Nigel Worthington made it clear that he had absolutely no intention of bowing to pressure from fans by handing in his resignation.

Norwich City manager Nigel Worthington made it clear yesterday that he had absolutely no intention of bowing to pressure from fans by handing in his resignation.

According to vice-chairman Barry Skipper the City board have no plans to wield the axe after a hugely disappointing campaign - and according to the man himself there is no way he will be going on his own accord either.

Speaking on the eve of a meeting called to discuss his future, Worthington said he had no complaints about supporters speaking their mind - but he clearly has no intention of giving his detractors what they want.

“I have got no intention of resigning,” he said. “I signed a contract with this football club. I am committed to this club, to my job and I will honour that contract.

“What has happened recently doesn't effect my enjoyment of the job, not at all. Because I am working with good people, I'm working for a great club and I am working in an environment where there is great team spirit.”

There have been a number of demonstrations against Worthington since the turn of the year following poor results, and pressure on the manager increased still further last night after the meeting organised by Norwich City Independent Supporters Association at St Andrews Hall.

The City manager was asked yesterday morning if he really needed all the hassle and replied: “I asked myself that question the first day I went into management and the answer was yes, I do need the hassle. It's my job and I enjoy it.

“Everyone has got an opinion and I have got no problem with that at all.

“I have not got any view on the meeting at all. It's the group's prerogative to do what they want to do.

“But these sort of things can be a distraction and we have got to be strong within our own group. We have got to focus on the game, it's as simple as that.

“My whole focus and attention is on my role as manager of the football club, to get the team, along with the staff, as best prepared for Saturday's game against Stoke as possible.

“Yes, we are all disappointed with some of the results this season - but that's life in football. We are working hard on dealing with it the best way we can and trying to move forward.”

Worthington was in an upbeat boot at yesterday's press conference, with his countenance offering a huge contrast to the care-worn expression he sported after last Saturday's 4-1 hammering at Selhurst Park.

He admitted he was down after the Palace game, but is expecting tomorrow afternoon's encounter to be a very different occasion.

“I think there would have been a problem if I had been happy with last week's performance,” he said. “I think it is natural that there was feeling of huge disappointment because it was my team out there. Over the past five or six years players at this club have worked hard and showed commitment to the cause. We were short of that on Saturday and we have got to put it right.

“Stoke will come here and have a go and we have got to be ready for them. We have got to concentrate on ourselves - and go out there and deliver the goods.”