I saw players with such big hearts, passion for our club, courage, a winning mentality and above all massive characters.

Sadly, those legends who had come out to join the farewell to Michael had to leave the pitch and sit in the stands as their successors in yellow and green limped to another sorry defeat.

Tim Krul, Hucks, Flem, Zimbo, Wes, Super Grant Holt, Gary 'Three Lungs' Holt, Adam Drury, Gossy, Darren Eadie, Bradley Johnson, Nathan Redmond... imagine having just one of those in our squad today.

We're told to look forward and not back as football fans.

But thinking about the contributions those players have made in recent decades in NR1 made it impossible not to have misty eyes in reminiscence.

Think about Krul's huge character and especially his ability as a penalty saver.

Hucks, Eadie and Redmond were brilliant in getting fans off their seats.

Flem and Zimbo were solid and commanding in the backline and Drury had a calm, reassured presence and was so tough to get past.

Wes had magic in making things happen, Holty bagged so many goals with his never-say-die attitude.

Johnson had drive and passion and we were treated to seeing that absolute banger against Ipswich in front of the River End in a pre-match video on the big screen on Saturday. 

And then there was Gary Holt's unrelenting energy.

When all those boys were starring in yellow and green shirts, I rarely recall hearing about their minutes being managed.

If they were deemed fit they would play.

When Eadie worked for us in the days of our Mustard TV channel, I used to chat to him about his playing days. He had so many injuries in his career and so often went on to the field when I suspect in today's world "his minutes would be managed".

Why is the flair, confidence, belief, energy, creativity and so many attributes of those guys lacking now? 

None of those players cost very much - and probably the total is less than one of the most expensive currently underperforming members of the current squad.

The continuous argument that the only way to improve a squad is to spend more money isn't true.

It's about finding those gems who can become legends.

While we are really missing Kenny McLean from our squad at the moment, it was fitting that he took his place in the legends' line-up and he has reached that status among fans.

There were so many emotions during and after Portsmouth defeat.

Anger, sadness, frustration and, perhaps most worryingly, real apathy and tiredness with what fans are currently enduring.

Some supporters want Philippe Clement to be replaced. Others see Ben Knapper as the man at most fault.

Another section of the fanbase are pointing at the owners.

And there are others who are still remaining positive, pointing to the season being less than a quarter of the way through and feeling there can be a repeat of the revival we saw from last autumn onwards.

I don't feel now is the time to change the personnel at the top - but we have to see a vast improvement.

We must hear more from the Attanasios. I know their minds are on their first love of baseball, but they can't be so distant (and blocking fans on social media doesn't have a good look).

Knapper has to take responsibility for the decisions he has made, especially in recruitment. Why has he failed to bring in players who will become the new legends?

Clement keeps talking about how close City are to getting it right. Mitigation isn't good enough and we need points on the board.

And I'd urge the players of today to watch some footage of their predecessors and learn from them.  

We've got such a key period coming up.

A lunchtime trip to Charlton on Saturday is going to be far from easy.

The Addicks are unbeaten in their five home Championship games so far this season, conceding just two goals.

City, meanwhile, have lost four out of five matches on the road, leaking 11 goals in the process.

If things don't go well in the capital, imagine the pressure when Watford arrive at Carrow Road for the Halloween Day fixture.

I hate to think of all the possible headlines to be had there...

On paper, the trips to Derby and Bristol City before the next international break should give hope.

But we all know what has happened so far this term in matches which have looked winnable.

None of us wants to be in this position. None of us expected to be here.

Things have to get better. Let's see new legends emerge.

OTBC.