CITY boss Bryan Gunn says he's delighted with the winning performance displayed by his Canary squad against Watford at Carrow Road today.
An own goal from Watford's Daniel Rose and a second-half effort headed home by Gary Doherty secured the home side a vital three points. Speaking to canaries.co.uk after the clash, Gunn said he was pleased his side had got back to their winning ways.
"That was a massive win," he commented. "I keep using the word massive, but to do that in front of our fans when some people have written us off when we needed a response and the players gave us that. The important thing was we responded in the first ten minutes and we set the tone for the game.
"When we got the goal, the fact our full-back was closing down one of their defenders, that attitude spread thoughout the team from there. We were confident and the supporters were right behind us - it was the biggest crowd of the season at Carrow Road and they sang us through to victory."
He continued: "There were a few hairy moments but all the players showed character and commitment - there were 14 who took to the pitch and there were others who were disappointed not to be on the pitch.
"The staff have been fantastic as well, lifting the players' spirits and their own. If we can replicate that peformance at Portman Road next weekend then I'll be a happy man, because that's a standard that if we can maintain, we'll certainly get results from."
After the Canaries lost out to Swansea on Saturday, the Norwich manager added his squad's determined performance today had pleased him: "The reaction was fantastic - we were fortunate our directors had generously flown us back from Swansea on Saturday.
"I think a lot of people can take credit for today's result, there's a great team effort behind the scenes here - we've got people working at the stadium selling season tickets and they're keen to find out what division we're in and we will keep battling as long as we can. Hopefully the results we achieve will make sure we retain Championship status."
With only goal difference currently separating Norwich from Barnsley and Nottingham Forest, questions were put to Gunn about the possibility it could be that tight at the end of the season. He replied: "The lads know all the other teams and fixtures around us, I showed them yesterday, trying to focus their attention on our results and our performances. Also, teams around us still have some very difficult games so nothing's guaranteed.
"I heard all the managers over the weekend saying there will be twists and turns at the top end, and certainly at the bottom of the table."
Looking ahead to next Sunday's derby clash with East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town, Gunn told First News he felt positive about the Canaries' next game: "I'm looking forward to it - it's another huge game and the boys have had a tendancy to play well in those sort of games this season, and get results we know they can.
"We'll be working hard this week and we'll need to recover their legs because they've had a hard 48 hours. We'll have a look at the knocks we;ve got and make sure when we take to the pitch at 12.45 next weekend, we've got players showing the same passion and drive they've shown today."
