Two promotions in two years and currently eighth in the English Premier League, Norwich City has exceeded its own top-flight expectations under the rising star in management, Paul Lambert.
Lambert took over the reins in 2009 when the club was at the foot of League One — the third tier of English football — and close to going into administration.
The Scot made a dramatic transformation to the side with his intelligent recruitments, remarkable fighting spirit and high-tempo football.
“You've got to be frightened to lose,” he says. “That's what drives me on, being frightened to fail. I never think I'm safe.”
His uncanny ability to pluck players from relative obscurity and turn them into stars has not only helped the Canaries gain back-to-back promotions, but also made the world sit up and take notice. During Lambert's first two years, it never suffered two successive defeats in the league in the same season, a clear reflection of its consistency and drive. “He's worked a miracle at Norwich with limited resources. They are a provincial club, with a great fanbase. But, what he's achieved since taking over is nothing short of remarkable,” Lambert's ex-Celtic teammate Neil Lennon had said after the club reached the top tier.
Defying convention
Defying the conventional theory that previous experience is essential to survive in the Premier League, Lambert packed his side with ambitious youngsters from the lower divisions. He also showed a tendency to acquire players who had done well against his club.
Players such as Grant Holt, Andrew Surman and Anthony Pilkington have been impressive while Steve Morison has been a revelation, scoring eight goals this season. The youngsters have seized the opportunity and taken the team close to Premiership safety.
“People say they [the players] haven't got Premier League experience, but how do you know they can't do it until you give them a chance? ,” the Scot says.
The Yellow Army's charge has found vociferous support from its fans worldwide, and this, in turn, has spurred the players on to great heights.
With 22,000 fans buying season tickets, Carrow Road, with a capacity of just over 27,000, has seen more all-seater record-breaking crowds than any other club this season.
Norwich's next game — against Manchester United on February 26 — promises to be a fascinating battle.
Sir Alex Ferguson's words of wisdom — Just win. That's all you can do. Win — before the start of the season will surely be racing through Lambert's mind as he attempts to outwit the defending champion. A positive result — even a draw will be regarded as one — will indeed go a long way in boosting the players' morale further.
If the club remains among the elite this season, which looks almost certain, Norwich can even think of a top-six finish in the near future. Given the man at the helm — Lambert — that wouldn't be a far fetched idea.
