Articles
Various reports from PA, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Express, The Daily Mail and The Times
"Chase out"
By Rob King of PA
Norwich fans staged a noisy protest against chairman Robert Chase after Ian Rush had pushed the Carrow Road club to the brink of Endsleigh League football next season with an 84th-minute winner for Liverpool. The Welsh ace broke the hearts of Gary Megson's battling side with the easiest of his 19 goals this season. It inflicted Norwich's sixth straight defeat and leaves them deeply embedded in the bottom four.
"Chase out" chants echoed round Carrow Road before the biggest game in the East Anglian club's recent history. Fan protests against chairman Robert Chase also included red cards and the slogan -- "We support the team, but not the management". But the Norwich supporters suspended their hostility once play started to back Gary Megson's men as they sought only their second win in 18 games this year. Hope quickly receded when two of the men brought in to reshape the Merseyside defence -- in the absence of Neil Ruddock, Stig Bjornebye and Rob Jones -- conspired to create Liverpool's opener. Michael Thomas slung over a cross from the right and Harkness, recently on loan at Southend, jumped without too much threat. However, Jon Newsome's clearance steered the ball straight back to him and he drilled in a low, angled shot. It looked bleak for Norwich, who face a tough trip to Leeds before their final home game against fellow strugglers Aston Villa.
Although they had attacked with great determination from the off, they had registered just one goal in five straight defeats, and brought in Ade Akinbiyi -- yet to score for the club -- to partner Ashley Ward. But the mood was transformed in the 17th minute when Daryl Sutch swept a superb cross in from the right, met with a crashing left-foot volley on the far post by Robert Ullathorne for his second goal of the season.
Sutch's accuracy with his right foot caused the Coca-Cola Cup winners more problems, with Akinbiyi heading just wide at the far post soon after and their reshaped defence rocking under pressure. Robbie Fowler nearly nabbed his 32nd goal of the season from a bad mistake by Norwich goalkeeper Andy Marshall, and the home side's passion left them vulnerable to the counter attack.
In the second half players went down like ninepins as commitment produced unyielding challenges, the home side hammering forward and Liverpool, playing only for place money, having already qualified for Europe, ensuring that none of Norwich's relegation rivals could accuse them of not trying. Sutch again provided the service, this time Ward stooping for a header just over James' left angle. Marshall and Newsome lived dangerously in cutting out a Rush header across their goal as Redknapp, who had earlier hit the woodwork from a free kick, orchestrated a patient Liverpool build-up. But it was a rare thrust and James was far busier, stretching to hold on to a well-struck Akinbiyi shot just before the break.
Liverpool were not enjoying themselves and Redknapp was booked early in the second half for wrestling down Ian Crook, soon to be joined by Steve McManaman for tripping Mike Milligan. James' heart stopped after misjudging a Ward cross and the Norwich striker then cut between Mark Wright and John Scales before driving an 18-yard shot over the bar. Then John Barnes was caught in possession by Newsome and Norwich's biggest crowd of the season, 21,843, rose and sank as Crook shot over. Barnes was injured in the challenge and gave way to Nigel Clough after 59 minutes. Norwich's almost constant pressure almost backfired in the 63rd minute when Redknapp hit a 25-yard shot over stranded Marshall but just inches the wrong side of the crossbar.
But the home side's passion left them vulnerable to the counter attack, which finally proved their undoing. Goalkeeper David James' quick throw enabled Jamie Redknapp to break at Norwich from deep in his own half and he rampaged right into the heart of the Norwich penalty area. Andy Marshall managed to block the shot but was helpless as it spun into the path of Rush, who simply had to steer it into the empty net.
The Canaries battled all the way, but having sold players like Chris Sutton, Ruel Fox, Mark Robins, Efan Ekoku and Robert Fleck, they simply do not have the striking resources to convert their sweat into goals. And their fans have had enough of that.
Quotes:
Roy Evans
Liverpool manager Roy Evans said: "They made us battle and it was hard for us."
"We have our UEFA place through winning the Coca-Cola Cup and it's difficult to motivate players at this stage of the season; the cutting edge has gone. But we play Villa and West Ham before the end of the season and will be trying to do the same to them as we did here today. It's up to them to raise their game. It was not so long ago that Norwich were flying in Europe, but nobody has a divine right to stay up. There are seven or eight team down there that you wouldn't expect to see. But you have to win your games and I would not like to get into their position."
