Players Forum – 20 Aug 2019
On Thursday 20th August 2019 at Carrow Road, Norwich City supporters were given an insight into the current era at the Norwich City Fans Social Club Players Forum.
Norwich City’s meteoric rise has been formed on the togetherness pertinent throughout the football club. From the management to the players and into the terraces, the onus placed on one club rooting together has translated to exceptional results on the pitch.
Undeniably, the scenes supporters have become accustomed to following a victory at Carrow Road, with Daniel Farke whipping up the supporters into frenzy has become a memorable part of a victorious matchday. Standing in similar stead are those who don the yellow and green shirts, playing with the passion and energy that most demand from their football team.
That connection has been formed through the accessibility and transparency the players have offered throughout their time at the club.
In Kenny McLean, Norwich has, not only a newly appointed mayor but a player who can guide the youthful exuberance within the dressing room and ensure they retain that path that is essential to their development.
On the pitch, he is an all-action midfielder. Off it, an articulate, entertaining storyteller capable of grasping the attention of a room. That distinctive Scottish accent is backed up with humour and personality as well as a capability of seriously addressing questions. If this performance on stage offered anything, it’s his valued presence within the confines of a dressing room.
Even though Norwich find themselves in the embryonic stages of their Premier League campaign, a standout so far has been the performances of local hero Todd Cantwell.
Brandished as the ‘Dereham Diego Maradona’ on the night, Cantwell has endured both ends of the opinion scale, brushing off criticism to express himself when on the pitch in recent performances. As he candidly explained the extra burden of being an academy graduate, there was a wry smile as he admitted pressure is something he thrives upon.
Hence his decision to take the vacant number 14 shirt, one that has been previously worn by a certain Irish playmaker who once graced these quarters, often weaving magic on his way.
Bad haircuts aside, Todd’s contributions were valuable and intriguing all evening, with budding footballers around the room grabbing onto his advice for success. It’s clear to see he is someone who is held in high esteem by his counterparts, all of whom are rooting for his success.
One of those young starlets hoping to replicate Todd’s journey through the academy onto the world stage of the Premier League is Adam Idah.
Idah, a young Irish striker, compared his playing style, much to the ridicule of his peers, to that of Romelu Lukaku but also offered snippets of advice to young footballers as well as talking about making the transition from the under 23’s football to first team training.
He may become the next star off the Canaries production line. Given the youthful make up to the side currently, Idah could be the next to emerge.
Over 200 people packed into the Top of the Terrace at Carrow Road to hear the players answer questions, all whilst raising money for the wonderful Community Sports Foundation.
A huge thank you to our friend, host and Norwich City legend Darren Eadie for his wonderful questions that contributed to open, insightful answers from our stars.
Sadly, we tragically lost NCFSC friend and regular David Powell last week. Diane celebrated his life with a moving speech followed by a poignant applause for a true Canary who often offered opinion on everything. He had a heart of gold, and we’ll miss him terribly. Rest in peace, David.
We look forward to being able to do more in the future and to remaining true to our ethos of putting on affordable and entertaining events open to everyone.
