Norwich City have been promoted 10 times in my life.

I was a toddler when the historic first ascent to the top flight was achieved in 1972 and I also have no recollections of the return to the old First Division in 1975.

So the first promotion I remember was in 1982, culminating in an amazing day at Hillsborough, which just happened to be my first away game as a massively over-excited 12-year-old.

The Canaries went into that trip to South Yorkshire needing just a point to secure the third automatic spot (the days before play-offs).

An incredible 10,000-strong yellow and green army headed up the A17 and made up nearly half of the crowd at the home of the Owls.

When Keith Bertschin headed in one of my favourite Norwich goals of all time to level the scores with just four minutes to go, the Leppings Lane away end went crazy. It was basically absolute limbs.

Our hearts sank as Wednesday took the lead again through Gary Bannister (with a fan dubbed the Milk Tray man due to his dark clothing in the penalty area as the ball went in the net - and if you don't believe me have a look on Youtube!)

But the amazing day took another twist as City's only rivals for promotion Leicester were held to a goalless draw by Shrewsbury.

The celebrations were among the best I've ever known - and I thought all away days were going to be like that!

So why am I taking you back 41 years on a trip down footballing memory lane?

As well as being the first promotion I recall and my favourite, it had the  phenomenal run which, if the Canaries can in any way repeat it this year, will put them in a great position to head straight back to the Premier League.

Back in 1982, Ken Brown's team came from nowhere to win 10 wins in 11 matches (and secure 40 points from 16 games) before the last day trip to Sheffield.

City had been 16th after a defeat on Boxing Day and in the bottom half of the old Division Two in mid-February after a 2-0 loss at Oldham before the Martin O'Neill-inspired resurgence. 

Even though things were not great before David Wagner replaced Dean Smith, the Canaries were nowhere that far off the pace.

But in those dark days around the turn of 2022/3, it seemed impossible that anything resembling promotion could be realistic.

In the league table of form since Wagner took over, City are third behind team of the moment Middlesbrough and runaway leaders Burnley.

I'm no expert tipster but think Boro will overtake Sheffield United to secure the second automatic slot.

I believe the Blades will go into the play-off lottery and be joined by the Canaries, Blackburn and Luton.

That's what my head says and I'm not going any further with predictions.....

But forget my head - and let my heart take over for a moment and consider that spirit of '82 being replicated.

Since that superb 3-2 victory at Millwall on Saturday, quite a few fans have started to dream that let alone getting in the play offs, Wagner's troops could actually achieve the unthinkable and secure a top two finish.

Surely that's a hope far too far?

With 11 games to go, City are 12 points behind the Blades (13 if you consider United's better goal difference).

United got a crucial win on Tuesday which has put them back on track.

They are probably thinking six more wins will ensure they head back to English football's top table.

However, they have been far from consistent and pressure will grow.

Momentum at Carra is building very, very nicely.

Confidence, cohesion and togetherness are the most apparent they have been for some time.

City look so much stronger in all areas of the pitch and Wagner has brought lots of players to life.

If he can keep the form since he arrived going, a play off spot looks certain.

Should the team copy the class of '82, who knows?

Even if automatic promotion is ultimately a step too far, imagine the momentum going into the play-offs with a glut of wins from these 11 games?

All things are possible - just ask Messrs Brown, O'Neill and Co from 41 years ago!

OTBC

Farewell Mr Chairman

Surely no-one in the 121-year history of Norwich City has divided opinion more among fans than Robert Chase.

I was outside Carrow Road protesting in the final days of his tenure.

So much has been said and written about Mr Chase since his sad passing this week.

And an overriding theme I've picked up is that fans are now appreciating more of what he did for the club than they have done over the years.

The unbelievable UEFA Cup run, the two FA Cup semi-finals and the three Premier League top five finishes were among the huge achievements while he was at the helm.

Of course he faced (and still faces) criticism for all the players he sold. But think of the legacy with Colney and the proceeds of all that land he bought around Carrow Road.

My memory of the chairman is that he always answered questions and always fronted up issues however tough they were. 

I really enjoyed City legend Chris Sutton's column this week about Mr Chase - and I'm pleased that there will be a time of applause before Sunday's game.

Your chance to quiz the boss

I've said on many occasions that Canaries' supporters are really lucky to have the Norwich City Fans Social Club.

It organises terrific events, put across fans' views to the club and raises thousands of pounds for good causes.

And their latest forum will allow supporters to hear from the man who has turned around our form and brought back both some excitement and a sense of connection to the club.

Hosted by City legend Darren Eadie, the Norwich City Fans’ Social Club Fans Forum with David Wagner is on Thursday, March 30, doors open at 6.45pm for a 7.15pm start in the Gunn Club.

Entry costs just £5 for adults and £1 for under 18s accompanied by a paying adult.

Admission is cash only on the door, but the club/bar is cashless so please take cards too for the bar.

There will be a raffle on the night and all funds from this and tickets will go directly to the Community Sports Foundation.

More information: www.ncfsc.co.uk/david-wagner-fans-forum/ or visit the NCFSC on Twitter and Facebook.