Speaking to the Official Club Website, Royle who appeared for Norwich during his playing career said: "Form doesn't count for much in derby games but in this division it's hard to know what form is anyway.
"There are so many sides that we thought would be up at the top of the table but aren't that it's hard to follow."
According to Joe, Norwich are one of those sides who he expected to start better: "They have got good front players. They have signed players to make them stronger and as yet it has not materialised but I expect by the end of the season they will be up there.
"I'm not sure why things haven't worked out for them so far but sometimes relegation leaves a hangover that takes a bit of time to clear."