RICHARD PARR Norwich City manager Nigel Worthington revealed yesterday how the relaxing pace of village life in North Norfolk helped him ride the pressure and stress of football management.

RICHARD PARR

Norwich City manager Nigel Worthington revealed yesterday how the relaxing pace of village life in North Norfolk helped him ride the pressure and stress of football management.

Worthington spoke of his love of Norfolk generally, and particularly North Norfolk, and its friendly people and quality of life when he officially opened a £97,000 refurbished hall at Brancaster Primary School.

"Norfolk is a wonderful place to live and I live in a North Norfolk village environment which is very special," said Mr Worthington, who rarely talks about his life outside football.

The Canaries manager - who has been under fierce pressure this season amid calls from many fans for him to be sacked - said that returning to his home village after a day's training or a match offered him a chance to relax and recharge his batteries.

"I think Norfolk is a wonderful place to live because of its quality of life. The people and place itself are magnificent. Being so close to the coast is also a bonus," he said.

"You do your job and then being able to return to my home village means I can step away from the pressures of the job and escape to the peace and quiet of North Norfolk, which is also refreshing as well."

He said his three sons had all been day pupils at Gresham's School, Holt, and had become involved with sport there.

Referring to his challenge to get Norwich City into the play-offs, the former Northern Ireland defender said they would need a very good run of results.

"We are running out of games, but there is always a chance. The door is open and we will try to keep it open as long as we can," he said.

After cutting a red ribbon across the entrance to the multi-purpose hall, Mr Worthington said: "It is lovely to come to Brancaster and its wonderful to see such a small school where people are working so hard to thrive and take the school forward for the children."

Headteacher Linda Hothersall said: "Having the manager of our favourite football team here to kick off life in our new school hall is the icing on the cake for us."

The hall, which was cold and damp with water on the floor and windows, is now a bright, light building that doubles as a classroom.