Joe Royle
Everton boss Joe Royle found himself giving a rare vote of thanks tonight to the man who has so often been the scourge of Goodison Park -- Liverpool striker Ian Rush.
Rush scored the winning goal against Norwich to help Everton's cause in their struggle against relegation and Royle said with a grin: "Good old Rushie did us a favour for a change. I was worried that Liverpool might relax because they have qualified for Europe -- but then when they relax they probably play at their best. They've still got to go to Aston Villa and West Ham -- we like Liverpool!"
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Odds now stacked against Norwich
by Jasper Rees of "The Daily Telegraph"
THE signpost welcoming motorists to Norwich says 'A Fine City'; it is not nearly as fine as the thread linking City to their lucrative berth in the Premiership. After a 2-1 defeat by Liverpool, the task Norwich now face is simple - mathematically, rather than practically: they need to beat Leeds away and Aston Villa at home and then rely on the failings of others.
If the correct permutation of events does not come to pass, the club chairman, Robert Chase, will not have to look beyond the mirror for the culprit, as chanting fans, who angrily demonstrated afterwards, did not fail to point out. His obsession with asset-stripping has filled the bank account and left the cupboard bare. The club no longer boast a player coveted by others, and that is why Norwich are where they are.
The timing of Liverpool's visit might have favoured the home side - the Coca-Cola Cup holders are already looking forward to visiting warmer climes for the UEFA Cup. That did not stop them from promptly opening the scoring, when Steve Harkness swept home a rare goal. A free-kick from Jamie Redknapp was soon rebounding off the crossbar, and Norwich fans feared the worst.
Ward was not far off with a glorious, last-ditch volley
Norwich, though struggling throughout to impose themselves on Liverpool's elegant midfield, found a weak link in Phil Babb at left-back. When Ian Crook's quick free-kick found Daryl Sutch on the right, his cross, in turn, took Liverpool's defence by surprise and allowed Robert Ullathorne to steal in and score. The match then entered a long phase in which Liverpool, mentally applying the Ambre Solaire, sloppily surrendered the initiative, as if to take the lead twice in a game was asking too much of a team with the goal of Europe already attained. When Nigel Clough replaced the limping John Barnes, his first act was to give away possession after being "nutmegged" from a colleague's throw-in.
If Norwich, for whom Ashley Ward and Ade Akinbiyi had both gone close with a brace of chances, could not score in the face of this indifference, they never would. As their passing deteriorated, the promise of three points wilted.
Steve McManaman, given much less attentive policing than the post-match demonstrators, soon sounded a warning by cutting in from the left and feeding Robbie Fowler, whose shot was deflected away. When Jamie Cureton delivered a lofted cross into the box, James caught it and smartly lobbed the ball to McManaman, who hared upfield, cut inside John Polston and saw his shot parried by Marshall, only to fall at the feet of Rush. The goal displayed all the bygone Norwich virtues: economy, speed and intelligence.
Ward was not far off with a glorious, last-ditch volley, but Norwich require more than glory now: they need the other stuff alluded to in the pre-kick-off tune normally associated with the Last Night of the Proms. Otherwise they will sink from the Land of Hope and Glory to the Land That Primetime Forgot.
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Rush wrecks Norwich
by Mike Allen of "The Daily Express"
Norwich were enveloped by crisis as Ian Rush struck a near-mortal blow for their Premiership existence at Carrow Road.
The veteran goal-poacher was on hand to tap the ball over the line four minutes from time to send the Canaries to their fifth successive defeat.
More importantly, it also leaves them stuck in the bottom four on a day when even a single point would have strengthened their hand.
Disgruntled Norwich fans continued their protest aimed at ousting chairman Robert Chase after the match and police used horses and dogs to clear angry supporters from outside Carrow Road.
Inside, caretaker-manager Gary Megson was insisting: "We are still in with a fighting chance and while we have that, we will keep going. Other results keep us in with a squeak."
"The players' chins are on the floor, but they know they have given it their best."
Chase had tried to inspire his side by hiring extra loud speakers from Sky TV to boom out 'Land of Hope and Glory' as Norwich ran onto the field.
