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During the 1992–93 English football season, Norwich City F.C. competed in the inaugural season of the Premier League. Norwich City led the league for much of the season, having been among the pre-season favourites for relegation, and were eight points clear of the field shortly before Christmas,[1] before faltering in the final weeks to finish third behind the champions, Manchester United, and Aston Villa.[2] With a goal difference of -4, this remains the highest position achieved by a team with a negative goal difference in Premier League history.
1992–93 season | |
---|---|
Chairman | Robert Chase |
Manager | Mike Walker |
Stadium | Carrow Road |
Premier League | 3rd |
FA Cup | Fourth round |
League Cup | Third round |
Top goalscorer | League: Robins (15) All: Robins (16) |
Average home league attendance | 16,154 |
On the first day of the Premier League season, achieving an impressive 4–2 away win over an Arsenal side who were among the pre-season title favourites in a race finally won by Manchester United. This was a big surprise not least to the media and pundits who had tipped Norwich for a season of struggle.[3]
Build up to the season
editTransfers In
edit- Mark Robins - Manchester United, 1992, £800,000
- Gary Megson - Manchester City, 1992, Free Transfer
- Efan Ekoku - Bournemouth, 26 March, £500,000
Transfers Out
edit- Robert Fleck - Chelsea, 1992, £2,100,000
Season summary
editAugust
edit15 August 1992 1 | Arsenal | 2–4 | Norwich City | London |
15:00 | Bould 28' Campbell 39' |
[5] | Robins 69', 84' Phillips 73' Fox 82' |
Stadium: Highbury Attendance: 24,030 Referee: Alan Gunn |
19 August 1992 2 | Norwich City | 2–1 | Chelsea | Norwich |
19:45 | Phillips 57' Robins 59' |
[6] | Stuart 15' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 15,164 Referee: Gerald Ashby |
22 August 1992 3 | Norwich City | 1–1 | Everton | Norwich |
15:00 | Fox 67' | [7] | Beardsley 55' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 14,150 Referee: John Key |
26 August 1992 4 | Manchester City | 3–1 | Norwich City | Manchester |
19:45 | White 45', 80' McMahon 90' |
[8] | Megson 58' | Stadium: Maine Road Attendance: 23,182 Referee: David Elleray |
29 August 1992 5 | Crystal Palace | 1–2 | Norwich City | London |
15:00 | McGoldrick 20' | [9] | Power 16' Phillips 74' |
Stadium: Selhurst Park Attendance: 12,033 Referee: David Allison |
31 August 1992 6 | Norwich City | 3–1 | Nottingham Forest | Norwich |
19:45 | Crook 2' Power 76' Phillips 89' |
[10] | Clough 31' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 14,104 Referee: Brian Hill |
Norwich had finished 18th the previous season and sold star striker Robert Fleck to Chelsea for a club record fee. This lead many pundits and experts to tip the Canaries to struggle in the new Premier League. In the opening weekend of the season Norwich City faced Arsenal at Highbury. Norwich did little to dispel these early predictions, finding themselves 2–0 behind at half time courtesy of goals from Steve Bould and Kevin Campbell. However the introduction of Mark Robins as a substitute was to set the tone for the rest of season. He quickly reduced the arrears with a diving header from a David Phillips free kick. Phillips, himself draw Norwich level after David Seaman misjudged a straightforward right wing cross. Ruel Fox then gave Norwich the lead from a tight angle before Robins sealed the comeback, pouncing on a mistake by Tony Adams to loft the ball over Seaman into the net.
Gaining points from losing positions was a key feature of Norwich's early season form. Another deft chip from Robins secured victory over Chelsea after falling behind to an early strike from Graham Stuart, while a Ruel Fox header salvaged a point against Everton. Norwich's first defeat of the season inevitably came at Manchester City, a ground they had not won at since 1964. However Norwich quickly bounced back to record a fine victory at Crystal Palace courtesy of a stunning scissor kick from David Phillips. At the end of the month Norwich played host to Nottingham Forest knowing that a win would put them top of the Premier League. In front of the Sky cameras, Ian Crook gave the Canaries the lead with a stunning free kick which was promptly cancelled out by an acute yet precise finish from Nigel Clough (both goals appearing at #11 and #12 on the 'Goals Goals Goals: 101 of the Very Best 1992/93 Premier League Goals' VHS). However Norwich were not to be denied and a defensive mix up allowed Lee Power to restore Norwich's lead. David Phillips sealed victory following a clever layback from Rob Newman.
