David Cuffley Bryan Gunn today spoke of tears among the backroom staff after the sacking of Norwich City manager Glenn Roeder.Gunn, currently head of recruitment at Colney, takes charge of the Canaries for tomorrow's Championship match against Barnsley at Carrow Road (3pm), assisted by goalkeeping coach Tommy Wright and academy manager Ricky Martin.

David Cuffley

Bryan Gunn today spoke of tears among the backroom staff after the sacking of Norwich City manager Glenn Roeder.

Gunn, currently head of recruitment at Colney, takes charge of the Canaries for tomorrow's Championship match against Barnsley at Carrow Road (3pm), assisted by goalkeeping coach Tommy Wright and academy manager Ricky Martin.

But the 45-year-old former City goalkeeper said Roeder's exit had been an emotional one.

“Wednesday was a very sad day, particularly for the backroom staff,” said Gunn.

“I've been around and seen things like this happen on a few occasions and I must admit there were tears shed, by myself as well.

“All the backroom staff had great respect for Glenn, and his family as well.

“I think it's important to point out that there are a lot of people affected and we'd built up a good working relationship.

“Glenn told everyone his thoughts and said it was the best backroom staff he'd ever worked with. And Paul Stephenson and his family, and Adam Sadler, our thoughts are with them and it was difficult lifting our spirits yesterday morning.”

Gunn was asked to take over training by the club's chief executive.

He said: “I got the phonecall from Neil Doncaster at seven o'clock on Wednesday night, asking me what my thoughts were on taking training and being in charge of the dressing room and backroom staff for Thursday. And then about six o'clock last night I also got the nod that I'd be in charge of first team matters for the weekend.

“I'm looking forward to Saturday and that's as far as we're looking forward.”

Gunn said it had been vital to try to lift spirits at yesterday's training session.

“The players selected in the 11 and the 16 will hopefully go out there, have a reaction, play with passion - that will be demanded,” he said.

“There are a lot of skilful players in there and I expect them to play to their best of their ability, and it was up to the players as well yesterday to lift the mood of the backroom staff.

“We had a bright training session, we let it flow as much as we could and probably, like you know, there are a few frustrations on the training pitch as well and that was a good thing. Some of the players showed their disappointment at the way things had happened.

“Everyone was on the training pitch yesterday, including the injured players. We got everyone out around the game we ended up finishing with, just trying to lift their spirits. We've got a few injuries at the moment and few niggles who didn't take part in training yesterday, but it was important they showed unity and togetherness and you hope that there will be a reaction to what's happened.

“I think with what we've got in the dressing room tomorrow, if they play to the full level of their ability, we have a great chance of getting three points.”

City's temporary management team have a string of injuries to check on, but one bonus for Gunn is that on-loan defender Jonathan Grounds is available again after being ineligible for the FA Cup tie against Charlton. Another is that striker Jamie Cureton has been recalled from his loan spell at Barnsley.

Defender Adam Drury was substituted at half-time on Tuesday because of a knee problem, while Wes Hoolahan (groin) and Ryan Bertrand were both said to be less than fully fit, and City are investigating a chest problem that has been affecting full-back Jon Otsemobor's breathing.

“He has had tests and he trained fully yesterday,” said Gunn. “It's an ongoing test Jon's got and I fully expect him to be available for selection.”

“Everyone will be given as long as possible. I'm not naming the team today - the players know that. I'll look at all the players and then decide the strongest and fittest team available and put that on the pitch.”