Former Norwich City boss Chris Hughton issues statement over sacking

Former Norwich City boss Chris Hughton. Â©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222

Former Norwich City manager Chris Hughton has issued a statement following his dismissal by the Canaries on Sunday evening.

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The City board finally lost patience with the 55-year-old after the 1-0 defeat to West Brom, drafting in U18s boss Neil Adams to steer the club away from the relegation zone.

However, Hughton believes the decision was made too early and insists, that given the opportunity, he would have ensured the club remained in the Premier League for a fourth consecutive season.

The 17 games that defined Chris Hughton’s time at the club. Click here for an interactive graphic.

Hughton told the League Managers’ Association: “I am naturally very disappointed to have lost my job but immensely proud to have served as Norwich City’s manager.

“I understand the recent frustrations, but I remained totally confident that we were on course to create history at the club by retaining our top-flight status and move into a fourth consecutive season in the Barclays Premier League.

“Collectively we were ready for the challenge that the final five games presented and we believed we would reward the club and the supporters by achieving that objective.

“Over the last two seasons many new players arrived at the club and it has been a period of transition, but I would like to put on record that the commitment and work ethic shown by them, together with the players still retained from when I was appointed, has been exceptional. The same applies to my coaching and backroom staff whose contribution has been immense.

“I now wish to reflect before preparing for the next challenge. However, what goes without saying is that I sincerely wish everyone connected to the club, from the owners and the board through to the supporters who are the essence of every club, all the very best for the rest of this season and into the future. Norwich City is a great club and I feel honoured to have had the privilege of being its manager.”

LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan added: “We are all very disappointed for Chris and in particular with the timing of his dismissal. We must recognise that Norwich City has come a long way in a very short space of time and that just four years ago they were competing in League One. Chris enjoyed an excellent first season in charge by guiding the Club to 11th in the Barclays Premier League which was their highest finish in 20 years. Chris has an excellent record of managerial success initially with Newcastle and later with Birmingham before he joined Norwich so it is with regret that we see one of our top English managers being dismissed without being given the opportunity to see out the season.”