Steve Foley has paid the price for Norwich City's disappointing season after being axed from his job as first team coach. Foley, third in line in City's managerial hierarchy behind manager Nigel Worthington and his assistant Doug Livermore, had been with the club for 10 years.

Steve Foley has paid the price for Norwich City's disappointing season after being axed from his job as first team coach.

Foley, third in line in City's managerial hierarchy behind manager Nigel Worthington and his assistant Doug Livermore, had been with the club for 10 years.

The move has come as Worthington seeks to shake up his coaching team, and he is expected to name a replacement during the summer.

Speculation will inevitably now turn from the identity of new players to that of a new coach, with an early candidate, should City choose to appoint from within, being current Academy coach Dave Williams.

“Steve has made a very important contribution to Norwich City over the years, working to bring young players through the ranks and helping with day-to-day coaching duties with the first team squad,” said Worthington.

“I would like to place on record the sincere gratitude of myself and everybody at Carrow Road and Colney for all of Steve's hard work and enthusiasm over the years - and wish him all the very best for the future.”

City chairman Roger Munby said the club was looking to bring new ideas and input into the coaching set-up at Colney.

“It's been a tough decision, but the board feels the time is right to make a positive step with a new appointment to freshen up the coaching set-up which will add to our football club,” he said. “Steve's input has been invaluable over the 10 years he has been with us - and on behalf of the board I think it's important to recognise that and to wish him every success going forward.”

Foley - whose contract has been terminated with immediate effect - spent much of last summer recuperating from an operation to remove an abscess in one of his lungs.

“I have had 10 really enjoyable years at Norwich City, picking up some great memories and making lots of friends along the way,” he told the club's website. “I would like to thank the staff at Carrow Road and Colney and of course the Canary supporters for their encouragement and backing over the years.”

Foley joined City in 1996 during former Colchester team-mate Mike Walker's second spell as manager. He was initially responsible for the reserve team but moved to a new post as assistant director of the Football Academy which would see him oversee the development of players between the ages of 16 and 21.

In January, 2001, Worthington, then newly-appointed, named Foley his first team coach and his work was rewarded with a contract extension - that was due to end next month.