David McNally
Hello this is David McNally, a warm welcome to Norwich City supporters everywhere and I look forward to a lively discussion over the next hour - I will certainly try to answer as many questions as I can during that time.

NCFC
We'll open the Q&A session regarding the upcoming January transfer window, of which we have had many questions:
"Will you be doing everything to keep our current squad together, or is it out of your hands to keep hold of players like Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt if clubs come in with offers in the January transfer window?" Ricky Martin

David McNally
Hello Ricky and the many other fans who have also asked about the January transfer window. Firstly, and most importantly, there are no plans to sell any players in January. However, there may be fringe players leaving the Club during this period. If the Club does receive any offers for first team players, these offers will be considered by Paul Lambert and the Board. Clearly Paul may decide to trade because he knows he will be allowed to re-invest any monies received into his squad.

NCFC
Along the same lines, we have had many questions regarding the potential to bring in players during the January transfer window, from Diane on email and this from Ankles on the question panel at the bottom of the console.

Ankles
Can we get underway? First an obvious question is do we have money to spend in January or do we have to sell first to buy?

Simon Bloom
Good Afternoon David - first great to see a Chief Exec taking the time out to engage with the supporters - thanks - my question is about financial support for the playing squad to better improve the chances of promotion 1st time round - can you comment on the level of support Paul Lambert will receive both now, before the loan window closes and in Jan please?

David McNally
Hello Ankles, we recognise that Paul does need help in strengthening the current squad. We were delighted to be able to support the arrival of Russell Martin and we hope to have news of another addition to the squad later today. I can assure you that Paul thinks carefully and deeply about his squad needs and the Board will do all we can to support him in an effort to be as competitive as possible, week in, week out. That being said, we don't have millions of pounds to spend and we will have to live within our means.

NCFC
A question we received from Glenn on email:
"Hi, this is Glenn Chambers (chambeg from the website). I would of course like to extend a belated welcome to David. On the three occasions I've had lunch in Yellows I have also spied David tucking into no doubt a well earned lunch. Is he worried in any way this lavish lunch lifestyle may impact on his suit size, must be the best catering in all the leagues? Good luck during the question time. Thanks Glenn"

David McNally
Hi Glenn I'm surprised and pleased that somebody else other than my wife worries about my suit size! I do admit that when I can I have lunch in Yellows, it is by far the best quality and value in the city and at £5 for an all-inclusive lunch I will continue to dine there until my waistline reaches 50 inches!

NCFC
We've had several questions along the lines of investment including from Chris:

Chris Simpkin
Hi David, it has been mention that David Gold's car has been seen at Carrow Road, are you able to say if he is interested in investing or not? Are there any investors waying up whether or not to invest at this current time?

David McNally
Hi Chris and the others who have asked about investment - as our Chairman has mentioned recently we are searching for investors or indeed potential new owners. This remains the case. We have appointed professional advisors to work alongside the Club in this regard and this is our non-football priority over the coming months. David Gold is a good friend of the Club but I can assure you that he hasn't visited us recently.

NCFC
Many thanks for all the questions that are coming in and we'll endeavour to ask a broad range of subjects being asked both from earlier emails and the l ones coming in.
"How much has been made from the Canary Squares, what are the chances of seeing permanent signings in the January transfer window, how much of the money raised from canary squares will go to Paul Lambert's transfer fund, will he have to sell any players to get new players in?
Could you also give me more information as to why Colchester want the league to make an example of Norwich over the appoint of Paul Lambert, I thought he said to Colchester he wanted to take the Norwich job but they wouldn't allow him to, so he resigned, please could you put me straight over this matter."

Sarah
Yes I love Yellows to thank you for letting Paul keep Fraser for the rest of season he is a very good goalkeeper in the making.

David McNally
Hi Canarywaite, we're delighted to say that Canary Squares is ahead of budget as we enter the important Christmas period. All of the profits generated from Canary Squares will be allocated to Paul Lambert's first team squad budget. On your second question, Colchester United have made a complaint and the matter is in the hands of our legal representatives.

NCFC
A question from Tom Cobbold on email:
"David - if Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and Peterborough merged to form 'East Anglia United', would the resulting fan base compete with Manchester United, or Boston United?"

David McNally
Dear Tom, two words: Melchester Rovers!