But it fell on deaf ears and after just seven minutes Norwich found themselves looking to the future more with hope than expectancy.
Michael Thomas crossed from the right, Steve Harkness' header at the far post hit team-mate Rush and rebounded for Harkness to drive home.
Liverpool nearly added a second when Jamie Redknapp's free-kick hit the bar but by the 16th minute Norwich were level with their first goal of Megson's reign.
A foul by Mark Wright allowed Ian Crook to take a quick free-kick, Daryl Sutch sprinted down the right and his cross was met first time by Robert Ullathorne.
But as Norwich searched for the crucial extra points, Steve McManaman stretched them at the back and although Andy Marshall blocked his shot, Rush was on hand to score.
Norwich had looked better vlaue for the three points as Liverpool only threatened in fits and starts.
Liverpool boss Roy Evans admitted: "When you have achieved a European place it is difficult to motivate the players."
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Sad squawk of ailing Canaries
by Nick Townsend of "The Daily Mail"
Not so long ago, on the steps of Munich's olympic stadium, the mood was all sweet harmony, the prevailing sound a proud cooing from the Canaries.
Now, as Norwich succumbed 2-1 to a less than inspirational Liverpool, the tone was funereal - just as you would expect for this much-loved member of the Dead Parrot Society, one whose Premiership status has almost certainly ceased to be.
Later, as you observed the features of those spitting venom outside Carrow Road, it appeared inconceivable that a mere 18 months have elapsed since the might of Bayern were humbled on a night when BBC's John Motson made the declaration: "This is almost fantasy football."
But football followers' memories are invariably short. Never mind such glory nights, such bountiful afternoons past. The only concern is that it is guten nacht Europe, good morning Endsleigh as relegation beckons, with the rancour centering on chairman Robert Chase's disposal of 10.25 million pounds worth of players - including Ruel Fox and Chris Sutton - since the start of 1994, contrasting with the 3.8 million pound outlay on replacements. His argument has always been that the club's long-term financial security and ground improvements must precede a serious challenge for trophies.
Those who assembled to protest provoked a commotion all too familiar at football grounds, though one scarce in this quiet corner of England. It culminated in five fans being charged with public order offences and two police officers hurt and the view of commanding officer Chief Superintendent Brian Butcher: "I've never seen a crowd showing such nastiness. If we hadn't acted the injuries might have been more severe."
If those responsible expect to hound the avuncular Chase out of office, they face grave disappointment. "I have no intention of throwing away what we've achieved over the last 10 years," he said. "I've no quarrels with the fans. They pay their money and are entitled to their opinions, but this is not the time to walk away. I acknowledge that over the last six months things have not been good, but over the last 10 years they have been. My position is not an issue at all. The only issue is that we've got to win the next two games - it's as simple as that."
On the evidence of Saturday's game and that of one win this year, it will be a far from simple matter, as their excellent midfielder Ian Crook accepts. "It's hard," he said. "I've been here nine years and we've had our scrapes but not like this. You go home and think it's not really happening. Now we're relying on other teams to get us out of trouble. There's no point making excuses. At the moment we're third from bottom and we deserve to be - because results say so.
With Steve McManaman in irrepressible form, Liverpool barely had to exert themselves to secure victory with goals from defender Steve Harkness and Ian Rush though Robert Ullathorne's first half goal gave manager Gary Megson hope until the final minutes.
"It's hard to motivate yourself once you've qualified for Europe but, for our pride, we'd like to finish third," said Anfield defender John Scales.
Manager Roy Evans agreed: "Our cutting edge has gone," he said. "But we play Villa and West Ham before the end of the season and we will be trying to do the same to them as we did here. It's up to them to raise their game. It was not so long ago that Norwich were flying in Europe but nobody has a divine right to stay up."
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Supporters not sold on Chase's policies
by Ivo Tennant of "The Times"
The piped popular music was pitched so loud at half-time as to drown even the most raucous of protests at Carrow Road. Outside the ground, after another defeat and with relegation all but certified, it was a different matter. There was no with-holding around 1,000 of Norwich City's supporters and the abuse they hurled at a chairman they regard as a pariah.
