Former City boss Nigel Worthington was today being touted as a possible short-term replacement for the axed Glenn Roeder. Worthington was sacked in October 2006 after nearly six years in the hot seat at Carrow Road, leading them into the Premiership and out again.

Former City boss Nigel Worthington was today being touted as a possible short-term replacement for the axed Glenn Roeder.

Worthington was sacked in October 2006 after nearly six years in the hot seat at Carrow Road, leading them into the Premiership and out again.

But one report claimed the Canaries wanted the 47-year-old Northern Ireland manager to perform a dual role with club and country on an interim basis to keep them in the Championship.

Worthington did a similar job to keep Leicester in the division when he took charge for the final five matches of 2006-07.

However, Worthington was critical of the City board yesterday for not standing by Roeder.

“They have brought a new manager in, then they don't show the faith in him that they should do,” he said.

“Pressure goes on the board and boards have got to be strong, and I know the financial circumstances and situations within football clubs, that revenue has got to be brought in. But if you're going to employ somebody, then you've got to stand by them.

“Sometimes it happens for you and sometimes it doesn't, and I think you should stand by your manager and give as much support as you can.”

The same national newspaper states that if the Irish FA veto a move for Worthington, City could turn to another former boss living in the area in Bruce Rioch, in charge at Carrow Road between 1998 and 2000 and out of work since leaving Danish club Aalborg in October.

Yesterday's sacking of Roeder and coaches Paul Stephenson and Adam Sadler left head of recruitment Bryan Gunn and goalkeeping coach Tommy Wright, the former Ballymena boss, as the most senior members of the management team left at Colney.