Fans' groups calling for the removal of Nigel Worthington as Norwich City manager said they would not be satisfied with the club making one man “scapegoat” for a poor season.

Fans' groups calling for the removal of Nigel Worthington as Norwich City manager said they would not be satisfied with the club making one man “scapegoat” for a poor season.

Members of the “Worthy Out” campaign said the statement that Steve Foley's contract as first-team coach had been terminated with immediate effect “creates more new questions than it answers old ones”.

They issued their own statement, saying: “The vast majority of Norwich City fans, 'true' or not, will be wondering if today's statement heralds a major summer clear-out of the coaching staff culminating with the release of Nigel Worthington. Or, more cynically, if it is a shallow attempt by the board to place the blame for an appallingly managed season firmly at the door of one individual.

“If the former is true, then the board has the full support of the Worthy Out campaign. However, we will not tolerate the board's naivety if they believe that hearts and minds can be won by making a single scapegoat.

“It is down to the club now to clarify their intentions for the summer and prove beyond doubt that their objectives lie in the best long term interests of Norwich City.”

It was in October that Norwich City Independent Supporters' Association called for a change of manager.

Association chairman Roy Blower said: “We've been calling for change but I'm quite surprised it's happened at this stage.

“At the start of the season when Steve Foley had been ill there was a lot of sympathy with his situation.

“I don't think he saw this coming. At the open day on Monday, he was chatting quite happily with people.

“But I don't think this will appease many of the fans who feel the manager implements tactics and selection and that the buck stops with him.”