' Jay will look to the likes of fellow country man Zak Whitbread to help settle in to his new club.
Bébé, the 19 year-old only recently signed for Manchester United, has been loaned out to Championship side Norwich. The Canaries fought off competition from League one side Swindon Town, Lambert is pleased with his new signing: 'He's a talented youngster not quite ready for the Premiership just yet, thats why he has been sent out on loan. Hopefully he can do a good job here for us and he will keep our strikers on their toes.'
Canaries off to a fairly slow start in pre-season
Canaries finished their friendlies yesterday and manager Paul Lambert is un-impressed by his team performances but reminded everyone pre-season is about fitness. 'Yes, we having played that well overall but some games we looked impressive, but really its all about match practice and valuable minutes for the players to prepare themselves for a long season ahead of them.'
Paul Lambert and his men will begin the season with a almost fully fit squad, new signing Jay DeMerit is ruled out with a knee injury. 'This game is going to be really really tough, the lads know it and all we can do is give it our best shot, DeMerit has a twisted knee he will hopefully be back in training next week. Stephen Hughes also picked up a knock in training but i think he will be OK."
Paul Lambert has decided to start new striker Bebe ahead of Martin and Jackson and on loan defender Barnett gets the nod ahead of Elliot Ward. Norwich City: Ruddy, R.Martin, Whitbread, Barnett, S.Smith (Drury 62), Gill, Surman, K.Smith, Hoolahan (McNamee 65), Holt (c), Bebe (Jackson 65). Cardiff City: Heaton, Blake, Hudson, Gerrard, Naylor (Quinn 72), Keogh, Koumas, Drinkwater (McNaughton 51), Olofinjana, Bothroyd (McPhail 45), Bellamy (c).
View attachment 106365 Championship Cardiff 1-0 Norwich C.Bellamy (61) Man of the match: A.Keogh 7.2
Cardiff grabbed a deserved win against Norwich on the opening day, Craig Bellamy grabbed the only goal when Andrew Keogh stormed past Russel Martin on the right and cut it back for Bellamy who is not going to miss from 7 yards out. Norwich could of grabbed a point when Matthew Gill's header hit the underside of the bar late on.
Lambert spoke to BBC radio Norfolk after the game.
What do you make of your team peformance? I thought defensively we looked solid, nothing we could do about the goal Keogh has bags of pace, something we lack in the side. Will you be looking to bring anymore players to fix your pace problem? If the right player is available, we'll obvouisly look into to it but pacey players cost money something this club doesnt have much of. Korey Smith picked up an injury late on, any news? Yep Korey looks quite a bad one, he twisted his ankle he should be back next month or so. Steven (Smith) also picked up a knock but he'll be OK.
Norwich will be without midfielder Korey Smith after his injury in the match on saturday, Jay DeMerit is still out with a knee problem and Steven Smith is expected to be rested to recover from a knock against Cardiff. 'These type of games are never easy, because they will be up for it. But we will looking to progess to the next round for sure. I will be making changes tonight, give the other players a chance to impress me.'
Only Zak Whitbread, John Ruddy and Wes Hoolahan are the only survivers from the 1-0 defeat against Cardiff. Ward and Crofts will be given their competitive debuts while Jackson and Fox will get their first starts for Norwich. Norwich City: Ruddy, Askou, Whitbread, Ward (c), Drury, Crofts, Fox, Lappin (Hughes 74), Hoolahan (McNamee 74), Jackson, C.Martin (Bébé 79). Crewe: Taylor, Shelly (Ada 45), Mitchel-King (c), Artell, Blanchett (Westwood 45), Downes, Powell, Bell (Tootle 59), McManus, Zola, Donaldson.
League Cup 1st Round Crewe 1-3 Norwich C.Martin (30)' W.Hoolahan (58)' R.Taylor (O/G 79) C.Donaldson (38)
Norwich secured their place in the second round after a comfortable victory over League One side Crewe, 8 changes from the last game Chris Martin opened the scoring with a great finish after good work by Lappin and Hoolahan. Crewe equalised 8 minutes later from a McManus cross, poor marking by Whitbread, Norwich regained the lead just before the hour mark when Hoolahan turned his defender and finished in off the post and the win was secured when Stephen Hughes 30 yard drive hit the post and hit the back of goalkeeper Taylor and in the back of the net.
