Norwich City boss Chris Hughton knows the heat is on with Premier League wins for many of the clubs below the Canaries at the weekend. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd

Chris Hughton warns Norwich City not to expect any favours from their Premier League rivals

Paddy Davitt, EDP Sports Writer Tuesday, March 19, 2013
12:34 PM

Chris Hughton will not rely on any favours from Norwich’s Premier League rivals to secure the Canaries’ top flight future.

City battled to a hard-earned point at Sunderland despite playing the final hour at the Stadium of Light with 10 men following Mark Bunn’s sending off. Hughton insisted weekend league wins for strugglers Southampton and Aston Villa followed by Wigan’s last-gasp victory over Newcastle underlined the Canaries’ still have little margin for error.

Norwich will head to Wigan following the international break six places and seven points above the Latics, who currently occupy the final relegation place, but Hughton has already sounded a note of caution.

“You only have to look at Southampton and Villa winning,” he said. “We have continually said the 40 point mark is where we want to get to and others have said it might be less, but I think if you start looking at less than that there are too many teams around us and below us. I’m still adamant that our thought process has to be around that 40 point mark. If you think less than that then football has a habit of smacking you in the face. We have tough games, four at home and four away. Everybody in this division is fighting for something. You see the series of games over the weekend and that was definitely the case, they are all big games. We just need to get those points to end up where we feel we deserve to be.”

Hughton views the latest international shut down as a chance for the majority of his squad based in Norfolk to prepare for the final onslaught.

“I think you just cope with it because it is there,” he said. “Generally, you welcome it because it gives you an opportunity to work and for players to get a rest. We have a lot of lads who have played a lot of games. Certainly the likes of (Javier) Garrido, Russell Martin, both centre halves, particularly Seb (Bassong), Bradley (Johnson), (Robert) Snodgrass all have played a lot of games this season. We’ll certainly give the boys not on international duty a few days off but we can also work at the training ground. For the ones who do go away that is good from the point of view of the benefit they get playing international football, but the rest of them will be working here.”

Hughton believes Norwich’s spirited Sunderland display illustrated his side is ready for the Premier League tests ahead.

“All the credit must go to my lads. You knew they were going to be up against it when Sunderland started making a few changes and they threw a lot more bodies into forward areas,” he said. “We knew we had to defend very well. Where I am disappointed is we started the game very bright, but there is so much football to be played still. You just have to look after your own business. We’re all in there fighting. People talk about that 40 point target as a general one because the statistics show over the years it has usually been less than that. It is a rough estimate because there was the one big season when I think 42 points saw a team not staying in the division.”

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45 comments

I`d prefer Weimann & Benteke. No point in trying to eke out Bent.

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
To be honest, Lobbo, I`ve obviously missed the point! xyz etc. Mea culpa. Not being antagonistic, honest! Too tired for that!!

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, March 21, 2013
I'm sure we can ask for more than that Doc , Cinnamon on his own is worth double that ;-D

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mjc75

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thought it was quite witty Brew.

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Lobbo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I heard that Lambert has offered Weinman, Bentele and £2 million for Holt and Simeon.

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DocOhNo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Please forgive the Sath Ifrikan exint.

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Mad Brewer

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I hope two of my favourite posters are not turning into a pair of Winkers!

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Mad Brewer

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
..Lobbo!....Wilco! I'm Not Kidding, if you see my point.....

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Stew Pydsodd

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Good point about young players getting a chance, Kent Anglian. Isn`t Weimann already an Austrian International? It really would be great if one or more of our Academy boys could make the breakthrough. Like others have said, p`raps try Jacob Murphy when we are out of danger? For now, I reckon Hoots will stick rather than twist and ease us across the finishing line - maybe draw by draw!

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Mad Brewer

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Stew, when the next interesting article comes along..repost xyz and see how many others join the thread.

