League Managers' Association chief executive John Barnwell has backed Nigel Worthington to bounce back from his sacking - and paid tribute to the Canaries for the way they have handled his departure.

League Managers' Association chief executive John Barnwell has backed Nigel Worthington to bounce back from his sacking - and paid tribute to the Canaries for the way they have handled his departure.

Worthington reports he has nothing but good memories of his tenure - claiming he went into work every day “with a smile on my face”.

Barnwell has no doubts Worthington, who has expressed his desire to return to football, will be back.

The LMA chief said: “Norwich City is a very upright football club. We wish all football clubs dealt with things like Norwich City have.

“They appreciate what Nigel Worthington did for the club - but they reluctantly decided it was time to make a change.

“They had six good years together. The average life span for a manager was 2.3 years, and it's now something like 1.7 years.

“Nigel was there for six years, so he had a good run at it. Maybe it's time for him to have a fresh start.

“Nigel will be back, though. He needs a break now, and time to have a rethink, but he'll be back.”

Worthington said: “Six and a half years is quite a long time these days so I will catch up, have a few days of chill-out time, a few holidays and then get ready to go again.

“I will take time out to recharge my batteries and then I will be looking to get back into football.

“I'll wait for people to come to me, but I'm not going to rush. I'll keep my hand in. I'll watch some football and get out and about.”

While appreciating the way Norwich conducted themselves, Barnwell reiterated his belief that sacking the manager is not always the way to ensure a return to happier times.

“Clubs who consistently change managers tend not to reach their goals,” he said.

“There's always pressure on managers to do well. We'd like it not to be like that, but it's not surprising.

“I've spoken to Nigel at length since the decision was made, and he accepts it. If a club is losing too many games the pressure mounts.

“We don't like to see any manager dismissed. Sadly, when the players lose confidence there's not enough money to spend, or there are too many injuries, that's what happens.”