September
edit5 September 1992 7 | Norwich City | 1–0 | Southampton | Norwich |
15:00 | Robins 87' | [11] | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 12,452 Referee: Keith Hackett |
12 September 1992 8 | Chelsea | 2–3 | Norwich City | London |
15:00 | Harford 2' Townsend 29' |
[12] | Robins 46', 74' Phillips 79' |
Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 16,880 Referee: Keren Barratt |
19 September 1992 9 | Norwich City | 1–0 | Sheffield Wednesday | Norwich |
15:00 | Newman 44' | [13] | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 13,367 Referee: Bob Nixon |
26 September 1992 10 | Coventry City | 1–1 | Norwich City | Coventry |
15:00 | Ndlovu 37' | [14] | Crook 13' | Stadium: Highfield Road Attendance: 16,436 Referee: Alf Buksh |
Norwich continued to defy expectations in September. Mark Robins bundled home late on against Southampton to hand Norwich the points despite a fine display from Tim Flowers in the Saints goal. The Canaries then travelled to Stamford Bridge, quickly finding themselves 2 goals behind from strikes by Mick Harford and Andy Townsend. However Norwich worked their way back into the contest thanks to some calamitous goalkeeping from Dave Beasant who allowed Mark Robins' tame effort to creep past him. Beasant was again caught out of position as Robins sidefooted Norwich's equalizer. However things went from bad to worse for Beasant who then allowed David Phillips scuffed shot to somehow squirm through his hands, gifting Norwich the points. Their position at the top of table was further entrenched with victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Carrow Road and a draw against Coventry City at Highfield Road. The Sky Blues were also upsetting the bookies with a fine start to the season of their own. Ian Crook's scything shot was cancelled out by a superb individual effort from Peter Ndlovu (both goals appearing at #22 and #23 on the 'Goals Goals Goals' VHS).
October
edit3 October 1992 11 | Blackburn Rovers | 7–1 | Norwich City | Blackburn |
15:00 | Wegerle 8', 32' Sherwood 27' Shearer 43', 76' Cowans 63' Ripley 70' |
[15] | Newman 39' | Stadium: Ewood Park Attendance: 16,312 Referee: Roger Dilkes |
17 October 1992 12 | Norwich City | 2–1 | QPR | Norwich |
15:00 | Bowen 53' (pen.) Sutton 64' |
[16] | Allen 77' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 16,009 Referee: Dermot Gallagher |
25 October 1992 13 | Liverpool | 4–1 | Norwich City | Liverpool |
15:00 | Thomas 15' Hutchison 20' Burrows 52' Walters 89' (pen.) |
[17] | Butterworth 2' | Stadium: Anfield Attendance: 36,318 Referee: Gary Lewis |
31 October 1992 14 | Norwich City | 1–1 | Middlesbrough | Norwich |
15:00 | Sutch 86' | [18] | Wilkinson 64' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 14,499 Referee: Stephen Lodge |
The start of the month saw Norwich surrender their lead at the top of the Premiership in spectacular style with a 7–1 thrashing by newly promoted Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Alan Shearer underlined his status as the most promising young striker in the country with an outstanding display. This result helped to ensure that despite an eventual third-place finish, Norwich had the dubious distinction of finishing the season with a negative goal difference (-4).
Norwich bounced back from their Blackburn disaster by progressing to next of league cup with comfortable home win against Carlisle United. Chris Sutton scoring two identical headers from two identical Ian Culverhouse crosses. However, football was soon to pale into total insignificance as personal tragedy befell Norwich keeper Bryan Gunn. His daughter Francesca losing her brave battle against leukemia. Gunn remarkably played just days later in a 2–1 home success against QPR. Mark Bowen gave Norwich the lead before Chris Sutton powered home a second. Bradley Allen pounced on a poor backpass to set up a tense finish. However, Norwich and most significantly Gunn were not to be denied.
Norwich arrived on Merseyside in confident mood to take on Liverpool. It was a year when the Reds would fall way below their usual high standards. Norwich opened the scoring through Ian Butterworth, but Liverpool struck back to lead 2–1. The game then turned when Mark Bowen blazed widely over from the spot. Liverpool running out comfortable 4–1 winners. Further disappointment was to follow against struggling Middlesbrough. It took a late Daryl Sutch strike to keep Norwich in touch at the top.