Charlie Hindley
I recognize that these are a very hypothetical questions; however, I wander if you may be able to shed some light on the subject of increasing the stadium capacity. Supporters have always been told that once we were established in the Premiership again, then the plans for developing the city stand could be realized. At what point could this happen, and is it in any way possible to complete this expansion before we are back in top flight football? Most of my friends believe that we could support a capacity of at least 30,000, in terms of fan base. Are the rewards comparable to the investment?

NCFC
"Is the current ground capacity a limitation to Norwich City's ambitions or is it the opinion of the NCFC Board that increasing capacity is not needed and why?" From Rob Youngman of Bristol on email

David McNally
Dear Charlie, the current capacity is sufficient for Championship and Division One football. In my view, when we do get back to the Premier League we will need a stadium capacity of between 35 and 40,000. A strategic review looking at how we get from where we are now to where we want to be will need to be completed before any decisions are made. Most importantly, we need a mid-term solution to our current financial problems before any commitment to significant capital expenditure is given. We are working closely with our major lenders, who have been helpful, and it is our aim to restructure the balance sheet as soon as we possibly can.

Matthew
Hello David. Quiche or Flan?

David McNally
Hi Matthew - Both!

Matthew
David, please could you let us know some details of the operational review that caused the delay of the AGM. What parts of the operation were being reviewed?

Craig Lorne
David, Can you give some more details on the extent of the operational review that has caused the delay of the AGM.

David McNally
Hi Matthew, as our Chairman has stressed the new Board will be open and transparent with supporters at all times. We are having to review all aspects of the business and make strategic decisions concerning every piece of the business. An exercise of this type takes time and alongside our financial discussions with key stakeholders it was felt necessary to delay the AGM to such a time that we could provide not only clear information, but also an update on the strategic direction of the business.

NCFC
"What was the real reason for moving reserve games to 2pm as this time makes the games unwatchable for most of the usual reserve crowd?" Brian Burrell on email

NCFC
"Reserve matches - I introduced my son ( now aged 9 ) to NCFC by attending reserve matches and he now is a member and likely to get a season ticket - any word on why I now cannot introduce my daughter to NCFC via evening reserve matches - surely a whole generation of fans will be lost if they cannot attend reserve matches." Gary Southwell on email

David McNally
Hi Brian and Gary and others who have asked about this issue, like many supporters I really enjoy being able to watch reserve team football under lights at Carrow Road. However, we currently make a significant loss every time we play a game in this way and we cannot allow any loss-making activity to continue. If we did this would ultimately mean that Paul Lambert would have less to spend on his first team squad. If you were me, what would you do?

Dominic
The same for me David, my Son has moved from evening (Soccer AM) to a Season ticket holder. My 3 year old now doesn't have the same privilege. Is it really cost saving? And is affecting your loyal supporters a good way of cost cutting?

West Canary
I'm sure the club is aware of the on going financial problems affecting Norfolk's biggest non league club King's Lynn FC. The Linnets have been wound up in the High Court pending a seven day window to try and raise funds for a £65,000 tax bill. Can you tell me what City can do to help?

Stuart
Are the club offering any assistance to King's Lynn in their present financial predicament?

David McNally
Hello west canary, there have been a few questions on this issue and we have been in touch with our friends at King's Lynn Football Club this week and I'm sure when appropriate they may comment. Whilst we are unable to give direct financial support, there may be other ways in which we can help this great Norfolk club.

James
David, may I congratulate you on the excellent job you are doing and in particular the appointment of Paul Lambert. The one concern I have is he is still on a rolling contract and with the possibility of premier league clubs having a look at him. Will the board address this and put him on a longer term deal to protect our compensation rights and give Paul some more job security. At present it is my understanding that in theory Paul could walk away for next to nothing, which is a concern.

Mel
David, firstly, may I congratulate you on the job you are doing at Carrow Road. Thanks for your hard work. Can we be assured that Paul Lambert is here for the long term? It does seem as though he likes moving about!

David McNally
Hello James and Mel, thank you for your kind words. Paul is very happy at Norwich and completely focussed on bringing some success to this great Football Club. We are very comfortable with his contractual position and I would repeat Alan Bowkett's recent comments that Paul will manage in the Premier League one day. It is our intention to ensure that he does that with Norwich City.

Kristian
Hello David, do you find your role here at Norwich much different or much more difficult from your previous roles at Celtic and Fulham?

James
Why did you choose to come to a side in League 1 with a difficult financial situation, after time at bigger clubs?

