Norwich City fans hailed a perfect start to the new year after yesterday's 3-0 victory over Derby County.

The win lifted some of the doom and gloom which has enveloped Carrow Road in recent weeks, and fans speaking after the match said that under-fire manager Alex Neil deserved to be given more time as he strives to turn the club's fortunes around.

The Canaries secured a comfortable win during yesterday's Sky Bet Championship clash, thanks to a hat-trick from Nelson Oliveira.

And despite recent calls for Neil to step down, some fans leaving Carrow Road yesterday were more optimistic about his future.

Chris Boast, 32, from Norwich, said: 'It is a big improvement and if it carries on, hopefully he will stay in his job.

'But it has taken a lot of pressure from the fans and media for Neil to change his formation and squad, and if it takes that much pressure, then maybe the job is too big for him.'

Meanwhile, Rob Lewis, 72, from King's Lynn, who saw the game with his 10-year-old grandson Patrick, said: 'I can't see who they are going to replace him with, but I think we have to give him a chance now. The players really fought for him today.'

Just last week, we ran an online poll asking fans whether Neil should stay following the Boxing Day defeat against Reading.

More than 10,800 people voted, and 93pc said it was time for him to go.

Glenn Wilson, 47, from Tasburgh, had been of those who felt he should resign.

But yesterday he said: 'I wanted him gone, but if he picks the same players, and keeps this system, then he should stay. However that is only one win, we have a long way to go yet.' And Cheryl King, 69, from Taverham, added: 'I think it would be unkind to sack him after tonight's performance. He just needs to stick to the team which plays the best.'

Meanwhile, reaction on social media was slight more polarised.

Adam Savoury tweeted: 'That's more like it!

'More like the football we played under Alex Neil in 2015. This HAS to be the turning point. On The Ball City!'

Twitter user Jonathan Parker wrote: 'God a lot of Norwich fans have a short memory! One win and suddenly Alex Neil is great, we'll just forget the previous run shall we?!'

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