I have so many varied memories of World Cups down the years.

There was THAT goal from Scotland's Archie Gemmill back in 1974. Four years later as a starry-eyed schoolboy I was wooed by the incredible ticker tape scenes in Argentina.

I still vividly remember screaming at the telly when Maradona punched the ball into the England net during the '86 tournament in Mexico.

In 1990 a group of us arrived for a lads' holiday in Turkey during the semi-final against Germany and had to persuade the reluctant bus driver to put his foot down to get us to our apartment to see the closing stages (and yes, we were bang next door to a hotel full of Germans).

And then there was 2002 when we watched the Brazil game in Japan at breakfast time and I had to screech up outside school to drop off our son just after the final whistle so he wouldn't be late.

The Pink Un:

I could go on....

As we get to within a week of Qatar 2022, I've never felt less enthused about the start of what should be the greatest football tournament in the world.

Let's be absolutely clear - the competition never should have been given to the country in the first place.

There are so many reasons why it was one of the worst decisions in the long history of football.

There are very real claims of corruption in the initial awarding process about 12 years ago.

Having a tournament in the winter disrupts domestic competitions around the globe.

It appears there have been a lot more injuries this year - and there's a strong theory that it's been made worse by cramming more matches in.

There are also serious questions about the number of deaths among workers during the construction of new stadia.

No officials figures have been produced but one respected figures on Twitter posted: "15,000 deaths for 5,760 minutes of football."

Qatar's record on human rights and its treatment of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community are appalling.

Then there are the issues of heat and the way supporters are being ripped off over prices of refreshments and accommodation.

By now we would normally have our wallcharts up and pens at the ready. There would be the first St George flags appearing in windows and out of cars.

The general apathy is huge.

And it appears to not just be in this country.

My son has just returned from a trip with his wife to Brazil. You'd expect the excitement to be massive there.

But he said the sense he got was that fans are more interested in the domestic competitions.

I'm not saying I won't watch any matches - and I genuinely hope that Josh Sargent has a fantastic tournament (and maybe even scores against England).

This has hardly been a vintage season for the Canaries so far.

I've probably moaned more than I have for many years about various issues at Carrow Road.

However, the lack of enthusiasm about the World Cup has actually made me keener to watch the Canaries.

After securing seven points from the last three games, a win against Middlesborough this Saturday will see Dean Smith's team in very good shape heading into the second part of the campaign.

From my point of view the World Cup means an unwelcome break. 

Let's hope Smith and Shakey can keep the momentum up in the squad in preparation for the return.

Of course, there are still questions around the Canaries - the ultimate one being if we do manage to secure promotion, what planning is already underway to avoid a repetition of the previous two feeble relegations?

There's been much talk about a disconnect with fans. I sincerely hope that those in the corridors of power will use the break to have a long hard look to see what can be done to address that.

OTBC

Thrilled for Linnets

What a day it was for Norfolk in South Yorkshire on Saturday.

While the Canaries were getting a hard-fought win in Rotherham, about 15 miles away King's Lynn secured one of the best results in the club's history.

More than 650 Linnets' fans roared on Tommy Widdrington's team to a famous victory over League Two Doncaster Rovers.

I saw lots of social media posts from supporters who have seen plenty of great away days in their time and the broad agreement was that it was one of the very best.

There's a fantastic momentum at The Walks at the moment and huge praise to everyone including owner Stephen Cleeve, Widdrington, all the players and the fans - and I have to mention my good pals Chris Lakey, who puts so much work to cover Lynn for our papers and websites, and Steve "Plunky" Plunkett who does a brilliant job as stadium announcer.

Lynn have a great home draw in the second round against Stevenage and I'm sure The Walks will be packed out.

Cherish local radio

I have been concerned about what has been announced about changes to BBC local radio, including our very own Radio Norfolk.

I remember it starting back in the early 1980s and I've been a big fan since.

I've got to know lots of presenters and reporters over the years and they're a passionate and committed group of professionals.

I think local radio provides a hugely important service in so many ways in communities like ours and I think the cuts to what is being offered are a backward step.

Norwich City fans are so fortunate for the work done in local media covering our club.

Our guys provide fantastic coverage online and in print before, during and after games and all the days in between.

I think Chris Goreham, Rob Butler, Phil Daley and the rest of the team at Radio Norfolk do a terrific job too, whether it be the commentaries, Canary Call and The Scrimmage.

I know the BBC are saying the football service won't be affected - and that has to be a long-term promise.