Norwich City were a dominant force during the 2018/19 Championship season, with Daniel Farke’s Canaries showcasing an exhilarating brand of football that took the league by storm.
The East Anglian side was prolific in front of goal, netting a remarkable 93 times, far ahead of their rivals. However, a leaky defense often made their promotion campaign a rollercoaster ride, with high-scoring matches becoming the norm. It was a case of “you attack, we attack” at Carrow Road, leaving the Norfolk club heavily reliant on their experienced Dutch goalkeeper to bail them out regularly.
The arrival of Tim Krul proved pivotal as Norwich marched to the title. Signed on a free transfer before the season began, the seasoned shot-stopper was indispensable in their promotion push.
Tim Krul’s Impact on Norwich City’s Promotion Bid
Having previously made his mark with Newcastle United in the Premier League, Krul arrived at Norwich eager to re-establish himself in English football after two years split between his native Netherlands and a backup role at Brighton. From the outset, Krul faced a challenging task, with Norwich’s attack-focused style leaving him exposed. Early results, such as a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City and a 4-3 loss to West Bromwich Albion, highlighted the defensive frailties he had to contend with.
Farke eventually struck a balance between attack and defense, but Krul became a cornerstone of the team, often rescuing points with crucial saves. Although he conceded 57 goals that season—a less-than-ideal record—it was his heroics that kept Norwich competitive in games. The Dutchman faced 192 shots on target during the campaign, a figure comparable to 19th-placed Queens Park Rangers, yet he consistently rose to the occasion, recording 13 clean sheets in the process.
As Norwich embarked on a remarkable run of just one defeat in their final 20 league matches, Krul’s performances were instrumental in securing automatic promotion.
A Key Figure in a Second Promotion Campaign
After their promotion, Norwich endured a tough stint in the Premier League, which ended in relegation. Yet Krul and the Canaries bounced back during the 2020/21 Championship season. Despite a hamstring injury sidelining him for a portion of the campaign, Krul returned strongly, making 36 appearances and anchoring a much-improved defense. With only 23 goals conceded in his matches, he achieved 17 clean sheets, leading the team to another league title and promotion.
A Vital Player for Norwich City
Over five years with Norwich, Krul made over 150 appearances and played a crucial role in two promotions to the Premier League. His contributions also helped the club reach an FA Cup quarter-final, cementing his legacy as a shrewd acquisition.
Tim Krul and Norwich City proved to be the perfect match, with their partnership yielding mutual success and leaving a lasting mark on the club’s history.
