DAVID CUFFLEY Norwich City will not be looking for a quick fix in their search for a new manager - but “high calibre” candidates have already inquired about the vacancy following Nigel Worthington's sacking.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Norwich City will not be looking for a quick fix in their search for a new manager - but “high calibre” candidates have already inquired about the vacancy following Nigel Worthington's sacking.

First team coach Martin Hunter has been appointed caretaker boss while the Canaries search for a permanent replacement.

Chief executive Neil Doncaster, addressing a morning Press conference at Carrow Road with majority shareholders Michael Wynn Jones and Delia Smith, said the process of finding a new manager was already under way.

Said Doncaster: “Martin is welcome to throw his hat in the ring. He is caretaker manager and I don't think we would want to discourage him from anything that he feels he wants to do. At the same time the board has identified the attributes it wants for the next Norwich City manager and everyone who applies will be considered against those criteria.

“I'm not going to speculate about who might be considered. I'm not going to speculate about what the timescales should be. We would obviously like to get on with the process as soon as possible, that process has started and we would look to make an appointment as soon as possible. We've had expressions of interest from a number of high calibre individuals.”

Wynn Jones said: “It's an ongoing process. The one thing we're not looking for is quick fix. We're looking for high calibre and we have very positive views about the type of manager we want, but we're not going to go into that in detail now. But he'll have to match up to that.”

The decision to part company with Worthington after nearly six years as manager had to be taken, said Doncaster.

He said: “Yesterday, everyone who was here, supporters generally, recognised the decision needed to be taken yesterday. I think Nigel also reflected that in one of his comments. He said that a fresh face for the club and a fresh challenge for him would be good for both parties. I think after all that we've been through together - and the board has backed him to the hilt - yesterday was a point at which that decision needed to be taken and was taken.”

Delia said it had been an emotional day for all concerned.

She said: “I think it's always difficult. I don't think there's any other way of it being achieved other than being difficult. It was emotional for all of us. But I'm very impressed by Nigel at his dignity. He said last night that whichever manager comes to Norwich City Football Club is a lucky manager because we are a great football club, and I would like to say now that whichever football club employs Nigel is a very lucky football club because he is a great manager.

“Obviously it's a very low moment and we all suffered a great deal.”

Wynn Jones said he was “as emotional as anyone” over yesterday's events.

He said: “I think when we look at the events of yesterday we have to see them in the whole context of Nigel's career with Norwich City and achievements with Norwich City, the potential that was always there. Ultimately it didn't work out and everyone's very sad for that. But the important thing is that we use this as a pivotal moment and actually turn everything round at this club.”

Delia pledged they would do their best for the fans to turn the club's fortunes around.

She said: “Over the last three games, we have shared their hurt. We understand how they were hurting. Now we look to the future and we will do, as we have always done, our very best on their behalf. We are here only to serve them.

“We will do everything we can always for our supporters and for the good of this football club.”