Robert Chase, who insists that his position is not an issue, knew what was coming on Saturday. He is aware that, even in supposedly tranquil East Anglia, supporters have little interest in books being balanced if the team is being dismantled before them. It is no use Chase saying there is no likelihood of Chris Sutton leaving the club, and then promptly demonstrating that such words are worthless.
Chase said that if Norwich are relegated from the FA Carling Premiership (it is more a matter of when), his plans for the club would be set back by only a season. And yet that is to suppose that they will be promoted straight away, having presumably shed one or two more of their better players.
This is indeed a presumption. Other than ten arrests, nothing came of the demonstrations, just as nothing came of Norwich's wholehearted and punchy football. They could not match Liverpool for measured passing, but there was a spirit about their game that deserved more.
"We are still in with a fighting chance of avoiding relegation," Gary Megson, their latest manager, insisted, but he must have known he was living out a pipedream.
At times, Norwich harried Liverpool out of their eternal neat triangles, but there was manifestly a difference in class. Redknapp and McManaman would toy with the Norwich defence, envisaging the moment for the angled through-ball.
An opening of a different kind came as early as the seventh minute, when Thomas, more a full back than a defensive midfield player, found Rush with a long ball from the right wing. It broke to Harkness, who scored his first goal of the season.
When Redknapp struck the crossbar with a curled, direct free-kick five minutes later, one sensed that Liverpool were reckoning this was not much of a contest. They looked a little self-satisfied, and one or two of them - notably Barnes - markedly sluggish.
Soon, Ullathorne swept in a cross that Sutch had whipped across the penalty area and Liverpool's three centre-backs. Now, Norwich had a semblance of control. Akinbiyi had two opportunities, one a header and the other a volley. Later, Ward slipped through a tentative defence and shot over the bar.
It was illusory: Liverpool regained their poise and reverted to that precise inter-passing which often stretches the width of the pitch and back again.
There were six minutes remaining when James collected a long ball and sent McManaman scampering away with a throw flicked from his body as if returning to the wicketkeeper. McManaman's spindly legs took him clear of Norwich's defenders and, when his shot was parried by Marshall, Rush was in the ideal position to stab the ball past the goalkeeper. Norwich, who had taken the field to Land of Hope and Glory left it to their sixth successive defeat and the din of disturbed supporters.
By Rob King of PA
Norwich fans staged a noisy protest against chairman Robert Chase after Ian Rush had pushed the Carrow Road club to the brink of Endsleigh League football next season with an 84th-minute winner for Liverpool. The Welsh ace broke the hearts of Gary Megson's battling side with the easiest of his 19 goals this season. It inflicted Norwich's sixth straight defeat and leaves them deeply embedded in the bottom four.
"Chase out" chants echoed round Carrow Road before the biggest game in the East Anglian club's recent history. Fan protests against chairman Robert Chase also included red cards and the slogan -- "We support the team, but not the management". But the Norwich supporters suspended their hostility once play started to back Gary Megson's men as they sought only their second win in 18 games this year. Hope quickly receded when two of the men brought in to reshape the Merseyside defence -- in the absence of Neil Ruddock, Stig Bjornebye and Rob Jones -- conspired to create Liverpool's opener. Michael Thomas slung over a cross from the right and Harkness, recently on loan at Southend, jumped without too much threat. However, Jon Newsome's clearance steered the ball straight back to him and he drilled in a low, angled shot. It looked bleak for Norwich, who face a tough trip to Leeds before their final home game against fellow strugglers Aston Villa.
Although they had attacked with great determination from the off, they had registered just one goal in five straight defeats, and brought in Ade Akinbiyi -- yet to score for the club -- to partner Ashley Ward. But the mood was transformed in the 17th minute when Daryl Sutch swept a superb cross in from the right, met with a crashing left-foot volley on the far post by Robert Ullathorne for his second goal of the season.
Sutch's accuracy with his right foot caused the Coca-Cola Cup winners more problems, with Akinbiyi heading just wide at the far post soon after and their reshaped defence rocking under pressure. Robbie Fowler nearly nabbed his 32nd goal of the season from a bad mistake by Norwich goalkeeper Andy Marshall, and the home side's passion left them vulnerable to the counter attack.
