Norwich City column: Vincent Kompany’s Burnley shows City what can be achieved in a short period

We’re getting to a stage where every passing game that Dean Smith remains in charge is damaging to our promotion ambitions.

Tuesday’s night’s 1-0 defeat at Burnley leaves us outside the play-off spots, seven points behind Vincent Kompany’s men, who now top the division.

The result means we have now lost four of our last five games – and picked up just two points from a possible 18.

It’s nothing short of dismal. I explained last week why it is time for Smith to go – and Tuesday only served to intensify that feeling.

The biggest gripe about the Smith era has always been the complete absence of identity on the pitch.

In that department, there could hardly have been a bigger gulf between the two sides at Turf Moor.

Under Kompany, Burnley have transformed themselves from long-ball merchants, into a side that plays a very attractive brand of football, in a little over four months.

That’s been achieved with wholesale squad changes, including the departures of a whole host of key players.

Then you consider the lack of progress Smith has made trying to implement his style of play in the best part of a year. Particularly in the 17 games this season, when he has had ample quality at his disposal for the level we find ourselves at. That’s why it’s time for something new.

Needless to say, a change of manager does not guarantee results. But we need someone with a vision, capable of implementing a style that gives us a chance of succeeding long-term.

Akin to the impact Daniel Farke had at Carrow Road; and akin to what Kompany is now achieving at Burnley.

I’m going to at least try to end on a positive this week – and give praise to the performance of Jonathan Tomkinson. The 20-year-old was handed his Championship debut against Burnley and delivered a calm, assured display in the face of plenty of pressure from the home side.