Michael Bailey Norwich bookmakers are only too happy to take the hit after the Canaries virtually clinched the League One title alongside promotion at the weekend. Paul Lambert's side confirmed their place in the Championship next season at Charlton on Saturday, with City in need of one point from three matches to be absolutely sure of the title.

Michael Bailey

Norwich bookmakers are only too happy to take the hit after the Canaries virtually clinched the League One title alongside promotion at the weekend.

Paul Lambert's side confirmed their place in the Championship next season at Charlton on Saturday, with City in need of one point from three matches to be absolutely sure of the title.

That means a host of bookmakers paying out on bets placed by Norwich supporters during a season that has seen their odds fluctuate as much as fortunes on the field.

City were, coincidentally, 7-1 to win the title before a ball was kicked in anger this campaign on the back of an unbeaten pre-season under then-boss Bryan Gunn.

But the opening day hammering by Colchester saw odds drift out as far as 33-1 before Lambert moved north from United to take over at Carrow Road.

And those fans brave enough to take advantage of City's long August odds are set to be rewarded handsomely this spring.

Billy Dixon, owner of Dixmar Racing on Reepham Road, said: "We let them get halfway through the season at 18-1 so we got pretty stuffed on that to be honest, but we just take the hit.

"Plus it's only good news for us all really because it brings back Championship football and will get people backing them again in future."

The odds on City being crowned champions were squeezed downwards following Paul Lambert's appointment in mid-August and Dixon added: "We're paying out on the title already; it's a done job so we're going to start paying out on it. It's only a matter of time before it gets confirmed anyway.

"We only really took money on Norwich winning it at 18-1. Not many people backed them at the start of the season because I think people thought it was a bit stingy."

Tony Clayton, a bookmaker on George Hill, said: "It's not too bad, you take the rough with the smooth.

"But it is great for the city and keeps people interested - hopefully a few of them will come back and place bets for next season.

"I spoke to one boy who had �200 at sevens and that's �1,400, but there will be plenty of bets bigger than that around."