In the second half players went down like ninepins as commitment produced unyielding challenges, the home side hammering forward and Liverpool, playing only for place money, having already qualified for Europe, ensuring that none of Norwich's relegation rivals could accuse them of not trying. Sutch again provided the service, this time Ward stooping for a header just over James' left angle. Marshall and Newsome lived dangerously in cutting out a Rush header across their goal as Redknapp, who had earlier hit the woodwork from a free kick, orchestrated a patient Liverpool build-up. But it was a rare thrust and James was far busier, stretching to hold on to a well-struck Akinbiyi shot just before the break.
Liverpool were not enjoying themselves and Redknapp was booked early in the second half for wrestling down Ian Crook, soon to be joined by Steve McManaman for tripping Mike Milligan. James' heart stopped after misjudging a Ward cross and the Norwich striker then cut between Mark Wright and John Scales before driving an 18-yard shot over the bar. Then John Barnes was caught in possession by Newsome and Norwich's biggest crowd of the season, 21,843, rose and sank as Crook shot over. Barnes was injured in the challenge and gave way to Nigel Clough after 59 minutes. Norwich's almost constant pressure almost backfired in the 63rd minute when Redknapp hit a 25-yard shot over stranded Marshall but just inches the wrong side of the crossbar.
But the home side's passion left them vulnerable to the counter attack, which finally proved their undoing. Goalkeeper David James' quick throw enabled Jamie Redknapp to break at Norwich from deep in his own half and he rampaged right into the heart of the Norwich penalty area. Andy Marshall managed to block the shot but was helpless as it spun into the path of Rush, who simply had to steer it into the empty net.
The Canaries battled all the way, but having sold players like Chris Sutton, Ruel Fox, Mark Robins, Efan Ekoku and Robert Fleck, they simply do not have the striking resources to convert their sweat into goals. And their fans have had enough of that.
Quotes:
Roy Evans
Liverpool manager Roy Evans said: "They made us battle and it was hard for us."
"We have our UEFA place through winning the Coca-Cola Cup and it's difficult to motivate players at this stage of the season; the cutting edge has gone. But we play Villa and West Ham before the end of the season and will be trying to do the same to them as we did here today. It's up to them to raise their game. It was not so long ago that Norwich were flying in Europe, but nobody has a divine right to stay up. There are seven or eight team down there that you wouldn't expect to see. But you have to win your games and I would not like to get into their position."
Joe Royle
Everton boss Joe Royle found himself giving a rare vote of thanks tonight to the man who has so often been the scourge of Goodison Park -- Liverpool striker Ian Rush.
Rush scored the winning goal against Norwich to help Everton's cause in their struggle against relegation and Royle said with a grin: "Good old Rushie did us a favour for a change. I was worried that Liverpool might relax because they have qualified for Europe -- but then when they relax they probably play at their best. They've still got to go to Aston Villa and West Ham -- we like Liverpool!"
---
Odds now stacked against Norwich
by Jasper Rees of "The Daily Telegraph"
THE signpost welcoming motorists to Norwich says 'A Fine City'; it is not nearly as fine as the thread linking City to their lucrative berth in the Premiership. After a 2-1 defeat by Liverpool, the task Norwich now face is simple - mathematically, rather than practically: they need to beat Leeds away and Aston Villa at home and then rely on the failings of others.
If the correct permutation of events does not come to pass, the club chairman, Robert Chase, will not have to look beyond the mirror for the culprit, as chanting fans, who angrily demonstrated afterwards, did not fail to point out. His obsession with asset-stripping has filled the bank account and left the cupboard bare. The club no longer boast a player coveted by others, and that is why Norwich are where they are.
The timing of Liverpool's visit might have favoured the home side - the Coca-Cola Cup holders are already looking forward to visiting warmer climes for the UEFA Cup. That did not stop them from promptly opening the scoring, when Steve Harkness swept home a rare goal. A free-kick from Jamie Redknapp was soon rebounding off the crossbar, and Norwich fans feared the worst.
Ward was not far off with a glorious, last-ditch volley
Norwich, though struggling throughout to impose themselves on Liverpool's elegant midfield, found a weak link in Phil Babb at left-back. When Ian Crook's quick free-kick found Daryl Sutch on the right, his cross, in turn, took Liverpool's defence by surprise and allowed Robert Ullathorne to steal in and score. The match then entered a long phase in which Liverpool, mentally applying the Ambre Solaire, sloppily surrendered the initiative, as if to take the lead twice in a game was asking too much of a team with the goal of Europe already attained. When Nigel Clough replaced the limping John Barnes, his first act was to give away possession after being "nutmegged" from a colleague's throw-in.
