Carrow Road is bouncing again! There were so many memorable highlights in the super Sunday win over Millwall.

Jon Rowe's fabulous goal, Josh Sargent's towering header, the lovely flowing football and the terrific atmosphere we have missed so much.

But I think my favourite moment of the afternoon was when Ashley Barnes showed his great strength and spun on a sixpence to score City's third goal.

It was the big man's 100th strike in his career - a really special landmark for the summer signing.

You could tell by the reaction of his team-mates how delighted they were that he had opened his account for the Canaries.

He spoke excitedly afterwards about how he was thrilled to score in front of the Barclay - and those fans in that section of the ground showed their affection for a guy who is quickly becoming a cult hero.

Plenty of eyebrows were raised (and quite a few tuts were sounded) when Norwich brought a man to the club who will be 34 in a couple of months.

Of course it's still early days but the signs of what Barnes brings to the club are looking hugely encouraging.

He has a winning mentality. He was an integral part of the Burnley squad which romped to the Championship title last year.

Critics point out he only scored a handful of times. However, Clarets' fans say he did so much to help secure promotion.

Barnes has hunger, desire and a terrific workrate. He is mean and uncompromising.

Already what he does with and without the ball and the positive influence he is having is making such a difference in the team and showing he is a vital cog to allow others to thrive.

I watched him at both ends of the pitch on Sunday and he does so much dirty work which may not be noticed but was key to allowing the creativity in the team to thrive.

Barnes is providing a key link-up to City's attacking play - encapsulated in Rowe's beautiful opener.

Last season, too often there was only one route to goal through Teemu Pukki - now there are many more options and Barnes is at the heart of that.

I love his unselfishness and his quotes after the game summed up his outlook.

"For me, as long as everyone is putting in performances and we're winning as a collective, that's all I can ask for."

"I couldn't care less if I didn't score all season but the team got promoted at the end of the season - that is what I'm here to do."

Barnes brings such experience to the squad which will be invaluable for the likes of Rowe, Sargent and Adam Idah to learn from.

He hasn't had a glitz and glamour career - he's certainly worked his way up and earned his stripes.

Paulton Rovers, Eastbourne Borough and Salisbury City were among the clubs he played for before joining Brighton and then Burnley.

Barnes knows all about graft. 

There was a glimpse on Sunday that something special may be brewing in NR1 this year.

There's a renewed confidence, cohesion and unity among the players and with the supporters.

Plenty of work needs to be done and areas need to be addressed. Letting in six goals in three games isn't great.

There will be many more tougher challenges than facing a poor Millwall on a warm August lunchtime in front of our home supporters.

However, there's so much to be positive about as City head into the week of long trips to Huddersfield, Bristol City and Rotherham before the season's first international break.

Being third in the embryonic league table with seven points from the opening three games is definitely encouraging and a good platform to build on.

OTBC.

We'll always remember Tim

Eastern Daily Press: Tim Krul will always be remembered by City fans

It's sad that Tim Krul won't get a proper send-off from Norwich's fans.

In my 45 years as a Canaries' supporter, I've been fortunate to see many great 'keepers in between the posts for City.

Kevin Keelan, Chris Woods, Bryan Gunn and Rob Green would be my top four.

And I'd say Krul then comes in at number five.

That says a lot for the pedigree of those who came before him that such a brilliant stopper and character isn't higher up the order.

Teemu Pukki is probably the best free signing in City's history - but Krul is also up there as one of the greatest freebies.

In his five years with us he won the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy in 2019/20, was a key figure in the squads who lifted two Championship titles under Daniel Farke and made 169 appearances, 65 of which were in the top flight. 

There are many great memories of the Dutchman - but his heroics in the FA Cup win at Tottenham was definitely my favourite.

 

Rowe, Rowe, Rowe, The GOAT!

Eastern Daily Press: What a season Jon Rowe is having

I know we keep getting told not to get carried away about Jon Rowe - but it's virtually impossible not to be hugely excited by what the lad has to offer.

After a really frustrating season last year with injuries, David Wagner has given the 20-year-old the chance - and my word how he has taken it.

Four goals in four games is the basic stat.

But his pace, energy, directness, Midas touch in front of goal and heading ability are mouth-watering.

City have produced plenty of great young talent in the last few years.

However, I am looking to the emergence of the likes of Darren Eadie and Disco Dale Gordon to when I last remember such attacking prospects.

He clearly adores playing football and is flourishing incredibly in Wagner's new system.

His season couldn't have got off to a better start - and the sky is certainly the limit for the hugely likeable young man.