Why Norwich City’s play-off stars won’t get a civic parade

There will be no civic parade for the triumphant Norwich City play-off winning side, after it proved impossible to organise it before players jetted off on holiday and international duty.

The Canaries were promoted to the Premier League following Monday's 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium.

But supporters hoping to cheer their victorious side on a parade through the streets of Norwich, as happened following promotions in 2004, 2010 and 2011 and the Milk Cup victory of 1985, have been left disappointed.

Norwich City chief executive David McNally confirmed that, with players heading off on holiday and international duty and Norwich City Council having just organised Radio One's music festival, the logistics of organising a parade in time meant it was not possible.

'Unfortunately we have been beaten on time,' said Mr McNally, speaking at the club's Wembley hotel.

'The council were fantastic to us and invited us to enjoy a civic parade, but time won't allow it. The players need to go on holiday. The season end has been delayed by four weeks, which means we have a shorter summer now and quite frankly there is no point having a parade without the footballers.

'The earliest the city could arrange things was Thursday and so reluctantly but amicably we have agreed we will pass on this occasion.'

A spokesman for Norwich City Council said: 'It's great for the city and the club that they've been promoted.

'We always do something to mark the club's achievement when they go up, but this time round the timing didn't work out for a reception and open top bus parade.

'So, instead, we'll be dressing up City Hall in a fun way to celebrate the team getting to the Premiership.'

Canaries' defensive duo Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker are in the Scotland squad to face Qatar on June 5 and the Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on June 13.

Midfielder Wes Hoolahan is in the provisional Ireland squad for that clash and the game against England on June 7.

Left-back Martin Olsson is in Sweden's squad for the friendly against Norway on June 8 and the qualifier against Montenegro on June 14.

Midfielder Alex Tettey is on duty with Norway for that game against Olsson's Sweden and the qualifier on June 12, when the Norwegians take on Azerbeijan.

And winger Nathan Redmond, who scored the second goal for the Canaries at Wembley is off to the Czech Republic with Gareth Southgate's England Under-21s, playing in the UEFA finals next month.