Former Norwich City boss Paul Lambert is taking the Canaries to tribunal for �2m in losses over breach of contract.

Lambert, one of the most successful bosses in the club's history, is already the subject of ongoing action by City over his departure to Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the summer.

And City chairman Alan Bowkett, speaking at Thursday night's supporters' forum at Carrow Road, revealed to the 130 fans in attendance Lambert was seeking compensation from the club he walked out on five months ago – news greeted by stunned silence.

'He walked out on us – Aston Villa said he was a free agent so they are not paying us compensation, which we take issue with,' said Bowkett.

'However, interestingly Paul Lambert is taking Norwich City to an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal and breach of contract, and he wants �1.5m to �2m from us. So we look forward to those tribunals.'

It was Lambert who took City from the depths of English football's third tier to the riches of the top flight in just two seasons of stunning success, before the his third year at the helm saw him keep City there with Premier League survival.

Aston Villa declined to comment last night on Lambert's tribunal action.

It is expected to be months before either tribunal is resolved – it was nine months before Colchester found resolution for Lambert's departure.

• For full reaction to Thursday night's fans' forum, see Friday's Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News.