Loud and proud

CHRIS LAKEY Peter Grant says he was "ecstatic" at the backing he and the team received from Norwich City's supporters on Tuesday night. Just days after complaining that the fans had let the team down, Grant was praising them for helping secure a valuable 3-1 home win over Leicester City.

CHRIS LAKEY

Peter Grant says he was "ecstatic" at the backing he and the team received from Norwich City's supporters last night.

Just days after complaining that the fans had let the team down, Grant was praising them for helping secure a valuable 3-1 home win over Leicester City.

"I was absolutely ecstatic because there is no doubt in my mind that's what got us over the line tonight because Leicester put us under pressure and they were disappointed to go away losing the match," said Grant.

The City boss had divided fans with his comments after Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Hull, when he said their lack of support was "a disgrace"

It was a very different story last night as the fans rose to acclaim their heroes - Grant included. But the Scot admitted his comments had made it a tough few days.

"It has been a hard few days," he said. "It has been really, really difficult for myself. I am a human being and I worry about people's reactions and it was difficult. I just hoped to God everybody came and supported the team. I said to the players, 'just win the game, give them something to be happy about'.

"We started well and it built up. People don't realise how important it is to give the players that confidence.

"They were massive for us tonight, honest to God I can't thank them enough. I was concerned, there is no doubt about that. I am a passionate bloke and I expect passion in the club. I expect everybody who pulls that jersey on to play with a passion and pride. I know a lot of people were disappointed with the word I used but that's the way I felt, and I couldn't take it away because then I'd be untrue to myself."

It wasn't all plain sailing for City, who went behind to Patrick McCarthy's goal midway through the first half. Carl Robinson's first-half injury-time goal put Norwich on level terms, with Robert Earnshaw then hitting his 13th of the season before an own goal by Gareth McAuley, deep into time added on settled the nerves.

"It was better, to say the least," added Grant after City scored more than one goal for their new manager for the first time.

"It was a lot of hard work and endeavour, all the things we asked for, little bits of quality here and there, but we are still well short of what we want.

"If they can add that to the effort and the commitment they won't be far away."