Norwich City column: The timing is perfect for City to make a change during the World Cup break

This week saw Dean Smith celebrate a year in charge of Norwich City, although I’m not sure there will have been too much champagne involved.

As has been said on many occasions, it’s been a somewhat underwhelming 12 months, with City only picking up 13 wins from Smith’s 48 games at the helm.

It feels like quite some time ago that I first called for Smith to be relieved of his duties – and the time has come to renew that call.

Not just because of last weekend’s defeat against Middlesbrough – as frustrating as it was – but because there has been no real improvement in performances. I’m still adamant that we won’t get promoted with Smith at the helm. The timing is perfect.

With the World Cup on the horizon, we don’t play again until December 10 – a break of more than three weeks.

That’s plenty of time to get a new manager in and give them the opportunity to work with the squad before the visit to Swansea upon the resumption.

One player missing from that squad is Josh Sargent, who will be heading to Qatar with the USA.

I’m really pleased Josh has seen his fine form this season rewarded with an international recall – and hope he is afforded the chance to show what he is capable of on the biggest stage there is.

It’s been quite the turnaround for the 22-year-old, who became somewhat of a whipping boy during last season’s struggles.

But in the Championship, he has become our leading man, registering nine goals – enough to make him the league’s top scorer (along with a host of other players).

Sargent’s USA are set for a date with England – and I also wanted to say how thrilled I am to see James Maddison end his international exile.

His performances over the last year have been a different level and I have no doubt he will grasp this opportunity with both hands!