If Norwich, for whom Ashley Ward and Ade Akinbiyi had both gone close with a brace of chances, could not score in the face of this indifference, they never would. As their passing deteriorated, the promise of three points wilted.
Steve McManaman, given much less attentive policing than the post-match demonstrators, soon sounded a warning by cutting in from the left and feeding Robbie Fowler, whose shot was deflected away. When Jamie Cureton delivered a lofted cross into the box, James caught it and smartly lobbed the ball to McManaman, who hared upfield, cut inside John Polston and saw his shot parried by Marshall, only to fall at the feet of Rush. The goal displayed all the bygone Norwich virtues: economy, speed and intelligence.
Ward was not far off with a glorious, last-ditch volley, but Norwich require more than glory now: they need the other stuff alluded to in the pre-kick-off tune normally associated with the Last Night of the Proms. Otherwise they will sink from the Land of Hope and Glory to the Land That Primetime Forgot.
---
Rush wrecks Norwich
by Mike Allen of "The Daily Express"
Norwich were enveloped by crisis as Ian Rush struck a near-mortal blow for their Premiership existence at Carrow Road.
The veteran goal-poacher was on hand to tap the ball over the line four minutes from time to send the Canaries to their fifth successive defeat.
More importantly, it also leaves them stuck in the bottom four on a day when even a single point would have strengthened their hand.
Disgruntled Norwich fans continued their protest aimed at ousting chairman Robert Chase after the match and police used horses and dogs to clear angry supporters from outside Carrow Road.
Inside, caretaker-manager Gary Megson was insisting: "We are still in with a fighting chance and while we have that, we will keep going. Other results keep us in with a squeak."
"The players' chins are on the floor, but they know they have given it their best."
Chase had tried to inspire his side by hiring extra loud speakers from Sky TV to boom out 'Land of Hope and Glory' as Norwich ran onto the field.
But it fell on deaf ears and after just seven minutes Norwich found themselves looking to the future more with hope than expectancy.
Michael Thomas crossed from the right, Steve Harkness' header at the far post hit team-mate Rush and rebounded for Harkness to drive home.
Liverpool nearly added a second when Jamie Redknapp's free-kick hit the bar but by the 16th minute Norwich were level with their first goal of Megson's reign.
A foul by Mark Wright allowed Ian Crook to take a quick free-kick, Daryl Sutch sprinted down the right and his cross was met first time by Robert Ullathorne.
But as Norwich searched for the crucial extra points, Steve McManaman stretched them at the back and although Andy Marshall blocked his shot, Rush was on hand to score.
Norwich had looked better vlaue for the three points as Liverpool only threatened in fits and starts.
Liverpool boss Roy Evans admitted: "When you have achieved a European place it is difficult to motivate the players."
---
Sad squawk of ailing Canaries
by Nick Townsend of "The Daily Mail"
Not so long ago, on the steps of Munich's olympic stadium, the mood was all sweet harmony, the prevailing sound a proud cooing from the Canaries.
Now, as Norwich succumbed 2-1 to a less than inspirational Liverpool, the tone was funereal - just as you would expect for this much-loved member of the Dead Parrot Society, one whose Premiership status has almost certainly ceased to be.
Later, as you observed the features of those spitting venom outside Carrow Road, it appeared inconceivable that a mere 18 months have elapsed since the might of Bayern were humbled on a night when BBC's John Motson made the declaration: "This is almost fantasy football."
But football followers' memories are invariably short. Never mind such glory nights, such bountiful afternoons past. The only concern is that it is guten nacht Europe, good morning Endsleigh as relegation beckons, with the rancour centering on chairman Robert Chase's disposal of 10.25 million pounds worth of players - including Ruel Fox and Chris Sutton - since the start of 1994, contrasting with the 3.8 million pound outlay on replacements. His argument has always been that the club's long-term financial security and ground improvements must precede a serious challenge for trophies.
