A dose of realism required and delivered by Walsall

Leaving the dreary 0-0 match today against Walsall I was, of course, disappointed, but certainly didn't think the booing was necessary. Walsall showed that if you turn up with no intention of attacking, when the full backs never went beyond their own wingers (staying as a rigid back four throughout) and that if you come for a 0-0 draw, Norwich (and indeed most League One teams) might not have the guile and quality to unpick the defence. And that is something fans at Carrow Road must learn.

Commenting to my wife that I thought he booing was out of order, I received a torrent of abuse from another Norwich fans who started a tirade against the team, claimed that he could see better down Sloughbottom Park in Mile Cross any Sunday morning, and asked why we had signed players who are not good enough to pull on the yellow shirt. Naturally, I didn't let the ignorance of this chap and his aggressive manner disuade me from putting him right.

The main point this bloke was making was that we needed a central defender who could win the ball, had lots of pace and could confidently pass the ball out of defence. I pointed out that I knew exactly the player he required, but that as Rio Ferdinand was already contracted to Manchester United, he was unlikely to join us.

The bloke looked slightly dumbstruck and didn't seem to understand the point I was making. He seemed oblivious to the fact that Norwich are in League One, has little money and is reliant on Bosman signings so we are getting in the players that we can afford, not world class players capable of playing the in the Premier League.

A further torrent of abuse came about how useless he felt Nelson was in the centre of defence (a player who we felt did well today and didn't really put a foot wrong when defending), and I responded simply with the words "You need a reality check. We are in League One because we were not good enough for the Championship.". He wandered off muttering further abuse as another fan patted me on the back and said simply "Some people cannot gt their heads around our predicament".

Indeed.

So bad it was almost funny

Well, I was wrong. I, like 23000 other Norwich fans turned up with so much hope only for this to evaporate in to thin air through a mix of terrible defending (Q - Who passes back to the keeper with a lob. A- Jon Otsebebor), sloppy goalkeeping, a failure to attack the first ball or attempt to win the second ball, no running and terrible management (why Bryan Gunn did you keep the same team for 60 minutes then only make two subs ?).

Things can only get better we hope, although with Southampton only nine points behind us on minus nine, things could actually get worse.

Reasons to be cheerful. 1, 2, 3.

Three reasons to be cheerful about today's kick off in League One.

1) Norwich have bought well. For years many fans have had doubts about the packing of the Norwich team with loan players who lack any commitment to the club whilst some signing have left a lot to be desired. Some of these signings have shown a real lack of loyalty in wanting to leave the club at the earliest opportunity too, so signing players who want to play for a team in league one, but who want to improve and get better is a positive thing. The signings of Grant Hoult, a prolific goalscorer in the lower leagues, Simon Whaley, a proper winger with a decent shot, and Nelson in defence (an absolute rock and hard as nails) gives the team a really good look already. Coupled with Matt Gill (a local who wants to play for Norwich who can add a bit off bite in midfield) and Tudor-Jones, the team has a strong spine.

2) We might see some home wins ! I've forgotten what it is like to see regular back to back wins at Carrow Road. We, like the team, had almost become used to losing home games on a regular basis. Without wanting to count any chickens or assume promotion, I expect us to do much better at home this year and that is a good thing.

3) 20,000 fans. We may have sold a few thousands less tickets, but home attendances will still be over 20,000 and I wouldn't be surprised to see 22,000 fans there today. This will intimidates some teams and will drive Norwich on. We have though got to learn to make more noise and really be the 12th man.

So, I am looking forward to this afternoon, even if it is in League One.