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Webber embraces ‘scapegoat’ tag after City’s relegation
Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber fronted up after the club's Premier League relegation was confirmed Picture: Norwich City FC - Credit: Archant
Stuart Webber insists he fits the bill if Norwich City fans want a scapegoat following Premier League relegation – while confirming Daniel Farke will lead the Championship fightback.
The club’s sporting director revealed at Colney on Monday the planning is already well underway, after a wretched top-flight season ended in a swift return to the Football League.
“We don’t have any time to cry. No one has died here. The reality is we got relegated from a league we probably should have got relegated,” he said. “We went to war without a gun really. We have to make sure if we get back there we are fully armed.
“If we sit here looking to blame people it doesn’t help us.
“But if supporters do want someone to blame, blame me. I am in charge of the football strategy. I make the calls. Every player or member of staff who is here I have made the call and given them a contract. If you want a scapegoat, you are looking at him. I have no problem.
Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber says he will take the blame for relegation Picture: Norwich City FC - Credit: Archant
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“It doesn’t bother me. It won’t affect me. I don’t have an ego.
“Now it is about moving forward. I got it badly wrong. I am not ashamed to admit that. But I am not sulking or lying on a football pitch hoping someone takes a picture of me. What is the best way to fix this? By putting it right.”
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City’s head coach had to bat away questions whether he is the right man for the job in the wake of a 4-0 home defeat to West Ham.
“From my side it is really clear. We want Daniel to stay,” said Webber. “What he has done for this club is unbelievable.
“Now is the time for us to back him, not to talk badly or put undue pressure on him. He will be here, as far as I am concerned, for as long as he wants to be here. If he doesn’t then that is a call he makes himself.
“He has two years left on his contract and all I can say is the work we did in the past two or three months on the planning is not that of a man who is lined up to be somewhere else.
“We are not a club trying to make a change. We are in the Championship next year.
“Why wouldn’t you want a guy who won that league with 94 points?
“Like I say, if you want someone to blame, it is not him. Get behind him and the players. That is what him and his staff need. Not a lot of noise and so-called experts.
“He has done his best with a group of players who were ultimately not good enough at this level.”
MORE: Webber’s verdict on the Dennis Man transfer shenanigans, on these channels Tuesday lunchtime
