Chris Sutton: Norwich City fans need to cut Wagner some slack

Yes, they are in a bad run currently. One win from six is far from ideal. But Wagner has improved the form at Carrow Road, they are playing with an identity and he inherited a tricky situation back in January. 

This was very predictable. As soon as Norwich hit a blip, the targets were always going to be turned towards Wagner. 

Had Ben Gibson not netted an own goal at Coventry, there would have been a different perception about Saturday's draw at Coventry. Combine that with injuries and Wagner or Norwich aren't on the receiving of the luck they require. 

If you look at the Championship table, it's been a more than okay start. Whilst the away form is concerning, they are seventh in amongst a host of other teams. 

Wagner is never going to get an easy ride at Norwich. That feels totally unfair. The team have hit a poor patch of form, which is an inevitability for every team in the Championship. But not every blip has to become a crisis. 

I worry about the negativity towards Wagner. Look at what he inherited - few could disagree that he has made real strides in reconnecting the club again after what happened under Dean Smith. 

He has a clear style of play, something Norwich fans wanted during Smith's tenure, and it's been an okay start to the season. It should arguably be better, but the Championship is a tough league and a real grind. 

There is no escaping that the upcoming period of games is important for him. He could do with a couple of performances and results to get people off his back. 

It's too early to start judging Wagner on where he is with Norwich. I don't see anything positive about the growing animosity towards him. 

He does know what he is doing. It isn't an unbelievable squad or team and it hasn't been for a few seasons. It is a club trying to get back to where it was. People need to keep their heads. 

I don't think a change of coach is going to totally change everything - this feels to me like what they are currently. 

The appointment of Ben Knapper has added fuel to the fire. Sporting directors usually want to make their own mark and the best way of doing that and signalling their intention is by making that change. 

There should be an air of caution. If he wants to come in and make a change - they are likely to come to the conclusion that this group of players isn't good enough. Can Norwich have another overhaul? How big will that be? Do they have the resources? 

At the moment, Wagner is providing Norwich with continuity. Nobody knows how Knapper is feeling about it all or what approach he takes when he arrives. 

I feel we are in an age with football where everything is so kneejerk, reactionary and short-term. Norwich have only played 11 games. 

As a report of the season so far - you would say they 'can do better', but it's been okay. Wagner has work to do and time will ultimately tell us the answer. The next block of games will be decisive in doing just that. 

But Norwich fans cannot walk into that block of matches with a negative mindset. The bigger picture needs to be restored. The Carrow Road form has been significantly better this season, it is away from home where everyone would agree things need to improve. 

Things are difficult enough for the players at the moment without an extra layer of negativity and pressure added. 

Don't go too early - Wagner does not have a magic wand and he has to work with what he has at his disposal. We know what the deficiencies are on this side. 

David Wagner has come under pressure at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

There was never going to be a switch flicked and all of a sudden the team would turn into a free-flowing side capable of challenging. They had a good start but it was just that. 

Now is the time for calm and belief. There has been a section of supporters who were waiting for the first blip to pile on. 

People's expectations are high because of the start and where the club have been historically. Norwich have slipped into a bunch of teams who are a much of a muchness - that isn't all down to Wagner. 

There has been a stench of negativity around the club for a prolonged period of time. At the moment, it's hard to know how that gets resolved but constantly chopping managers isn't the solution. 

This is a big period for Wagner. He will know it, the club will know it and the players know it. What supporters need to do is create an environment that allows him and the team to succeed. 

If he fails, then there will be an inevitability about what comes next. But cut him some slack and give him a chance to put things right. 

Jonathan Rowe has made a blistering start to the Championship campaign at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

SUTTON EXTRA

Jon Rowe’s emergence at Norwich City has been the standout story of their Championship season so far.

It all stems back to their ideal model which involves developing players from within and those grabbing the opportunity. Rowe has epitomised that with what he has done in the first 11 games of the campaign.

Rowe is playing with confidence, freedom and a clear mind. That is really important for any young player.

It is a lesson for players like Adam Idah but also others in the academy that opportunities to break into Norwich’s first-team are there if you work hard and persevere. It’s a really good thing for the club.

He is the new posterboy of their academy – it’s important to keep the conveyer belt going to continuously attract talent to the football club. There are so many people behind the scenes who need to pat themselves on the back for their role in his journey so far.

What is most impressive is the range of goals that he is scoring – some of them are poacher-like, others are well crafted and there’s even a long range strike against Hull.

Inevitably, there will be clubs from the Premier League and beyond watching him given his age, goalscoring levels and how rapid his development has been over the last few weeks. Norwich now need to maximise his potential and keep it going.

I was always aware of Rowe and knew he had been on the periphery for a while and injury problems delayed this introduction to the first-team.

It might not be popular, but Dean Smith deserves credit for bringing him into the first team squad during their final weeks of the Premier League campaign.

If he carries on at this level, then it will be inevitable that Premier League clubs will be looking to snap him out – but this is just the start.

He needs to show consistency and prove he is capable of performing over a prolonged period. As a young player, having a good support network is essential to your development.

Rowe has made his mark – but this is just the beginning. He needs to prove it can be something sustained.