BLANK YOU FARKE

Championship: 8pm

DANIEL FARKE admits to a few blanks in his memory of how he celebrated promotion with Norwich City the first time round.

Tonight, if it happens, he is more than happy to enjoy it on the sofa with a cake and a coffee.

Either way, his mind will be on the fans he knows have been with him as they have been every step of the way. If Brentford and Swansea drop points in the early kick-offs, Norwich will be crowned champions while they are in the team hotel preparing to face Bournemouth tonight in an empty Carrow Road.

Win that game anyway and Premier League football will again be theirs after a one-year absence.

Although he admits the feelings will be very different to when Norwich beat Blackburn two years ago to secure a top-flight place. “It was spontaneous,” said Farke (right). “We spent a lot of time in the dressing room and were allowed to have some proper drink for the lads.

“We celebrated somewhere in the city and it went on pretty long. I can’t remember every second of the evening, but it was a great night.

“It can’t be like this during the pandemic and it’s just harder for the young lads because they want to celebrate.

“I am older so I am just happy having a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. I am a happy man!”

Rest assured, too, when he looks back on the season, it will as though the fans have been with the 44-year-old every step of the way.

“What an amazing night we would have had with our supporters,” said Farke. “You don’t hear the noise, but you have to be sure they are sitting in front of their radios and TVs.”