An Evening with Glenn Roeder

With thanks to City Angel (Pink Un Message Board) and Lincoln Canary (NCFC Message Board), and of course those who asked questions.

The Evening with Glenn Roeder got off to a slightly delayed start as unfortunately Glenn had been held up. Time was filled in by some of the audience asking questions of the NCISA chairman John Tilson.

Glenn opened the evening by noting the presence of the press and stated that he may say things that should be “off the record”. For that reason what follows is only a taste of the evening and will not give full details of areas that might be seen as sensitive.

He certainly answered every question at length, giving us anecdotes that drew on his time at Newcastle, West Ham and his earlier playing career. He came across as honest and sure of his opinion, tinged with a wicked dry sense of humour.

An early question was over the general principle of the transfer window, and his views. He stated that it helped maintain the uneven playing field with the rich clubs building up large squads to deal with every eventuality, whilst the smaller clubs had to rely on loans to get through the season. Loans are here to stay for Norwich.

Finances were then touched on with reference to our debt being £18.2m at the end of last season plus this years debt. He was asked if he was confident that funds would be made available to rebuild the team.

He first of all joked about not knowing of the debt and whether he would have accepted the job if he had. He expanded that money doesn't guarantee success and that he would use the system as best he could. The Board had backed him in the Taylor saga and he was sure they'll back him in the summer. He still blamed Karren Brady entirely for the deal not going through.

A question on whether he had accommodated the loanees to suit their clubs was met with a very firm no. He always plays the best team to win the game and there was no pressure from anyone to play any loanees, it was his decision and no-one else's. However Reading had felt that Henry would be better off back with them, and he respected that.

He was asked if our scouting network was good enough. This led to a detailed insight into the recruitment process and how he sees it working. He likened us to Newcastle with the problem of being surrounded by sea on one side and countryside on others. However he hoped that his contacts in the game (one in particular was mentioned) and our scouting network in general would help us. Mention was made of individual players at this point on how they compared – some were seen as stars of the future, others as needing to work harder.

What had changed since he had been here? After thought he referred to standards, attitudes, atmosphere and above all fitness. This also led to a glowing endorsement of his coaching team. At this point he talked in terms of the part fitness and size now play in football. Although he rates Wes Hoolahan of Blackpool, it is unusual for small players to make an impact in the Championship. It is important that players have talent and apply themselves. It is no longer unusual for players to work hard at training but necessary, and if they don’t they will end up in non League football.

He gave a very long answer to a question on what attracted him to Norwich where he talked about attendances, facilities and reputation.

A detailed question over his press statements over Huckerby’s injury, and whether that showed a lack of communication at the club was asked. He talked about how he hadn't been at his best this season and how it had come out that he has a hip problem which was giving him pain and affecting his runs. This was unfortunate that various people had all assumed that he knew, when he didn’t, hence the press interview. Glenn accepted that communication could have been better, and now hopefully was.

A question on Doherty, Fotheringham and Huckerby and whether they would get new contracts gave no answers, but did give him the opportunity to talk about their strengths. It would not be possible to complete contract talks until our league status for next year was clear.

A lovely account of the impact of the Tottenham v Bolton game in the season West Ham got relegated followed. For those who don’t know the details a current City player featured!

He was asked why he sits in the stand for part of the game? This got an obvious answer in that it is easier to spot positioning and see where things are going right or wrong and what needs to be sorted out at half time. He did point out that superstition does not feature in when he comes down to the touchline, but events might!

He was asked if he was like Worthington or Bond in style and the way he reacts to criticism. This he answered by saying he is always happy to listen to people’s concerns and answer them as fairly and honestly as he can.

A warm and sustained applause ended the evening at about 9.20 leaving everyone present knowing more than when they had arrived.