Supporters group set to fold

Norwich City have come under some criticism from their own fans, with another supporters group preparing to call it a day.

The Independent Norwich City Supporters Club are likely to be wound up after next week's annual meeting, following a recommendation by their own committee. The proposal comes just days after the Friends of Norwich City Youth folded, after 16 years of fund raising for the club's academy at Colney. In a letter to members, INCS officials highlighted several key reasons for the winding-up proposal, some of which have been questioned by the club. The group's chairman Robin Sainty said: "The organisation was formed in 1995 at a time when there was significant unrest among City fans, resulting in a demand for a vehicle that could provide a unified means of communication with the club. "However, with the club now on the crest of a wave, and the instant communication available via the Internet and social media such as Twitter, the committee feels that the organisation has become anachronistic." "The world of football has changed radically since 1995. Football clubs are now run more strictly as businesses and, inevitably, are keen to have absolute control over the way in which they communicate with supporters. Access to players and management is virtually non-existent and therefore direct interaction with the grass roots fan has declined." In response, City have released a statement of own denying the claim that fans are being kept at arm's length, it reads: "The club is sorry to hear that the Independent Norwich City Supporters Club has decided not to continue. It is disappointing to see that they have claimed that in addition to their declining membership, the club 'not being prepared to engage with supporter groups' is a key factor behind their decision to close. "The club e-mailed INCSC chairman Robin Sainty and secretary Kathy Blake on August 20 to invite them to attend our latest supporter groups meeting to be held at the club this Friday evening, September 14. "These regular meetings are open to all registered Norwich City supporter groups from Norfolk, the UK and around the world, offering their members the chance to consult directly with the club's owners, directors and senior staff."