The pitch forks are out and it’s not before time.
Alex Neil has been doing this for far too long now but people – not just Norwich people – have had enough.
On Friday night, the freshly-relegated Canaries suffered their seventh Championship defeat in nine games. They lost 2-1 to Huddersfield at home and the score was like that from as early as the 40th minute.
The dugout reacted by bringing on Alexander Tettey, Steven Naismith and Cameron Jerome.
Wes Hoolahan watched the entire match. He had his football boots on but he never needed them because, yet again, Alex Neil decided that he didn’t need Wes Hoolahan.
This man has magic in his left boot https://t.co/cp7kfug5Qh
— SportsJOE.ie (@SportsJOEdotie) December 16, 2016
No-one’s suggesting that a 34-year-old can play every minute of every game in a hectic Championship season but, Christ almighty, imagine thinking that you don’t even need anything from him when you’re losing at home and headed for a seventh defeat in, let’s repeat it, nine games.
And it isn’t just Norwich fans that are pissed off with it like they were earlier in the season. Football fans – any of them – can’t see the logic – not just the purists and those lovers of a deliciously-weighted pass, just those who think you win games by playing your best players.
You've the potential to have Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady working together everyweek but you don't. Madness. #ncfc #NORHUD pic.twitter.com/HXVY08X7hp
— McG (@MrMovieGame) December 16, 2016
Really though, they wouldn’t even use him for a few minutes.
Why Naismith got put on over hoolahan I'll never know
— luca✌ (@Luca_Elia_) December 16, 2016
Never mind from the start.
How @TimmKlose15 & hoolahan cant get in this side is beyond me! #clueless #neilout #ballsout #moxeyout #sacktheboard
— John Smith (@podgemonster) December 16, 2016
What a poor side @NorwichCityFC are, and the manager doesn't even start with their two best players, Naismith and Hoolahan ??
— Marley (@McMarleyuk) December 16, 2016
New manager at Norwich I guess, where has the Norwich zip and spirit gone ? How does Hoolahan and Naismith not get in that team ? #Gone
— Gordon Watson (@Flash_37) December 16, 2016
It shouldn’t even be up for discussion that Hoolahan should have some involvement.
@mrjakehumphrey Hoolahan needs to be playing, absolute baller!
— Steven Guiry (@StevenGuiry) December 16, 2016
Not sure what this Norwich Manager is expecting leaving out Martin , Hoolahan and Jerome proven at this level and above – not a clue
— Tom Williams (@MrTomWilliams) December 16, 2016
But Neil had a different plan.
Needed someone to get their foot on the ball and create a bit of spark. Hoolahan and Pritchard nowhere to be seen
— Chris (@Keels811) December 16, 2016
@rosssanders5 why you didn't play hoolahan is beyond me. I thought he would play. Awesome little player.
— Adz (@I_am_Adz) December 16, 2016
It’s enough to lose a man his job. Well, that and the results.
#CanaryCall wes hoolahan best playmaker in the league cant get in the team,somethings gotta change !
— Tim Lusher (@lusher_tim) December 16, 2016
The laws of physics and reason and whatever else cease to exist at Norwich right now.
Down 2-1. Hoolahan on bench. ROI international with 300 games for Norwich. Arguably one of our technically best players in years… #ncfc pic.twitter.com/5UdFzuD8VC
— Cole Ware (@colette_privxte) December 16, 2016
And it’s the fact that he is remorseless that’s the worst part.
Imagine thinking Steven Naismith would have more impact in that game than Wes Hoolahan, and then saying you'd make the same subs again #NCFC
— Shaun Gibbs (@NCFCShaun) December 16, 2016
Well, it’s too far gone now for people to ease up the pressure.
Free wes hoolahan.
— James Burton (@Jwaburto) December 16, 2016
What’s happening is plain crazy and it is beyond the realms of comprehension for any football man – never mind any normal football manager.
Wes Hoolahan sat on the Norwich bench yet again for a full 90 minutes and watched them lose at home to Norwich. Wes Hoolahan – Wes f**king Hoolahan – the unused sub.
#JusticeForWes pic.twitter.com/PlmFmdhx5i
— SportsJOE.ie (@SportsJOEdotie) December 16, 2016