Opinion: Why reaction to Neil Adams’ appointment has been far from positive
Neil Adams celebrates with his players after victory in the 2013 FA Youth Cup final. Picture: Matthew Usher. - Credit: Matthew Usher
City season ticket holder and columnist David Powles gives his verdict.
Norwich City fans feel burned - that's one of the main reason's why the reaction to Neil Adams' appointment has been far from positive.
It was only a few years ago after all that many of us, myself included, were excited by the appointment of another city legend - former goalkeeper Bryan Gunn.
And look how that turned out.
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After failing to escape relegation, the season began with that infamous 7-1 defeat to Colchester, shortly after which newly appointed chief executive David McNally wielded the axe.
To many this feels like a repeat decision, especially because Adams also failed to avoid the drop - albeit in much harder circumstances.
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But those comparisons are not wholly accurate. Adams has a coaching pedigree, he's been behind the scenes for several years and of course masterminded last year's FA Youth Cup victory.
That said I'm surprised by the appointment - and a little bit disappointed.
Next season is massive. Fail to bounce back at the first opportunity and the stats suggest Norwich fans will yet again face several more years in Championship obscurity.
That's why I and many others craved a manager who's been in this position before - and succeeded. Malky Mackay was the obvious choice - and not because of the Norwich links, but because he has the CV to back him up.
Of course we don't know if he, and the other more experienced candidates, were offered the chance and turned it down.
Carrow Road may again be a strange place at the start of the next season. A poor start and I can imagine the fans will turn more quickly than they would have done had an external candidate been chosen. The board could also be the ones to feel the brunt of the anger. A good start is crucial.
As is the next big appointment by the club - the technical director. It needs to be someone who will work alongside Adams, not clash with him as others in that position have done at other clubs.
Whatever my views, it won't impact the support I give Adams and his team. What is not in doubt is his passion for the club, decency as a human and potential.
I just hope they are enough to help him succeed.