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Lobbo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Weimann is a brilliant rumour for upsetting he Villa fans. Let's start one about Benteke as well!! Seriously though, Weimann is 21 - not much older than the Murphy boys who would then be pushed further down the pecking order. Weimann has only come through because Lambert gave him a chance. We should offer the same opportunities to our boys. Just hope we get the six points we need quickly and then use the last few games to 'blood' some of our youngsters.

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Kent Anglian

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Inner sanctum, Brew, but I'd prefer to be, Wambling In Norfolk Kilts.

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Lobbo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Missed that one Stew. I'm alright now though, I think, twitch... twitch.

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Lobbo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Initially "Weimann Into Norwich Karma".

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Mad Brewer

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I just saw that Weimann rumour, Lobbo. Weimann has scored 11 goals so far this season which is pretty good in a struggling side like Villa. AV seem to have striking "riches" in Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke & Bent. They seemingly want to unload Bent (financial burden) and I suspect the others might be looking to improve themselves. That rumour has just a tinge of mischief-making about it, maybe? We`ll be playing Villa soon & it`ll all make for a good story..... but the Press are above that. Aren`t they?

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Mad Brewer

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Kristafa wow... you're not in local government are you?

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Lobbo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Hi Lobbo! It's Initially 'What Is Now Known' as a name change.

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Stew Pydsodd

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I rarely post on here but I do read ALL comments each day.... Far from making me want to confront people who have different views to me it makes me question my own views and in some cases give me a new perspective and I re,assess my opinion, everything is not just black and white.

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Kristafa

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
So what's your footie comment "Kristafa", or are you trying to wind up those who have the shortest fuses!

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Lobbo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Blackdog and all those effected---There is a 'report this comment' at the base of each posting. Click on it and do your stuff. I did, and conversation has been moderated enormously

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Stew Pydsodd

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
No you are not! I have voiced similar comments previously, this is why I seldom come on here now. Too many trolls, idiots and argumentive sods!

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blackdog2

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
At the time of my posting, thankfully there are no vitriolic argumentative posts between people... Becos ENUFFS ENUFF of that rubbish .... Am I the only one who thinks that ? .

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Kristafa

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Never forgave Everton for that. Scandalous.

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DJ_FRAMBOISE

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
"Norwich hope to take advantage of Aston Villa's faltering contract negotiations with 21-year-old striker Andreas Weimann." BBC football gossip.

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Lobbo

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Tell the lads to watch out for reckless tackles when city play wigan !

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Colby Army!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Were Everton not in some European competition and they "rested" the first team. This was back in the day when the first team squad consisted of 14 players not 40. Coventry won and sent us down, happy to report they are now well and truly screwed and Evertons time will come soon

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Cannock Canary

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
How many on Stew's list are out of contract in the summer.? They would be the one's to go.

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wivenhoebudgie

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Snodgrass disillusioned? Not on the evidence of Sunday's display.

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DocOhNo

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Btw, Timbo, Bitter? Good idea - mine`s a pint!

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Mad Brewer

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Not like me to disagree with Stew, but if Snods leaves it`ll be because somebody makes an offer he and McGnarly cannot refuse. He looks so totally committed - he just has a miserable Scottish face! TIMBO - I remember that Coventry year all too well. We were 8 points clear of them. They had 3 games to play. They won them all, including the critical one vs Champions Everton. I had a supplier who was a Toffees supporter, I called him in and said he was no longer on our list of approved suppliers until Norwich were promoted back!!

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Mad Brewer

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
snodgrass may go, but not because he is p*ssed off, but because he will be a target for one of the bigger clubs. Holt to go as a make weight, maybe to Celtic, AND................................. Ruddy is an Arsenal target, who may well have gone at Christmas if he hadn't been injured.

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Algarve Canary

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Agree about Holt but think Snodgrass will come good again. I think (or rather, hope) we might see a different sort of team next season when CH has funds to buy in different types of players.......but don't quote me.

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Flying Canary

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Hello Flying Canary... I said about Snodgrass joining an exodus. I am of the opinion that he is disillusioned, and may want out, in the same way that Holt seems less than enthusiastic at the moment. It has nothing to do with their ability as footballers, more that they are having to play in un-natural positions,for them. To me they both look down in the mouth!

