1988–89 Norwich City F.C. season

Norwich were tipped by many to struggle during the season, but shocked the rest of the First Division by going top in September; by the end of October, they held a six-point lead over Arsenal, having played a game more. The lead at the top was maintained until December, finished the season in fourth - until 1993, this was their highest ever league placing. They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing to Everton, which had made them unlikely contenders for the double of the league title and FA Cup this season - an accolade which had only previously been achieved five times in a whole century of league football in England.

Norwich's fourth place in the league saw them finish only behind champions Arsenal, runners-up Liverpool and third placed Nottingham Forest. They finished above a number of higher-spending and traditionally better-supported and more successful clubs including Everton, Manchester United and relegated Newcastle United.

Stars of the season included goalkeeper Bryan Gunn, defender Andy Linighan, midfielder Mike Phelan, winger Dale Gordon and striker Robert Fleck. However, it was the last season at Carrow Road for Phelan, who was then sold to Manchester United.

Squad at end of season[1]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK  SCO Bryan Gunn — DF  ENG Ian Butterworth (vice-captain) — DF  ENG Ian Culverhouse — DF  ENG Andy Linighan — DF  WAL Mark Bowen — MF  ENG Paul Cook — MF  ENG Ian Crook — MF  ENG Ruel Fox[2]

No. Pos. Nation Player — MF  ENG Dale Gordon — MF  ENG Mike Phelan (captain) — MF  ENG Trevor Putney — MF  ENG Robert Rosario — MF  WAL Jeremy Goss — MF  IRL Andy Townsend[3] — FW  WAL Malcolm Allen — FW  SCO Robert Fleck

Left club during season

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — FW  ENG Alan Taylor (retired)

Youth team

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK  ENG Nick Brown

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK  NZL Jason Batty

• Barry Butler Memorial Trophy for Norwich City F.C. Player of the Year: Dale Gordon