Greg
Good afternoon David. How does managing our football club compare to the rich pickings in the premier league? Also, I think the level of pricing at Carrow Road is spot on. I would much rather we had full houses than the empty seats we see in the premier league due to extortionate seats prices. I sincerely hope you intend to ensure football is affordable to all in Norfolk.

David McNally
Hi Kristian and others who have asked a similar question, there are similarities between all three clubs despite the differences in the leagues they play in. Norwich City though is more akin to Celtic - this is a big, big football club and with a proud, passionate following, just like Celtic. In my opinion the away support that this Club has is the best in the land and long may that continue. The new Board that has been put in place can I am sure cope with the challenges it faces. That being said, the financial hurdles we have to overcome are certainly very challenging and we are very fortunate to have Alan Bowkett as our Chairman at this difficult time. He has both the necessary financial experience and skill-set to help deal with the balance sheet issue, which will allow me to run the business.

NCFC
"Do you envisage there being a role within NCFC for Darren Huckerby in the coming months? Assuming he can't be persuaded to play again (will he be asked?) as he has "99% retired from playing" is there another part he can play?" Ross Alcock on email

Gary
David, is there no chance of getting Hucks back?

David McNally
Dear Ross, Darren Huckerby is and always will be a Norwich City legend. Very recently, I was delighted to be able to meet him for the first time and I know that he's met up with Paul Lambert. Whilst Darren has indicated that he would like to continue in the football business he needs to think carefully about what roles interest him before he makes any commitment to anybody. Regardless of what Darren decides to do in the future, he will of course always be more than welcome at Carrow Road.

Carl from Swaffham
If you could change any rules in the game or introduce any new ones what would they be? I'd like to see no substitutions in the last 10 minutes of a game except for injury and for players to have to stay at a club for a set period before they can ask for a transfer and be transferred to another club when they sign a contract

David McNally
Dear Carl, you make some interesting observations. Personally I would like to see technology introduced throughout the professional game and I would allow a video referee to help the referee decide on two key game-changing issues - and restrict his remit accordingly: Firstly, did the ball cross the goal-line? Secondly, is it a penalty? These are game-changing issues and the required technology is currently available. This introduction would help to eliminate significant mistakes and I would stress that I don't hold by the notion 'that these incidents even themselves out over the season'. These key decisions are too important for both clubs and the referees must get the big decisions right and so why not give them the help that is available?

William
David, How many games do you manage to watch? I assume most of the home ones but how about the long away trips!?

David McNally
Hi William, I go to every game.

Kelvin
Are you any good at football? We play up the UEA every Tuesday and Thursday night if you fancy a game?

David McNally
Dear Kelvin, I played over 1,000 senior matches and I thought I was brilliant in every one of them! However my managers at the time had a different view. I would love to be able to play for your team but my body now feels as if it is 97, so alas, I fear my footballing days may be behind me.

Tombs
What is your target timeframe for a return to the Premiership?

David McNally
Dear Tombs, once we are back in the Championship we will aim to get to the Premier League as quickly as possible. From a business planning point of view this will mean up to three years, allowing a further two years to become a consistently successful Premier League club.

Wandering Star
Do you agree with many fans that players wages in the game as a whole are ridiculously high, unaffordable even? Do you agree with Fergie that modern players are over-protected?

David McNally
Hello Wandering Star, in the lower leagues it would be unfair to say that players are overpaid. In the Premier League clearly many players are paid stellar salaries and I have to say that isn't their fault. In this regard market forces prevail. In the industry football clubs should concentrate on being run as a business, ensuring that the normal business disciplines apply. This is the real challenge facing football over the next few years.

David McNally
Right I will take one more question and then as I hinted at earlier, we've got work to be getting on with here today so I will have to sign off.

Kelvin
Do you believe that this side in place now is good enough to cope in the Championship if we go up, or are we going to have to improve the playing staff?

David McNally
Hi Kelvin, in my opinion the current squad is good enough to be competitive in the Championship. We have at least two transfer windows before that can become a possibility and we will of course use the windows to further strengthen the squad as Paul sees fit.

David McNally
Thanks to everybody for your interesting questions and I'm sorry if we haven't been able to answer all of them but we had more than 200 come in. As we've said before this is the first of our webchats with Directors and one of my colleagues on the Board will look forward to answering your questions next month.

See you at Carlisle!

David McNally