DAVID CUFFLEY Iwan Roberts will soon be qualified to coach all over the world - but isn't banking on a swift return to Carrow Road. The former Norwich City striker is set to complete his coaching qualification next month, but will not be rushing to apply for the vacancy created by the sacking of Steve Foley as the Canaries' first team coach.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Iwan Roberts will soon be qualified to coach all over the world - but isn't banking on a swift return to Carrow Road.

The former Norwich City striker is set to complete his coaching qualification next month, but will not be rushing to apply for the vacancy created by the sacking of Steve Foley as the Canaries' first team coach.

Roberts, who said he was “shocked” by the news of Foley's departure, believes manager Nigel Worthington already has a replacement in mind.

He said: “There aren't many places I would go and coach but if the chance came at Norwich, where I had the best time of my football career, I would certainly consider it.

“If the chance came along to return to the club in a coaching capacity I would have to think long and hard about it and I would probably take that chance.

“But deep down I think Norwich have someone in mind ready to take over.

“I don't know if the club has advertised the post or will promote from within, but I would be surprised if Nigel hasn't already got his mind on a replacement.”

The former Wales international isn't privy to the names on City's shortlist, but did suggest one potential candidate.

“I did hear that Ian Crook, who is with Sydney FC, was looking to get back into football in this country. Chippy's had a great time in Australia and is far more qualified than I am and would definitely have something to offer in that role,” he said.

But Roberts did not expect City to have a vacancy at all, having seen Foley just three weeks ago when the Canaries played at Ninian Park.

“I was really surprised because I saw Steve Foley at Cardiff and he was really happy. He didn't have a clue what was round the corner.” said Roberts.

“Steve's one of the best coaches I have worked with and I was shocked that the club let him go.”

Roberts, 37, had a brief stint as player-coach at Gillingham and though his spell with the club ended unhappily, it hasn't dimmed his enthusiasm for coaching.

He said: “I am going back to Wales to finish my UEFA A licence in June, which will enable me to coach anywhere in the world and I didn't have that interest I wouldn't do it. I've played for some great managers and coaches and if I haven't learned anything in 20 years in football I need my backside kicking.”

He added: “We don't have a house in Norwich now. We're living in Kent and we've settled in really well but I always say 'Never say never'.”

Media work occupies much of Roberts' time at the moment and he was looking forward to FA Cup final duty behind the microphone today.

“At the moment I am really enjoying the media side of things,” he said. “I'm doing a lot of work for the BBC. They've been really good to me and there is the possibility of a contract with them next season.

“I did the Swansea-Brentford play-off game on Thursday night and I'm doing the FA Cup final today for BBC Wales. I've been doing broadcasts in both English and Welsh.

“It's a lot less stressful than being a manager or coach. I saw Nigel at Cardiff and he asked me 'How's your hair?' but I haven't started going grey yet.”