AS WELL as the Canaries' 4-0 victory over Barnsley, Saturday had another cause for celebration as Norwich commemorated the Club's famous 1958-59 FA Cup run.
The day saw the team's 50th anniversary reunion, sponsored by Aviva. Carrow Road had a 1950's theme with the Taverham Band playing Glenn Miller classics outside the Jarrold Stand and the usual pre-match song list included musical classics from the era.
Ilford, Swindon, Manchester United, Cardiff, Tottenham and Sheffield United were all beaten when Norwich City's cup heroes came within a whisker of reaching Wembley - despite being in the third tier of English football.
City's thrilling FA Cup run came to an end following a semi-final replay defeat at the hands of Luton Town at St. Andrews. The team's exploits however lifted the whole of the City and the Club's finances were placed on a more secure footing.
On Friday evening, members of the 1958-59 team attended a dinner at Carrow Road held in their honour. As well as a three-course meal, attendees enjoyed film clips of the era and the cup run itself and interviews with the players.
Saturday morning saw the 59ers meet at Aviva's Marble Hall for a forum, which allowed City supporters the chance to put their questions to the Canary legends. The FA had also allowed Aviva to have the FA Cup at the event.
Speaking at the forum, former goalkeeper Sandy Kennon told of his delight at getting back together with his old team mates. "It's unbelievable to see the boys again," he said. "We had such a good comradeship in the team but there was something else, there was another ingredient there too.
"When I joined Norwich, I thought there might be a little bit of resentment because I was a new player but there was none, they all made me so welcome. The memories I have are absolutely brilliant - I can't remember what happened yesterday but I can remember my experience of the cup run!"
Another member of the 59ers attending the event, Terry Bly added the Football Club had a rich history of events to be proud of: "I have great memories of those days, and it's really wonderful to see everyone again.
"I still can't understand why we were made such a fuss of - Norwich have been to Wembley, they got promotion the next year, they've been to Europe to the quarter finals, yet they all go back to the 59ers and we didn't win anything. Saying that, I do like getting spoilt though!"
As kick-off against Barnsley drew close, the 59ers and their families arrived at Carrow Road to watch the match and took part in a half-time pitch parade which saw them enjoy a standing ovation from the packed stadium.
The weekend's activities were the culmination of events to celebrate this famous part of Norwich City Football Club's history. Commemorations began on January 3 when a special limited edition shirt was worn by the Norwich first team for their original FA Cup third round tie with Charlton at the Valley, and then again in the replay at Carrow Road. The shirts are now on auction, with part of the proceeds going towards the Norwich City Historical Trust.