November
edit9 November 1992 15 | Oldham Athletic | 2–3 | Norwich City | Oldham |
19:30 | Sharp 25' Marshall 43' |
[19] | Robins 14', 27', 90' | Stadium: Boundary Park Attendance: 11,081 Referee: Robbie Hart |
21 November 1992 16 | Norwich City | 2–1 | Sheffield United | Norwich |
15:00 | Pemberton 60' (o.g.) Robins 80' |
[20] | Cork 71' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 14,874 Referee: Mike Peck |
28 November 1992 17 | Aston Villa | 2–3 | Norwich City | Birmingham |
15:00 | Houghton 45' Parker 46' |
[21] | Phillips 17' Beckford 30' Sutch 49' |
Stadium: Villa Park Attendance: 28,837 Referee: Alf Buksh |
The start of the month saw Norwich travel to Boundary Park in front of the sky cameras. In a pulsating game, a Mark Robins hat trick put Norwich City back on top of the Premier League after twice being pegged back by Oldham, with Oldham's second equalizer coming from a wonderful chip from outside the box by Ian Marshall. Norwich further stretched their advantage with a home win against Sheffield United. This was trumped by an outstanding 3–2 success at Villa Park. Norwich opened the scoring through David Phillips with Darren Beckford doubling the lead after a mistake from Nigel Spink. Villa leveled the game at 2–2 before Daryl Sutch scored the winner with a fierce drive.
December
edit5 December 1992 18 | Norwich City | 2–1 | Wimbledon | Norwich |
15:00 | Robins 77' Phillips 88' |
[22] | Sanchez 53' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 14,161 Referee: Stephen Lodge |
12 December 1992 19 | Manchester United | 1–0 | Norwich City | Manchester |
15:00 | Hughes 59' | [23] | Stadium: Old Trafford Attendance: 34,500 Referee: Roger Milford |
21 December 1992 20 | Norwich City | 0–2 | Ipswich | Norwich |
19:45 | [24] | Kiwomya 51' Thompson 87' |
Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 20,032 Referee: David Elleray |
26 December 1992 21 | Norwich City | 0–0 | Tottenham Hotspur | Norwich |
15:00 | [25] | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 19,413 Referee: John Martin |
28 December 1992 22 | Leeds United | 0–0 | Norwich City | Leeds |
15:00 | [26] | Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 30,282 Referee: Philip Don |
David Phillips winner was enough to sink Wimbledon at Carrow Road. This meant that Norwich had now extended their lead at the top of the Premiership to 8 points. Norwich travelled to Old Trafford in confident mood ahead of the game against Manchester United. The game was settled by a goal from Mark Hughes who capitalized on a mistake by Daryl Sutch to fire past Bryan Gunn. It was a watershed moment for the Canaries who were about to embark on a 6 match winless run which would ultimately go a long way towards costing them the title.
Local rivals Ipswich chalked up an emphatic victory at Carrow Road with goals from Steve Thompson and Chris Kywomia. The year ended with disappointing goalless draws against Spurs and Leeds.
January
edit10 January 1993 23 | Sheffield Wednesday | 1–0 | Norwich City | Sheffield |
16:00 | Worthington 42' | [27] | Stadium: Hillsborough Attendance: 23,360 Referee: David Allison |
16 January 1993 24 | Norwich City | 1–1 | Coventry City | Norwich |
15:00 | Sutton 13' | [28] | Quinn 57' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 13,613 Referee: Allan Gunn |
27 January 1993 25 | Norwich City | 4–2 | Crystal Palace | Norwich |
19:45 | Power 9', 89' Sutton 26' Goss 50' |
[29] | Armstrong 2' Thomas 45' |
Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 13,543 Referee: Vic Callow |
30 January 1993 26 | Everton | 0–1 | Norwich City | Liverpool |
15:00 | [30] | Sutton 15' | Stadium: Goodison Park Attendance: 20,301 Referee: Ray Lewis |
The new year failed to bring a change of fortune as Nigel Worthington's goal was enough for Sheffield Wednesday to secure all 3 points at Hillsborough (he would be manager of the Canaries seven years later). Norwich netted their first goal in almost 8 hours of football against Coventry but were eventually pegged back by a strike from Mick Quinn. Norwich regarded their first win since the start of December with a fine 4–2 success against Crystal Palace. Lee Power capping a fine individual performance with 2 goals. Norwich were further buoyed by a 1–0 success at Goodison Park through Chris Sutton.
