Norwich City legend Bryan Gunn hopes Daniel Farke’s position as head coach will not come under threat, despite the Canaries’ perilous Premier League position.
The former City goalkeeper and manager, who made 477 appearances between 1986 and 1998, believes there is much to be admired about the work of Farke and sporting director Stuart Webber during recent years.
Watford have benefited from a change of manager recently, taking 13 points from a possible 21 to move out of the top-flight relegation zone, but Southampton have also been rewarded for keeping faith with Ralph Hasenhuttl after a shock 9-0 home loss to Leicester in October - winning six of their last nine games to move up to 12th.
Asked how important it is that Norwich keep faith with Farke, Gunn said: "It's vitally important and what's more, I'm sure they will continue to stick with him. There is a process in place at Norwich City, which began the season before they won the Championship title, which is about delivering success for the club over a long period of time.
"My son Angus was on loan there during the 2017-18 season and you could see Norwich were building a young, progressive footballing squad then. They encountered some difficulties during 2017-18 before winning the title last season in real style.
"They have a clear philosophy with regards to how they are going to play and a direction in terms of where they are going as a club. Hopefully they can keep themselves in the Premier League playing the same football that brought them to this stage."
The former Scotland international was speaking ahead of Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford, which has left the Canaries eight points from safety with 16 games remaining ahead of Saturday's home clash with survival rivals Bournemouth.
Speaking to Manchester United's matchday programme, Gunn was asked if City will stay up and said: "My heart says 'yes', my head says 'it's going to be tough'.
"Norwich are going to need to go on a run sooner rather than later and I hope they start having a few more marginal decisions going their way. I do sense a belief from the players and staff at Norwich City that they still believe they can stay in the Premier League, and that is very important."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here