There are few games that pop up where I feel like I'm the only one that thinks or feels how absolutely massively important it is... This feels like one.
A polarising managerial appointment, lots of skepticism, concern and questions about style of play, being the right fit etc...
Perhaps it's just me because I'm very unconvinced about this appointment but I feel Val's start given the position we're in could make or break him. I think he's come into a more difficult situation than a club in the bottom 3. At least in that situation you can throw your weight around because things are not going well... Here though, taking over a team in the top 6 with a bunch very pessimistic fans expecting to fall out of the race... He will be the one to take the blame. We have history of just absolutely capitulating and going into free fall. I hope that the Swansea result wasn't the start of that and falls on Val's shoulders because all of a sudden things can get really toxic at this club (even more so).
Norwich is a tough game, coming out of a good win, my vibes are not good. Every team outside of that top 4 are so streaky and I fear we could be playing against a side on the cusp of theirs.
Huge game for Val, if we win it will feel like a clean slate, John Eustace will be name of the past, there will be optimism and positivity. Anything other than a win will mean all of those questions and discussions will remain.
It would be nice to win and move on from all of the controversy... At least for a little bit.
Good luck Val.