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Stew Pydsodd

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
F Canary... Stew really doesnt think that. Its just bait for someone to bite on. ;-)

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sharky

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
In reply to Stew - why on earth do you think Snodgrass might be on the way out? He's been one of our best players. We need to hang onto him.

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Flying Canary

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Stew - I agree with the first group of players you mention for departure. I don't think Pilks will go, not unless we bring someone in substantially better than him. As for Holt, perhaps, if we bring in someone like Hooper or van Wolfswinkel (yes, I know they are both different style of players). Exciting times though given the war chest that will be made available to Hoots...

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Mellow Johnny

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
It would be nice to have safety before Man City, We could then put out some young hopefuls like the Murphys for a taste of the big time. Even beter if we could afford to put out a reserve side against Lambert.

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Pondlife

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
....Blo ody Weather! Got to do something to occupy my mind before 'crunch day' next month!. ...Question raised by mjc... 'Who will be leaving in the summer?... I would not be surprised to see Barnett, Fox, Jackson, Chris Martin, Surman, Tierney, Vaughan, added to Pilkington, and our Captain HOLT.....and don't be surprised if Snodgrass joins them. Thats 10!...I've no inside knowledge, but like Quasimodo, I've got a hunch.....

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Stew Pydsodd

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Certainly hope we'll be safe. Wigan are the new Coventry City ( those of you who watched footy in the 70's80's will know what I mean). In trouble every year, but somehow survive. Hope their luck runs out this year. What's the odds McLambo will keep Villa up by a few points? Would really like to muller them before the season's out. Me..? Bitter..? Well just a bit maybe....

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Timbo

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I suppose the question now is who leaves in the summer ?

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mjc75

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
MB agree with what you said about Howson. He had not been good of late but was commited to the cause in adversity. As you said when all are fit he might not be in the starting line-up. It must be so difficult to be in and out of the team all the time. OTBC

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sharky

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Looking very likely now that we will finish there or thereabouts to last year. I know people will be worried until we are actually mathematically safe, but it is realistic to assume that we will finish with around 43 to 46 points by the end of the season. Should be an exciting summer as Hoots looks to go into the market and do some trading to try and shape us for next season. I'd say 6 to 8 new signings coming in and roughly the same number going out. OTBC

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Dubai Canary

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Agreed, mjc75. Did Appleton jump or was he pushed? Had he not only just joined Venkys` Headless Chickens from Blackpool, who he had only just joined from Portsmouth?? Can`t remember! I think I see signs of Hoots moving his attention to attack optimisation; Benno on the right, KK starting a game - all looked promising until Bunn was sent off. With Pilks, Tettey & Whits (& Ruddy?) back he`ll have a strong squad to end the season. Good to see Howson looking more assured - he had a good game alongside the mighty BJ. Russell Martin continues to show what a great team player he is - still supporting the attack in a 10-man team. And he won the penalty that wasn`t! I wonder how long it will be before one of the pundits opines that Norwich are "drawing closer" to safety? Now Prem`s top draw drawers with 13. Eight games to go.... OTBC.

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Mad Brewer

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Thank God we don't have the crazies in charge of the club that Blackburn Rovers do , they've sacked Appleton after 66 days because the results were not good enough . Utter disgrace from people whose interest is not in the club . Hoots drives me nuts at times , but sacking managers every few weeks does nothing for the club , players or fans .

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mjc75

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Interesting listening to Radio 5 live last night, the panel, including John Motson, were asked who would be relegated from the PL this season. None of the 3 guests even had the City in the bottom 8 let alone bottom 3. So they must think we are as good as safe. A good reflection of what Hoots has achieved given that we were favorites for relegation at the start of the season. OTBC!

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General Norwich

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Manchester City 2, Norwich City 3

A magnificent solo goal by midfielder Jonny Howson clinched a notable victory for Norwich City as they wrapped up their season by beating Premier League runners-up Manchester City on their own ground.

Read full story »