David Cuffley Manager Paul Lambert will not rest on his laurels as he begins to plan for Norwich City's 2010-11 Championship campaign.The man who has taken the Canaries out of League One at the first attempt - and as champions after Saturday's 2-0 home win over Gillingham - was given a huge ovation when he went on to the pitch after the players' lap of honour.

David Cuffley

Manager Paul Lambert will not rest on his laurels as he begins to plan for Norwich City's 2010-11 Championship campaign.

The man who has taken the Canaries out of League One at the first attempt - and as champions after Saturday's 2-0 home win over Gillingham - was given a huge ovation when he went on to the pitch after the players' lap of honour.

“The fans' acknowledgement for myself, it's a bit emotional when you hear that,” he said.

“I'm proud to have done it - but I am not na�ve enough to think that if I don't get off to a good start it will be nothing like that, that's for sure.”

He said he was already making plans for next season with the intention of strengthening his squad.

“It's already started, it's started a week or so, and we wait and see,” he said. “We know the current group need a hand and we will try and do it.

“The higher level you go up to play you have to step up to the plate. Football is like that, no matter what you go through, any league you want, the team that wins the championship always strengthens and we're no different, we will have to strengthen.”

For the moment he urged players and supporters to enjoy the moment.

He said: “You have a sense of joy and being proud as anything of the lads and proud as anything of the football club for what it has done. I'm delighted for the people that actually own it. It's a terrific club, it really is.

“I don't know how many years old Norwich City is, 100-odd - I would like to know how many times we have actually lifted something.

“It doesn't matter what league you are in because you earn the right to be in whatever league you are going to be in and there are not many times you do it so you might as well savour it. You cherish it because football kicks on again - and while it's here you might as well enjoy it.”

Lambert had no doubts City deserved to be champions.

“I think the table never lies, I think we've been the best team and I thought what the lads have done is nothing short of sensational throughout the season and I am absolutely delighted for them,” he said.

“I think we have been consistent, and we have played a really high level at times. We have had to win ugly at times and they have a got a great desire not to get beaten, a great desire to go to the end of games and we have won a lot of games in the last 15 minutes or so. That's all credit to them. They keep going and I think the crowd recognises it and if you have got the crowd on your side you have got a chance.”

With Wes Hoolahan still sidelined by a thigh strain, defender Russell Martin also missed the Gillingham match with an injury picked up in training.