Past heroes delighted by City's promotion

Miles Jermy Norwich City's promotion winners of the past have spoken of their delight at the club's swift return to the Championship. The former Canaries were taking part in a match against an Ipswich Town Legends team at Great Yarmouth Football Club yesterday.

Miles Jermy

Norwich City's promotion winners of the past have spoken of their delight at the club's swift return to the Championship.

The former Canaries were taking part in a match against an Ipswich Town Legends team at Great Yarmouth Football Club yesterday.

Former striker Iwan Roberts - a key member of the 2004 title-winning squad - praised manager Paul Lambert and the team for securing promotion from League One at the first attempt.

Now a football pundit with BBC Wales, he said: "It is fantastic news and thoroughly deserved and even better that promotion was achieved at Charlton where the team was relegated last year.

"I am delighted to see the side back in the Championship - Paul Lambert deserves so much credit, he has done a great job.

"I think they will do well next season - the manager will strengthen the squad with two or three new players.

"There is no reason why they can't achieve a top-six finish."

Two-time player of the season Darren Huckerby said he was looking forward to seeing Championship football at Carrow Road next season.

He added: "It is great for the city and the club, we didn't belong in League One. The Championship will be a big step up, it is far superior, but the team have what it takes to do well.

"They will have to strengthen, but I certainly expect to see us establish ourselves as a Championship side."

And Dion Dublin shared Huckerby's confidence that the Canaries would take the step up in their stride.

"A club like Norwich shouldn't be in the third tier of English football. The manager and players deserve all the plaudits they are getting.

"I think the team will do well in the Championship and the manager will strengthen the squad with some new signings."

Reserve team assistant manager Jeremy Goss has seen the way Lambert has transformed the team's fortunes first hand.

The one-time midfield maestro said: "Paul Lambert is very driven and the team have really played for him. What he has achieved is nothing short of brilliant.

"The training and preparation and organisation are excellent and luckily

there have not been many injuries to key players.

"Not many strikers have scored 30 goals like Grant Holt, but there is strength all through the team. The players are so confident and really believe in themselves."

City's promotion was also welcomed by former Ipswich midfielder Matt Holland, who now presents the BBC1 football show Late Kick Off.

He said: "I think it is a fantastic achievement and a great turnaround from that seen at the start of the season.

"The football has been excellent, Norwich have some great goal scorers, but it has been a real team effort. It is fantastic for football in the East Anglia that the local derby is back next season."

Goals from Alex Mathie and David Johnson gave Town a 2-1 victory at Wellesley Road with Huckerby replying for City from the penalty spot.

The match was organised by ex Canary Dale Gordon who runs the Legends Lounge at the Bloaters' ground.