February
edit10 February 1993 27 | Southampton | 3–0 | Norwich City | Southampton |
19:30 | Hall 9' Adams 25' Banger 79' |
[31] | Stadium: The Dell Attendance: 12,969 Referee: Joe Worrall |
20 February 1993 28 | Norwich City | 2–1 | Manchester City | Norwich |
15:00 | Robins 28' Power 29' |
[32] | Sheron 46' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 16.386 Referee: Brian Hill |
28 February 1993 29 | Norwich City | 0–0 | Blackburn Rovers | Norwich |
[33] | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 15.821 Referee: Philip Don |
A heavy 3–0 defeat at Southampton was to follow before the Canaries chalked up their first win over Man City in nearly 30 years. This came courtesy of 2 goals in as many minutes. Norwich went some way to wiping away the memories of their disaster at Ewood Park with 0–0 draw at Carrow Road based on a strong defensive performance.
March
edit3 March 1993 30 | Norwich City | 1–1 | Arsenal | Norwich |
19:45 | Fox 35' | [34] | Wright 65' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 14.802 Referee: John Martin |
6 March 1993 31 | QPR | 3–1 | Norwich City | London |
15:00 | Ferdinand 19', 34' Wilson 79' |
[35] | Brevett 38' (o.g.) | Stadium: Loftus Road Attendance: 13,892 Referee: Rodger Gifford |
10 March 1993 32 | Sheffield United | 0–1 | Norwich City | Sheffield |
19:45 | [36] | Fox 55' | Stadium: Bramall Lane Attendance: 15,583 Referee: Gary Lewis |
13 March 1993 33 | Norwich City | 1–0 | Oldham Athletic | Norwich |
15:00 | Henry 12' (o.g.) | [37] | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 19,597 Referee: Roger Milford |
17 March 1993 34 | Nottingham Forest | 0–3 | Norwich City | Nottingham |
19:30 | [38] | Robins 45' Power 73' Crook 78' |
Stadium: City Ground Attendance: 20,799 Referee: Stephen Lodge |
20 March 1993 35 | Wimbledon | 3–0 | Norwich City | London |
15:00 | Holdsworth 16', 82' Ardley 29' |
[39] | Stadium: Selhurst Park Attendance: 10,875 Referee: Keith Cooper |
24 March 1993 36 | Norwich City | 1–0 | Aston Villa | Norwich |
19:45 | Polston 81' | [40] | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 19,528 Referee: Robbie Hart |
April
edit5 April 1993 37 | Norwich City | 1–3 | Manchester United | Norwich |
19:45 | Robins 61' | [41] | Giggs 13' Kanchelskis 20' Cantona 21' |
Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 20,582 Referee: Paul Ward |
9 April 1993 38 | Tottenham Hotspur | 5–1 | Norwich City | London |
15:00 | Ruddock 27' Sheringham 30', 77' Barmby 55' Nayim 83' |
[42] | Ekoku 86' | Stadium: White Hart Lane Attendance: 31,425 Referee: Keren Barratt |
14 April 1993 39 | Norwich City | 4–2 | Leeds United | Norwich |
19:45 | Sutton 11', 14', 79' Phillips 15' (pen.) |
[43] | Chapman 2' Wallace 46' |
Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 18,613 Referee: Keith Burge |
19 April 1993 40 | Ipswich Town | 3–1 | Norwich City | Ipswich |
19:45 | Dozzell 21', 57' Stockwell 52' |
[44] | Sutton 41' | Stadium: Portman Road Attendance: 21,081 Referee: Vic Callow |
May
edit1 May 1993 41 | Norwich City | 1–0 | Liverpool | Norwich |
15:00 | Phillips 62' (pen.) | [45] | James 60' | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 20,610 Referee: David Elleray |
8 May 1993 42 | Middlesbrough | 3–3 | Norwich City | Middlesbrough |
15:00 | Falconer 34' Wilkinson 65' Hendrie 74' |
[46] | Ekoku 14', 66' Johnson 68' |
Stadium: Ayresome Park Attendance: 15,155 Referee: Gerald Ashby |
FA Cup
edit13 January 1993 Round 3 | Norwich City | 1–0 | Coventry City | Norwich |
Beckford | Stadium: Carrow Road |
28 January 1993 Round 4 | Norwich City | 0–2 | Tottenham Hotspur | Norwich |
Sheringham x 2 | Stadium: Carrow Road |
League Cup
edit22 September 1992 Round 2 Leg 1 | Carlisle United | 2–2 | Norwich City | Carlisle |
Barnsley (pen) Edmondson |
Goss Robins |
Stadium: Brunton Park |
7 October 1992 Round 2 Leg 2 | Norwich City | 2–0 (4–2 agg.) | Carlisle United | Norwich |
Sutton x 2 | Stadium: Carrow Road |
28 October 1992 Round 3 | Blackburn Rovers | 2–0 | Norwich City | Blackburn |
May Shearer |
Stadium: Ewood Park |
Final league table
editPos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Manchester United (C) | 42 | 24 | 12 | 6 | 67 | 31 | +36 | 84 | Qualification for the Champions League first round |
2 | Aston Villa | 42 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 57 | 40 | +17 | 74 | Qualification for the UEFA Cup first round[a] |
3 | Norwich City | 42 | 21 | 9 | 12 | 61 | 65 | −4 | 72 | |
4 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 20 | 11 | 11 | 68 | 46 | +22 | 71 | |
5 | Queens Park Rangers | 42 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 63 | 55 | +8 | 63 |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(C) Champions
Notes:
- ^ Since League Cup winners Arsenal had qualified for the UEFA Cup Winners Cup by also winning the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup berth for the League Cup reverted to the league and was awarded to Norwich City. England was considered for an extra slot for the UEFA Cup after the 1993 Polish football scandal, but another one was given to Scotland, and it was thought excessive to give both two slots to Great Britain, and the extra place was awarded to Hungary.
Players
editFirst-team squad
edit- Squad at end of season[47]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Notes
edit- ^ Fox was born in Ipswich, England, and played for the England B team, but also qualified to represent Montserrat internationally and would make his international debut for Montserrat in 2004.
- ^ Johnson was born in Bristol, England, but also qualified to represent Wales internationally and made his international debut for Wales in 1998.
- ^ Goss was born in Oekolia, Cyprus, but also qualified to represent Wales internationally and made his international debut for Wales in May 1991.
- ^ Phillips was born in Wegberg, Germany, but also qualified to represent Wales internationally and made his international debut for Wales in May 1984.
- ^ Ekoku was born in Cheetham, England, but also qualified to represent Nigeria internationally and would make his international debut for Nigeria in 1994.
- ^ Power was born in Lewisham, England, but also qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally and represented them at U-21 and B level.
References
edit- ^ "History 1986/1995". Norwich City F.C. Archived from the original on 9 January 2008. Retrieved 27 March 2007.
- ^ "Norwich City 1992–1993 : English Premier League Table". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 28 December 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
- ^ Lovejoy, Joe (15 August 1992). "Football: Kick-off 92–93 / Perils of a TV game show: Football's televised revolution finally comes to fruition today amid fears that the game could be devalued in the long-term. Joe Lovejoy, Football Correspondent, sets the scene for the new season and evaluates the competing claims of the 22 Premier League clubs". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022.
- ^ "Norwich City 1992-1993 : Results". statto.com. Archived from the original on 12 February 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
- ^ "Arsenal v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Chelsea, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Everton, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Man City v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Crystal Palace v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Nott'm Forest, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Southampton, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Chelsea v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Sheffield Wed, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Coventry v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Blackburn v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v QPR, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Liverpool v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Middlesbrough, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Oldham v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Sheffield Utd, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Aston Villa v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Wimbledon, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Man Utd v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Ipswich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Spurs, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Leeds v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Sheffield Wed v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Coventry, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Crystal Palace, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Everton v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Southampton v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Man City, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich City - Blackburn Rovers 0:0 (Premier League 1992/1993, 31. Round)".
- ^ "Norwich v Arsenal, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "QPR v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Sheffield Utd v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Oldham, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Nott'm Forest v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Wimbledon v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Aston Villa, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Man Utd, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Spurs v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Leeds, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Ipswich v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Norwich v Liverpool, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "Middlesbrough v Norwich, 1992/93 | Premier League".
- ^ "All Norwich City players: 1993". 11v11.com. Retrieved 1 October 2013.