Those who assembled to protest provoked a commotion all too familiar at football grounds, though one scarce in this quiet corner of England. It culminated in five fans being charged with public order offences and two police officers hurt and the view of commanding officer Chief Superintendent Brian Butcher: "I've never seen a crowd showing such nastiness. If we hadn't acted the injuries might have been more severe."
If those responsible expect to hound the avuncular Chase out of office, they face grave disappointment. "I have no intention of throwing away what we've achieved over the last 10 years," he said. "I've no quarrels with the fans. They pay their money and are entitled to their opinions, but this is not the time to walk away. I acknowledge that over the last six months things have not been good, but over the last 10 years they have been. My position is not an issue at all. The only issue is that we've got to win the next two games - it's as simple as that."
On the evidence of Saturday's game and that of one win this year, it will be a far from simple matter, as their excellent midfielder Ian Crook accepts. "It's hard," he said. "I've been here nine years and we've had our scrapes but not like this. You go home and think it's not really happening. Now we're relying on other teams to get us out of trouble. There's no point making excuses. At the moment we're third from bottom and we deserve to be - because results say so.
With Steve McManaman in irrepressible form, Liverpool barely had to exert themselves to secure victory with goals from defender Steve Harkness and Ian Rush though Robert Ullathorne's first half goal gave manager Gary Megson hope until the final minutes.
"It's hard to motivate yourself once you've qualified for Europe but, for our pride, we'd like to finish third," said Anfield defender John Scales.
Manager Roy Evans agreed: "Our cutting edge has gone," he said. "But we play Villa and West Ham before the end of the season and we will be trying to do the same to them as we did here. It's up to them to raise their game. It was not so long ago that Norwich were flying in Europe but nobody has a divine right to stay up."
---
Supporters not sold on Chase's policies
by Ivo Tennant of "The Times"
The piped popular music was pitched so loud at half-time as to drown even the most raucous of protests at Carrow Road. Outside the ground, after another defeat and with relegation all but certified, it was a different matter. There was no with-holding around 1,000 of Norwich City's supporters and the abuse they hurled at a chairman they regard as a pariah.
Robert Chase, who insists that his position is not an issue, knew what was coming on Saturday. He is aware that, even in supposedly tranquil East Anglia, supporters have little interest in books being balanced if the team is being dismantled before them. It is no use Chase saying there is no likelihood of Chris Sutton leaving the club, and then promptly demonstrating that such words are worthless.
Chase said that if Norwich are relegated from the FA Carling Premiership (it is more a matter of when), his plans for the club would be set back by only a season. And yet that is to suppose that they will be promoted straight away, having presumably shed one or two more of their better players.
This is indeed a presumption. Other than ten arrests, nothing came of the demonstrations, just as nothing came of Norwich's wholehearted and punchy football. They could not match Liverpool for measured passing, but there was a spirit about their game that deserved more.
"We are still in with a fighting chance of avoiding relegation," Gary Megson, their latest manager, insisted, but he must have known he was living out a pipedream.
At times, Norwich harried Liverpool out of their eternal neat triangles, but there was manifestly a difference in class. Redknapp and McManaman would toy with the Norwich defence, envisaging the moment for the angled through-ball.
An opening of a different kind came as early as the seventh minute, when Thomas, more a full back than a defensive midfield player, found Rush with a long ball from the right wing. It broke to Harkness, who scored his first goal of the season.
When Redknapp struck the crossbar with a curled, direct free-kick five minutes later, one sensed that Liverpool were reckoning this was not much of a contest. They looked a little self-satisfied, and one or two of them - notably Barnes - markedly sluggish.
Soon, Ullathorne swept in a cross that Sutch had whipped across the penalty area and Liverpool's three centre-backs. Now, Norwich had a semblance of control. Akinbiyi had two opportunities, one a header and the other a volley. Later, Ward slipped through a tentative defence and shot over the bar.
It was illusory: Liverpool regained their poise and reverted to that precise inter-passing which often stretches the width of the pitch and back again.
There were six minutes remaining when James collected a long ball and sent McManaman scampering away with a throw flicked from his body as if returning to the wicketkeeper. McManaman's spindly legs took him clear of Norwich's defenders and, when his shot was parried by Marshall, Rush was in the ideal position to stab the ball past the goalkeeper. Norwich, who had taken the field to Land of Hope and Glory left it to their sixth successive defeat and the din of disturbed supporters.
