SHAUN LOWTHORPE Fans' groups overwhelmingly supported the sacking of Nigel Worthington - with many insisting it was long overdue. But nearly all said they had fond memories of what he achieved for the club.

SHAUN LOWTHORPE

Fans' groups overwhelmingly supported the sacking of Nigel Worthington - with many insisting it was long overdue. But nearly all said they had fond memories of what he achieved for the club.

Roy Blower chairman of Norwich City Independent Supporters' Association, said the board should have ended Worthington's reign at the end of last season.

“It was inevitable,” he said. “We thank him for what he has achieved, but we have been in decline for a long time. Nobody takes any pleasure in saying we were right. The most important thing is that we can retrieve it. The board must make the right decision, it's crucial to the club that they get it right.

“The chickens have really come home to roost. Fans pay good money and they haven't had value for money. It's not just losing, it's the way that you lose. Six away wins in 46 matches is unacceptable.

Alex Warren, chairman of the Waveney Yellows, said: “It's tinged with a little bit of sadness, because he gave us some good times, but he just stayed on a little bit too long. I am glad he is gone, we need to freshen things up and bring the feel-good factor back to Carrow Road because we sank to a new depth against Burnley. In two or three years time, the fans will look back and say he was a good manager, but he should have gone six months ago.”

Ben East, secretary of Northern Canaries said the rot had set in after the 6-0 defeat at Fulham which saw City tumble out of the Premiership on the last day of the season.

“A change should have been made last season, but he is a proud man and a fighter who wanted to battle through it,” he said. “He just looked tired and under pressure and it was telling when Burnley manager Steve Cotterill put and arm around his shoulder as he went off at half time.

“I wish him well and hope he goes on to better things because he brought a lot of good times and memories. In some respects I feel quite sorry for him.

Keith Gamble, former chairman of the East Anglia branch of the football supporters' association said on balance there were more good days than bad under Worthington but time had simply run out.

“He has clearly lost the fans, but I would like to thank Nigel because he has clearly taken us forward. The play-off final and promotion to the Premiership were wonderful.

Ian Russell, chairman of Capital Canaries said: “The board have acted in the right way. They've given him a chance but have had to listen to the supporters.

“He's been under pressure for a year-and-a-half and some of the signings he brought in didn't work out. I wish him well but it's time to look to the future.”

Former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley is the man most of them would like to see usher in that new dawn, with Colchester's Steve Tilson also a popular choice.

But all were united in saying that the board have got to get it right.