The View From Norwich

1. What did you make of your first year back in the top flight?

It was a great season for us last year. We played entertaining football and always went for the jugular. We had some great away days (especially Spurs, Swansea and Arsenal) and generally gave a great account of ourselves.  It was good to be back where we belong.

2. Paul Lambert has gone – what did you make of his departure?

He handled it abysmally.  In my mind he’s also undersold himself by going to Villa.  Paul Lambert is a great manager and should have been considered for bigger posts such as Liverpool and Spurs.  It would have been better if he was honest from the end of the season rather than repeatedly denying that he wanted to go.  It’s a shame as he was building a legacy here and we feel that he left before his time was up. We move on.

3. New man at the helm in Chris Hughton – your reaction to his appointment?

Really pleased.  Has a great record at Newcastle and Birmingham and a good reputation in the game. We appointed him quite quickly after the loss of Lambert and our CEO, David McNally came out of the situation with a lot of credit.
A few fans have some concerns about his playing style… we have to play good football at the club.

4. Some notable inclusions thus far – what do you think of your summer business?

A bit disapointed so far.  We’ve signed midfielders Snodgrass, Butterfield, Tettey and lost defenders.  Our best defence from last season have all left (Drury, Naughton, Whitbread, Ayala) but in fairness our defence was weak anyway. Really pleased to see Garrido, Turner and now Bassong come in, who should all start. Now Vaughan has gone on loan (he was on fire in pre-season), most fans are saying we are light up front.  Holt cannot be relied upon to get 15 goals again, and although Morison is good, there is not a lot of depth beyone those two.

5. What player should QPR fans watch for?

Winger Anthony Pilkington is a class act and is naturally two-footed.  He’s creative, pacey and can beat players. Jonny Howson, our attacking midfielder (in the style of Frank Lampard) was a great signing (in January) and yet to get the goals his performances have deserved…

6. Is there anyone in the QPR you’re fearing?

The names on your team sheet are impressive but have you got the togetherness that has worked so well for us? Adel Taraabt is still a class act and can score from anywhere, if he’s in the mood.

Junior Hoilett made a mug of Russell Martin in both Blackburn games last year, and we will all be watching for him to cut inside and smash one in again.. lets hope Martin is too.

7. Favourite memory of a Norwich v QPR game?

Darren Eadie ripping your right back to shreds – David Bardsley – when Gerry Francis was the manager in about 1995.  I think we won 4-2 at Carrow Road.

8. Prediction?

Hughton to come good and get our season up and running. 2-0 City.