Norwich City have confirmed the departure of first team coach Alan Irvine.

The Pink Un: Alan Irvine (right) during his time as interim head coach at Norwich City, alongside Frankie McAvoy. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus ImagesAlan Irvine (right) during his time as interim head coach at Norwich City, alongside Frankie McAvoy. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The Scot took charge of City for the final 10 games of last season, following Alex Neil’s sacking.

However, Irvine has opted to take on a new challenge away from Carrow Road – rather than become part of Daniel Farke’s new coaching set-up.

Sporting director Stuart Webber has already stated his desire to have a British coach working with Farke and his assistant, Eddie Riemer – and that search is something City seem set to take their time over, while goalkeeping and set-piece coach Dean Kiely will remain on board at Colney.

Frankie McAvoy is also set to continue with City, although his role is understood to be changing from his previous first team coach remit.

“I’ve said before that I would review my position in the summer,” acknowledged Irvine. “I thoroughly enjoyed my 10 games as caretaker manager and that time has made me realise how much I have missed the challenges that come with the manager’s role.

“My ambition now is to return to management as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I would like to thank the players and staff for their hard work and tremendous support, and I wish everyone connected with the club the very best for the future.”

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City could consider themselves lucky to have Irvine to call on, once they opted to sack manager Alex Neil in March.

Previously boss at West Brom, Preston and Sheffield Wednesday, Irvine stood in, steadied the ship and earned City five wins and two draws from his spell in charge – which included smashing Championship play-off finalists Reading 7-1 at Carrow Road.

Webber added: “Everybody at Norwich City would like to thank Alan and wish him well for the future.

“He stepped in with 10 games left of last season and did a great job in challenging circumstances, and we thank him for this.

“We had a chat together about a role here and Alan has decided he would like to move on at this time, to explore a future challenge. So we respect his decision and wish him all the very best.”

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