Paddy Davitt SLIDESHOW: Norwich City's title-winning boss Paul Lambert hailed the Canaries fan base as unique at last night's League One civic celebrations. Lambert was lost for words as he addressed the estimated 10,000 throng gathered beneath Norwich Castle to salute the club's victorious squad.

Paddy Davitt

Norwich City's title-winning boss Paul Lambert hailed the Canaries fan base as unique at last night's League One civic celebrations.

Lambert was lost for words as he addressed the estimated 10,000 throng gathered beneath Norwich Castle to salute the club's victorious squad.

The Scot still commands legendary status in the footballing hotbed of Glasgow after a decorated stint at Celtic - but he insisted City's support is extra special.

"This is a fantastic occasion but I see it every week and I say it every week because you see them home and away - how much this club means to the fans and vice versa," he said.

"I don't need to be told. The fans have been terrific. I don't think you can compare any club with another one but what I see is the passion and enthusiasm for their football and they come out in their thousands week in, week out.

"The ground is full. It wouldn't matter if we are playing Manchester United - you can't get anymore in the ground, unless you extend it. The fans have played a huge part in this club's history and that has stayed the same right from when I came in until whenever I leave - that fan base, I know, will always be there."

Injured captain and newly-crowned player-of-the-season Grant Holt lifted the trophy aloft in the picturesque surroundings after a memorable open top bus tour of the city.

"We weren't surprised at the numbers because we know how big a club this is," he said.

"We knew the city would be heaving and it was. It's massive to have an occasion like this and share it with our supporters - it's what's it's all about.

"It was cold coming down Newmarket Road but as soon as you got to the city centre and saw all those people it was special and it makes it all worthwhile.

"We were having a laugh and a joke between the players on the bus - you smile and clap and just try to take it in and soak up the atmosphere.

"The fans have waited a long time for us and we wanted to show our appreciation and wave to as many people as we can.

"They've been there with us, they have travelled the length and breadth of the country.

"They came to the home games in their masses and it's as much their achievement as it ours. You can see there are a lot of happy people and I can assure you we are as happy as them."

Lambert admitted the civic seal of approval was a fitting postscript to the club's season.

"I think it's important when you achieve something that you are recognised," he said.

"You deserve to be recognised for the turnaround and what you have done, all the criticism at the start of the season and so on - they deserve everything that is going, but it is the fans who really deserve it."