How pleased are you with your team's performance and progessing to the next round? Brilliant performance, a few players impressed me and i'll consider playing them on saturday against Burnely. Its always nice to get to the next round hopefull we'll progess to the 3rd round. Adam Drury limped off at the end, will he be OK for saturday? Im not too sure, we'll have to acess his injury, he's hurt his ankle its a shame because he played really well. Simeon Jackson put in a great shift tonight, will be he starting on saturday? Its possible, look, everyone played brilliant tonight and they all have a chance to be in the starting line up against Burnley.
real nice story so far mate ..wikid layout...ive always had a soft spot for norwich ive been following then since 2003, ill be following this and just starting with norwich right now.
real nice story so far mate ..wikid layout...ive always had a soft spot for norwich ive been following then since 2003, ill be following this and just starting with norwich right now.
Norwich's first home game of the season will be against recently relegated Burnley, Lambert has a few injury worries. 'Adam (Drury) will be out, he has an ankle problem a few weeks off yet, DeMerit is back in training but not quite ready to return just yet. Korey Smith is out too still a few weeks before he is back aswell. Other than that we have a fully fit squad and i will be looking for a strong home record this season."
Paul Lambert makes several changes to the side that beat Crewe mid-week, captain Grant Holt returns in place of Chris Martin. Askou keeps his place after a good performance, keeping Russell Martin out of the side. Norwich City: Ruddy, Askou (R.Martin 63), Whitbread, Barnett (Ward 45), S.Smith, Gill, Surman, Fox, Hoolahan, Holt (c), Jackson (Bébé 63). Burnley: Penny, Alexander (c), Bikey (Carlisle 80), Cort (Duff 80), Easton, Elliot, Cork, McCann, Wallace, Sako (Thompson 45), Iwelumo.
View attachment 106405 Penny made some vital saves late on Norwich and Burnley played out a dramatic 0-0 draw, Graham Alexander saw his penalty saved on to the post by Ruddy after Barnett handballed in the area. Both sides saw chances come and go, Bébé came on to the scene at 63 minutes and instantly hitting the bar from edge of the area, he then later won a penalty after being brought down by Cort, Wes Hoolahan seeing his penalty also saved by keeper Penny. He was then called in late on when Bébé effort was tipped onto the post.
Paul Lambert, what do you make of that? 'It was an intresting game, dissapointed we couldnt win it at the end there. I couldnt of asked more from the lads played really well and deserved the win. Hoolahan missed a penalty that could of won the game late on, will he still be taking penalties? 'Of course it was a good penalty right in the corner but fair play to the keeper it was a brilliant save.' Not a bad one from Ruddy either. 'Yeah, really good save. Personally i didnt think it was a penalty but it didnt matter in the end.'
Tamir Cohen signs for Norwich
The Israel international is on the transfer list at Bolton and joins the Canaries on loan till the end of the season, to bulk up the Norwich midfield. 'Tamir is a great player, not quite found his level in the Premier League but im sure he will do a good job here.'
Paul Lambert still has a few injury worries but nothing new as Adam Drury and Korey Smith still on the road to recovery but some good news for DeMerit. 'Jay DeMerit is back to match fitness which is good news, i will probably put him on the bench because our defence is playing well at the moment. David Fox took a knock against Burnley not sure if he will be fit enough.'
Manager Paul Lambert makes two changes from the weekend, new loan signing Tamir Cohen starts ahead of Fox while Bébé returns to the line up after his impressive late show against Burnley, Jay DeMerit returns to the bench. Norwich City: Ruddy, Askou, Barnett (Jackson 67), Whitbread, S.Smith, Gill, Surman (DeMerit 82), Cohen, Hoolahan, Holt (c) (McNamee 79), Bébé. Leicester City: Weale, Lamey, Hobbs, Tunchev (c), Vitor (Morrison 45), Abe, Moreno (Oakley 45), Wellens, Dyer, N'Guessan, Waghorn (Howard 71).
Championship Leicester 1-0 Norwich M.Waghorn (7)
Man of the match: M.Lamey 7.2
View attachment 106409 Norwich are struggling to find goals as they lost to Leicester, the Canaries have not scored a league goal in their 3 matches. Martyn Waghorn got the only goal when he met Moreno's cross after Barnett missed the header. Grant Holt missed a perfect chance to get back in the game, while Simeon Jackson's last gasp volley was ruled out for offside.
