It was certainly a decent Christmas and new year for Norwich City.

I haven't delved into the history books, but a haul of 10 points from the four festive season games must be one of the best returns for some time.

The Canaries were joint top with Bristol City and Oxford in the Championship yuletide form table - and performed better than high-flying Leeds, Sheffield United and Burnley.

The momentum certainly built up after a solid Boxing Day win over Millwall was followed by the 1-1 comeback draw against QPR and then the gutsy 1-0 New Year's Day victory at Luton.

No-one could possibly have foreseen the Forson-inspired carnage against Frank Lampard's Coventry on Saturday.

I thought the Sky Blues were solid and well organised and it looked like we were facing a disappointing defeat before the injury time madness.

It was definitely up there with the late, late joyful dramas against Nottingham Forest, Derby and Millwall in years gone by.

My mate Pete who sits behind me in the upper River End said it had to be a "jump on the seat" moment when the winner hit the back of the net.

And I took no persuading to do so!

What a moment - and it was absolutely one of the reasons we love football and love our club so much.

Of course there are plenty of disappointing, quiet, sad and frustrating times through a season.

You can only appreciate the bonkers euphoria of a 95th-minute match clinching goal right in front of you to win a match if you are there.

Everyone was hugging, beaming and bouncing.

The fun was brilliant.

As we walked out of the ground, all the fans were animated and reliving the magic moments.

If you haven't heard BBC Radio Norfolk's Canary Call after the match, you must listen back.

I won't give too much away, but a call from a 55-year-old man who pulled his hamstring doing a kitchen slide when Forson struck his second (as well as having a little accident down below...) was priceless.

It was a day when the Canary faithful really felt like a family.

Before the match kicked off there was another really special time as the club brilliantly paid tribute to players, staff and supporters who had died during the previous year.

From Terry Allcock to Viv Busby to Craig Shakespeare to fans who had supported their team for decades, it was a poignant time to remember.

For me, even more precious have been my own Norwich City-related moments over Christmas and the new year.

We were hugely privileged to have our beloved six-month-old granddaughter Olive staying with us for a few days.

Only a Norwich City supporting Grandad can describe the feeling of seeing his son's daughter in her first little Canary kit.

We had a lovely get together before the Millwall game with four generations of relatives, including my Mum Eveline, who is 90 in a couple of months and still devotedly follows City.

She is really looking forward to a trip with her boy to Carra on Saturday for the FA Cup game against Brighton - so a victory please Mr Thorup!

It was Mum and my late Dad Donald who first encouraged me and my sister Jenny to follow the Canaries.

They were a great part in introducing Tom to be in the next generation of fans back in the days of "kids for a quid."

They also encouraged my nephew Ryan and he is also a huge fan.

My niece's eldest daughter Elsie was born on the day we beat Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley (and those of us who had gone to the game heard the fantastic news on the bus as we were celebrating on the way back).

Elsie and her sister Eliza are now fans and were delighted to hug their little cousin Olive in her kit.

I can't wait to take Olive to NR1 for her first match in a few years' time (although I may have to stop jumping on my seat by then!)

I know so many of you will have similar stories to tell of family links to the Canaries.

Isn't that special?

On the ball City.

All the best Barnesy

I had mixed feelings when I heard Ashley Barnes had gone back to Burnley.

I understood it from his point of view as he wasn't getting regular football at Norwich.

Seeing the reaction of the Clarets' fans when he was unveiled, shows what an amazing amount he means up there.

I also see the logic from the Canaries.

The veteran striker would have been one of the big earners and the club has made its strategy clear to look for younger players on lower salaries.

But we will certainly miss the experience, nous and good old fashioned battering ram mentality that he brought on and off the pitch.

Every club needs characters like him in the mix.

Finally on Barnes, my work colleague made an interesting observation that if he hadn't left, we wouldn't had won that Coventry game as it was only his departure which freed up a return to the fold for Forson.

Special event

The excellent Norwich City Fans Social Club is kicking off 2025 with a mental health awareness evening on Thursday January 23.

Host is legend Darren Eadie, with guests including midfielder Emi Marcondes, who will share his personal experiences and insights into mental health in professional football, and senior performance psychologist Matt Miller, who will discuss the importance of mental wellbeing for success on and off the pitch.

There will be representatives from 26 mental health groups.

It promises to be inspiring and informative for fans and the wider community and is in the Gunn Club at Carrow Road. Doors open at 6.15pm.

Admission is free with a raffle fund raising for the Community Sports Foundation.

For more details visit the NCFSC website or their social media channels.