30.01.03 - IAN HENDERSON SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT

Following on from the news last week that third year trainee Jason Shackell has signed a two year professional contract, it was announced yesterday that second year trainee Ian Henderson has put pen to paper on a three year contract with the Canaries.
It will come as no surprise to the Canary faithful that 'Hendo' has been awarded a three year deal, after winning over the fans with some stirring performances, the highlight of which must be turning the home game against Derby after coming on as a second half substitute.
Although his appearances have mostly been as a substitute, his new contract clearly indicates that the Thetford youngster figures in Nigel Worthington's future plans.

25.01.03 - JARVIS AND CROW ON TARGET AS CANARIES DEFEAT THE DONS

Ryan Jarvis and Danny Crow were both on target today, as Adrian Boothroyd's side returned to their winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Wimbledon at Colney. Today's win means that City have done the double over Wimbledon this season, as well as knocking them out of the F.A.Youth Cup.
City almost opened the scoring inside the first two minutes, but captain Greg Crane saw his powerful header from a Nicky Howell free kick strike the post.
At the other end, City keeper Aaron Osborne was in tremendous form, as he foiled Wimbledon striker Danny Morgan with what turned out to be the first of several outstanding saves.
City were missing the services of Adam Smith who was injured in last weeks narrow defeat at the hands of Ipswich Town, however Lee Blackburn was doing a good job in the middle of the park and a well struck volley brought a smart save from David Martin in the visitors' goal. Incidentally, Martin is the son of former West Ham defender Alvin Martin, who was watching the game.
City took the lead deep in first half injury time when Nicky Howell's through ball released Crow, who lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to allow Jarvis the simplest of tap ins at the far post.
City were forced onto the back foot in the second half, but some stout defending from the Canaries rearguard kept chances down to a minimum, and when Morgan once again got sight of goal, Osborne again was there to deny him.
City sealed victory 4 minutes from time, when Jarvis put Crow clear, and from the tightest of angles he slid the ball under Martin.

City line up: A. Osborne, Willis, J.Osborne, Crane, Chick, Sinclair, Howell, Blackburn, Jarvis, Crow, Woodrow.
Subs not used: Clarke, Herbert, Halliday, Eagle, Howlett.

For Pictures of the game see the Match Report Section.

23.01.03 - ACADEMY STAR SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT

After some outstanding performances for both The Academy and Keith Webb's Reserves Jason Shackell has signed a two-year professional contract with the Canaries.
A left footed central defender, Shackell, who turned 19 last September, hails from Stevenage and was discovered some five years ago by Colin Watts. City's Youth Development Officer had gone to see two other players who had been recommended to Norwich, but instead he came away from the game impressed by Shackell who he described at the time as a raw talent.
Shackell joined the club's Centre Of Excellence at Potters Bar, and later joined The Academy as a scholar. In his first year at the club he was awarded the FONCY player of the season, turning in some memorable performances for The Academy Under 19's.
This season along with second year trainee Greg Crane, Shackell has looked impressive for the reserves, the pair of them helping to keep a clean sheet in last week's game against Leyton Orient's second string at Colney.

21.01.03 - PLAYER PROFILE - NICKY HOWELL

18.01.03 - LATE GOAL SINKS CANARIES IN LOCAL DERBY

Adrian Boothroyd's side went down by the only goal of the game in today's local derby against Ipswich Town. It was a typically hard fought derby game with both sides prepared to take no prisoners.
For the Canaries Greg Crane returned after a one match suspension, while, after scoring a goal apiece in last weeks victory over Arsenal, Ryan Jarvis and Danny Crow continued their partnership up front.
Town had the better of the opening period, although City keeper Arron Osborne was rarely tested.
The Canaries suffered a serious set back after just 12 minutes, when Adam Smith was replaced by Lee Blackburn after the influential City midfielder was brought down by Antonio Murray.
The home side looked to have taken the lead midway through the half when the ball was headed home from a corner, but referee Mr. Enblish had already blown for an infringement, much to the dismay of the home supporters.
Danny Self, who is all set for a trial with Oxford United next week, went close with a header from a Blackburn corner, while late in the first half Oliver Willis brought a save from Lewis Price in the Town goal.
Just after the break Osborne had to be alert to tip a free kick over the bar, while at the other end some excellent work by Jarvis saw the Town defence relieved to clear the danger with Crow lurking at the near post.
The only goal of the game came just 8 minutes before full time when Sam Morrow headed home a left wing cross with a little help from the woodwork.

City line up: A.Osborne, Batt, Willis, Crane, Self, Sinclair, Clarke, [Chick 70] Smith, [Blackburn 12] Jarvis, Crow, Howell, [Eagle 80]
Subs not used: Herbert, J.Osborne.

Top Canary: Damian Batt.

For Pictures of the game see the Match Report Section.

14.01.03 - WEBSITE TECHNICAL UPDATES

Recently updates have been applied to the site to give better response times on pages containing images - without loss of quality on the pictures. Hopefully this will add to your enjoyment of the site. With time we will attempt to improve format and add content as we learn.
If you have any questions please contact Paul at webmaster@foncy.co.uk

12.01.03 - NEW SCHOLARS TO JOIN ACADEMY

Academy Director Sammy Morgan has announced this week five new scholars will be joining The Academy at the start of next season.
Late last year it was announced that striker Josh Clarke and midfielder Lee Howlett had been awarded scholarships, now a further five under 16 schoolboys are set to join them.