Are you dissapointed not take a point away from this game? 'It was always going to be a tough game, but we could of won this game by 2 or 3 goals. Defence looks soild again just a slip from Leon (Barnett) cost us points today' Lacking goals, will you be looking to bring in a striker? 'I will look into that, hopefully we can bring someone in that will bring us goals. It might give the other strikers a kick up the *** aswell.''
Norwich will be looking for their first win of the season today against Crystal Palace at Carrow road. Askou looks set to miss out along with McNamee who picked up injuries, Korey Smith and Drury are still out. 'Askou and McNamee picked up knocks in training during the week and will miss out, but should be available for next week.' Norwich make a few changes from to the 1-0 defeat from Leicester, Andrew Surman drops to the bench replaced by Hughes. Russell Martin returns for the injured Askou and DeMerit starts ahead of Barnett. Norwich City: Ruddy, R.Martin, Whitbread, DeMerit, S.Smith, Gill (Crofts 71), Hughes, Cohen, Hoolahan (Surman 71), Holt (c) (Jackson 60), Bébé. Crystal Palace: Speroni, Clyne, McCarthy, Barrett (c), Bennet, Cadogan, Dorman (Davids 75), Garvan (N'Diaye 65), Pérez, Dalla Valle (Zaha 60), Obika.
View attachment 106796 Playmaker Hoolahan opened the scoring. Norwich picked up their first win of the season with a fully deserved win over Crystal Palace, Wes Hoolahan opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes with a placed shot just inside the area. The Canaries went into the break with a 1-0 lead but Palace equalised just 38 seconds after the restart with Keith Cadogan heading in at back post from a Pérez cross. Norwich spoiled chances they finally got the ball in the back of the net but to be ruled out for an offside, but 6 minutes from time subtistute Simeon Jackson scored with a poachers effort after good work by Bébé, and then himself but shine on the win after a horrible mistake by the goalkeeper.
Lambert, a brilliant performance today from your side. 'We we're excellent from start to finish and happy with the result of course.' Your first win of the season, how important was it to get them 3 points today? 'Massive, great to get the first win so it doesnt drag on and get more frustrating every game. Hopefully we'll pick up another 3 in our next match' A fantastic performance from Bébé today too. 'Yeah, he was a handful all game and he deserved to get a goal today a great shift for the young lad.'
Norwich sign Spainish midfielder
Norwich have signed midfielder Juande for a fee of £190K from Betis, Paul Lambert told BBC Radio Norfolk about his new signing. 'He's a really good tackler of the ball and he works really hard for the team and i think he will do a great job this season. At only 23 years of age a great buy for the club.'
Norwich will be looking to get through to the 3rd round of the League Cup when they meet high flying Bristol City at Carrow Road. Adam Drury is available for selection but Lambert is unlikey to risk playing the left-back. 'A really tough game, and will we do everything we can to win and get to the next round. Hopefully we can get a good cup run and go as far as we can.'
Paul Lambert has made several changes to the side that beat Palace at the weekend, Oli Johnson starts upfront along side Simeon Jackson, Lappin, Fox and Crofts all start. New signing Juande starts on the bench. Norwich City: Ruddy, R.Martin, DeMerit (c), Barnett, Surman, Crofts, Lappin, Fox (Bébé 71), Hoolahan (Juande 45), Jackson, Johnson (C.Martin 45). Bristol City: James, Steward, Carey (c), Fountaine, Campbell, Elliot, Williams, Gervais, McAllister, Stead, Vassell.
League Cup 2nd Round Norwich 0-1 Bristol City D.Vassell (17)
Man of the match: D.Steward 7.2
Norwich crashed out of the League Cup by high flying Bristol City, Darius Vassell scored the only goal as Andrew Surman's back pass didnt quite reach keeper Ruddy and Vassell making the chance count. Oli Johnson missed two great chances in the first half to get back in the game, but it wasnt City's day.
What do you make of that game Paul? 'I thought we done well enough to atleast force it into extra time, but some poor finishing was costly.' Portsmouth is your next game at Carrow Road, will you expect your team to improve? 'Of course ive given a few lads some chances to bid for a first team place today, some have taken them some have not. Three games in a row at home the crowd will be right behind them and we'll hopefully win the game.'
