Barclay Boy Season in the Sun: Part 2

PART 2 of James Scoltock's diary following Norwich City in the Premier League.


There seems to be few books dedicated to Norwich, even though it’s the highest achieving club in Norfolk. It looks at the 2011/12 season on and off the field, from the jubilation of promotion from the Championship to the thrills and spills of competing with the best teams in England, the feelings before, during and after games and the all consuming nature of being a Norwich supporter.


Over the years much has happened at Carrow Road. The supporters have been poked, prodded, dealt cruel blows and seen dour performances. They've been encouraged to pay up and shut up, and believe the line that you can be prudent and ambitious.


But since the club board changed and the management team was reinvigorated it’s been a fantastic rollercoaster ride. The spirit of the team, the dedication of the support, and the humour and excitement surrounding the club has catapulted Norwich back to where they belong – in the Premier League.


It casts a humorous eye over the strange world of a football fan. Dealing with a whole host of subjects from the weekly hike to Norwich from London to watch games, the constant struggle to convince your partner that you aren’t crazy and the weird and wonderful opportunities that arise to show your support for the team.


It tells of some of the extraordinary situations he has found himself in over the club’s first season back in the big time since 2005. 


Being a Norwich fan is never easy, but the ride is worth it.


James Scoltock was educated at Acle High School, East Norfolk Sixth Form College and Lincoln University. He worked as an English teacher in Japan before returning to the UK and being given his first break in journalism with The Sunday Times before moving over to the world of automotive publishing with Automotive Engineer.


His love affair with football began over two decades ago, watching the great Liverpool teams of the 1980’s, but it was Norwich that stole his heart.

Now exiled in London, James is a season ticket holder and resident of the Barclay’s stand at Carrow Road.


He’s seen relegation, a title winning League One team, a return to the Championship, and the delirium of a return to the Premier League.