Canaries Trust chairman Robin Sainty has said he is 'shocked' by the timing of Alex Neil's departure, but believes the decision should have been made several games ago.

Neil spoke to the media as usual earlier today, but was sacked by the board just hours later.

Mr Sainty said: 'I'm as shocked as everyone else is.

'Having listened to the press conference it gave the impression that he had been given a mandate to be here into next season and carry out a clear-out of the players.

'It seems very strange to sack him after that.

'I've never come across a situation where a manager has had a Tuesday game which didn't go too well - and then survive until Friday evening before being sacked.'

He said it suggested something had happened today, potentially at the press conference.

'Maybe he went too far in what he said about the planned clear-out and the board wanted to rectify it,' Mr Sainty said.

Asked who he would like to see as the next Canaries manager Mr Sainty suggested Mark Warburton, who recently left Rangers.

'He did a great job at Brentford with limited resources,' Mr Sainty said.

'I'm not a massive fan of Gary Rowett, I don't like his brand of football.

'But to be honest I don't really care who they appoint as long as that person can create a team that our fans can be proud of again.'

The Canaries Trust released a statement following Neil's statement. It said: 'The Canaries Trust wishes to express its appreciation for the Board's decisive and - in our view - correct action in parting company with Alex Neil. We recognise it was not an easy step to take.

'We would like to put on record our gratitude for Alex Neil's work and contribution to our football club, including giving us the never-to-be-forgotten memories of the playoff final and promotion in 2015. We wish him every success in future.

'Our fervent hope is that, with this step behind us, everyone can unite to drive the Club forward.'