Hope, expectation, disappointment and derby glory - that was the 2008/09 season
SO that was the 2008/09 season.
While there are still two games to play, to all intents and purposes the derby victory over Norwich may as well have been the season’s final fixture.
Will Sunday’s 3-2 triumph persuade Marcus Evans that Jim Magilton is the man for the job? That remains as much of a mystery as Evans himself.
East Anglian bragging rights are a welcome boost but, in many fans’ eyes, they are not enough to paper over the dross which has been served up in abundance this season.
Woeful performances against Doncaster (twice), Southampton and Norwich (away) may have already paved his departure from Portman Road.
As to who could replace Jim, well, the rumour mill is in overdrive…perhaps an Alan Curbishley and Matt Holland double act? Maybe Alan Pardew would fancy a move to Suffolk? What about Gary Johnson, Neil Warnock or Glenn Hoddle?
None particularly appeal, although charismatically-challenged Curbishley has the credentials for the position having transformed Charlton during his lengthy stay at The Valley.
However, given that he is on record as saying he would not consider a job outside of the Premier League, Town would have their work cut out persuading him that life in the Championship isn’t so bad after all.
But what of Jim? I can’t shake off the nagging feeling that he will still be in charge come August. Owner Evans appears to possess the patience of a saint while Magilton has already spoken of his determination to succeed next season.
Whoever is manager will need to oversee a mass clear out of the club’s over-sized, under-performing playing staff.
Were I in charge, out would go Tommy Miller, Dean Bowditch, Ivan Campo, Dan Harding, Ed Upson, Matt Richards, Ben Thatcher, Jai Reason and Chris Casement. Kevin Lisbie, Liam Trotter and Shane Supple could also leave, given their inability to make a significant impact on first team affairs.
On loan duo Giovani Dos Santos and Moritz Volz will not be around much after May 3, which could leave a lean squad in need of replenishments.
A new striker, the type capable of banging in 20 or more goals a season, is certainly required, while a centre back would also be a welcome addition to a shaky defence. Cover for Luca Civelli, perhaps on loan, is another must.
But, for a moment, forget about all of that. Put to one side your feelings of exasperation and instead spare a thought for poor, poor Norwich.
My pal Jon, a dyed in the wool Budgie, is adamant his beloved yellows are doomed. Chatting over a beer or six after Town’s victory, he cut a forlorn figure.
Boasting a squad made up of loan players and released misfits, cash-strapped Norwich are a club in serious turmoil.
Their short stay in the Premier League, in 2004/05, must seem like a lifetime ago to the club’s army of ultra-loyal supporters.
Incredibly, I’m told that Delia Smith, who has pumped a reported £13m in City’s coffers, is held in contempt by some quarters of the Canaries faithful. One can only imagine what sort of predicament Norwich would be in without her.
As the yellow and green half of East Anglia stares into the abyss, our position of mid-table comfort – and financial security – must seem like a truly wonderful place.