Goalkeeper Shane Herbert lives just a stones throw from the Colney Training Centre. He was a member of the Northern Milk Cup winning squad, and made his debut for the under 19's in todays 2-0 victory over Arsenal.

Defender Jake Osborne is the brother of second year trainee Arron. Jake made his debut for the under 19's against Crystal Palace last month, and it was his goal that set City on their way to victory over Wimbledon in the F.A.Youth Cup.

Defender Matthew Halliday has made a couple of appearances for the under 19's. He is a tall central defender, much in the same mould as Greg Crane.

Midfielder Robert Eagle. A left winger, Robert was realeased by Ipswich Town. However after impressing over a series of trial games he was offered a contract at Norwich.

Striker Rafael Gil like Robert was also with Ipswich, and like Robert he also impressed during trials even scoring a hat trick in his first game.

All seven new scholars will join the club on a full time basis in July although they will all be involved with the under 19's for the second half of the current season.

11.01.03 - ARSENAL OUT GUNNED BY CANARIES

Norwich Citys Academy under 19 side pulled off a memorable 2-0 victory away to Arsenal today. The game played at London Colney had to be delayed for 30 minutes this morning to allow a frozen pitch to thaw, and when the game finally got underway it was the Canaries who warmed to the occasion. They took the lead on 34 minutes through Danny Crow who was quick to intercept a backpass before rounding the Gunners keeper and slot the ball home.
The home side rarely got sight of the City goal, but when they did 5 minutes before the break under 16 keeper Shane Herbert making his debut was quickly off his line to clear the danger.
After the break City extended their lead through Ryan Jarvis, although it was the hard working Crow who created the chance when he regained possession before picking out Josh Clarke who in turn found Jarvis. The Fakenham youngster turned the defence this way and that before picking his spot from just 10 yards.
Late in the game a corner from substitute Adam Smith found Jason Shackell, but his header was cleared off the line.

City line up: Herbert, Batt, Willis [Blackburn 80], Self, Shackell, Clarke [Smith 75], Sinclair, Woodrow, Howell, Jarvis, Crow.
Subs not used: Leis, Gil, J.Osborne.
Norwich City Man Of The Match. Jason Shackell.

07.01.03 - CANARIES FACE PREMIERSHIP OPPOSITION IN F.A.YOUTH CUP DRAW

Norwich Citys Academy side face a return to the capital in the next round of the F.A.Youth Cup. In todays draw Adrian Boothroyd's side, who overcame Wimbledon at Selhurst Park last month, face the winners of the West Ham v Fulham fourth round tie that takes place at Upton Park next Tuesday 14th January (7pm).

The Canaries have already played both sides in the Academy Under-19 League this season, with The Hammers running out 2-0 victors, while a late late goal from Ryan Jarvis saw City triumph 2-1 against Fulham at Colney.

Boothroyd is certainly looking forward to playing another Premiership side after his Fledgling Canaries knocked out the cupholders Aston Villa in the third round. " I am delighted with the draw, it gives us the opportunity to come up against top class opposition. West Ham are one of the best clubs in the country for developing young players, but they have to overcome Fulham yet. We will of course have the game watched next week, but for the moment we are thinking about our league programme that gets underway again this Saturday after the Christmas break, when we travel to Arsenal."

06.01.03 - PLAYER PROFILE - RYAN JARVIS

In a regular series, the FONCY website will publish a player profile, giving a brief introduction of Academy players. These will be published on "Latest News" and will also be archived in the "Teams/Results" section. We start with:

01.01.03 - YOUR CHANCE TO BID FOR UNIQUE AUCTION ITEMS

On January 31st, Norwich City will be holding the final event in it's year long centenary celebrations. The Hall Of Fame Dinner takes place in The Norfolk Lounge and, as with the 1971/72 reunion dinner last year, FONCY will once again be conducting an auction.
Three unique items will be going under the hammer of guest auctioneer and Canary legend Duncan Forbes. If you are not attending the dinner but would like to make a bid for any of the items then this is your chance. Just e-mail your bids to john@foncy.co.uk

Auction Item number one.
The centenary addition of Canary Citizens. This particular copy contains the autographs of approx. 180 players and managers past and present. There is no doubt that this is the most comprehensive book of it's kind. FONCY committee member Richard Bland and FONCY supporter Michael "Felix" Fields have been travelling the length and breath of the country getting the book signed. They have travelled to non league grounds and training grounds as well as visiting former players at home, sometimes three or four venues were visited on the same day. It is doubtful such an item will come up for sale again.
Auction Item number two.
A framed giant poster from the Centenary Exhibition at the Castle Museum. This giant poster depicting Iwan Roberts in the number 100 shirt has been signed by the current squad.
Auction Item number three.
A meal for two with the best Canary double act in Town, Duncan Forbes and Dave Stringer. A unique opportunity to have dinner with two of the hero's from Citys famous 1971/72 promotion campaign.

As well as the auction FONCY will also be holding a raffle with tickets priced at £5 each. Again if you are not attending the dinner but would like to be entered into the raffle then please forward your money to:
John Landamore
27, Gowing Road,
Hellesdon,
Norwich.
NR6 6UL.
Please make cheques payable to FONCY.

The three raffle items are:
Raffle Item number one. Craig Fleming's spare number 5 Centenary shirt from the Ajax game. Framed and signed by Craig.

Raffle Item number two. A framed Division One Play Off T-Shirt signed by Nigel Worthington, Doug Livermore and Steve Foley.

Raffle Item number three. A framed autographed menu from the 1971/72 reunion dinner.

Please remember every single penny raised from these events goes to The Academy.