After experiencing our worst series of results this season, we were all of a sudden looking over our shoulders at the teams below us as they reeled us back into the pack.
I decided to adjust the tactics slightly, moving from a 4-1-2-3 to a 4-1-4-1. Dropping the wingers back into a midfield 4 so they can help the full backs but also get forward as soon as we retrieve the ball.
This new tactic needed some time to be learnt properly, so we stuck with the 4-1-2-3 formation for the short trip to Watford. A late goal each saw us come away with 1-1 draw. Watford dominated from start to finish and really deserved more.
A 2-0 away defeat to Stoke signalled the end of this formation as we really played poorly and the fans started to question my decision to play this system.
The change brought immediate results. A 3-0 win over Preston at home and a vastly improved performance.
A 0-0 draw with Barnsley followed and although not a win I was pleased with back to back clean sheets. This result was quickly followed by a 3-0 win in Birmingham, against Coventry.
Starting to think I should have been playing this system all Season. 6 Goals scored and none conceded since the switch and these run of results confirmed our survival with plenty of games in hand.
With an large improvement in performances and survival secured, we continued with another 0-0 draw this time at home to Blackburn. We finally lose under the new system with a 1-0 loss at Rotherham. This was the first goal we have conceded in 4 games.
A 0-0 draw with Luton was quickly followed by an unexpected 2-1 win away at Swansea.
The final 2 games of the season finished in style with a 2-2 draw at home to 3rd placed Bournemouth followed by a 2-1 win in the north east at Middlesbrough.
What a way to finish the season!
We started this season with almost o budget, no staff, not youth system in place and were predicted to finish below a team who started the season on -6 points. We've finished it 16 points clear of relegation. Mid table mediocrity in our first ever season in the championship!!!!!
As you can see, Norwich secured the title by 2 points from QPR who go up automatically.
Joining them in the Premier League next season are Watford who go up through the play offs.
We say good by to Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry who drop into League 1.
Survival was always our aim. Did I think we would do it, no but this team has defied odds for most of the season and fully deserve the plaudits.
Below is our best 11 for our first season. The goals shared well between the front 3 with Kashket and Ikpeazu in a squad rotation.
Season 1 complete. We need to use the time between season to evolve more than just the squad. So expect to see some changes not just on the pitch but off of it too.
Cheers
Panda