An overwhelming majority of Norwich City fans believe the resignation of Neil Adams as manager was the right decision.

An online survey of 2,500 supporters found that 81pc agree with the move. Meanwhile 65pc believe it has improved Norwich's chances of promotion.

Despite this, 63pc of those quizzed do not believe Norwich will be promoted back to the Premier League this season and only 8pc believe a top two place will be achieved.

Of the early favourites to replace Adams, former midfielder Tim Sherwood was narrowly in the top spot with 18pc of the vote. Current first-team coach Mike Phelan received support from 17pc.

Some 26pc went with someone not among the early favourites, with names being mentioned including Bournemouth's Eddie Howe and Nigel Adkins, recently sacked by Reading.

How other fans reacted to the big Norwich City news:

David Coles, 60, retired from Briston, said he was 'not surprised'. He added: 'The team should be in the top six. Neil Warnock has just left Crystal Palace so he could replace him.'

James Gloag, 47, a civil servant from Dussindale, said: 'It's sad but he was never the right person. I'm very annoyed with the board for the poor decision. As the transfer window is open I think he was pushed. I have no confidence in the board to appoint a new manager.'

Lewis Frost, 22, a labourer from Eaton, said: 'I'm not that surprised really, they weren't on top form. I don't know if it was more him or the team, probably a bit of both.'

Christine Cragg, 66, a retired HR manager from South Walsham, said: 'I don't think he was doing anything particularly brilliant. We need an injection of new blood and new faces who can move us forward and gee the place up.'

Reg Partridge, 76, retired from Wroxham, said: 'He should have been given a chance, as it takes a manager time to settle in. Considering his success with the youth team he should have been given more encouragement.'

Dylan Scarll, 11 and a pupil at Jane Austen College, said: 'I think it is a good thing as I don't think they've been doing great. They did well when they won 6-1 and 5-0 but they are playing a bit too defensively. We need more of an attacking manager.'

Adam Brawn-Meek, 45, an antiques dealer from Thorpe Hamlet, said: 'Norwich don't stick with their managers for long enough. If they stuck with them for longer then they would be better. History shows that when you kick them out it creates too much instability in the club.'

Richard Self, 53, a factory worker from Heartsease, said: 'I'm shocked. I think the board have left it too long and picked the wrong guy in the first place. Neil Adams is a Plan A manager who didn't really have a Plan B.'

Nick Sexton, 41, from Thorpe Marriott, said: 'I am surprised, I don't think it is justified. He has done the best job that he can but then it's the nature of the business if you don't get results.'

Jason Wilson, 47, from CJ's Fruit & Veg stall, in Norwich, said: 'It was a bit inconsistent. I could see the writing on the wall at the Preston game and I think he has done this for the sake of our club. I have a funny feeling that it will be Tim Sherwood and Mike Phelan.'

Charlie Clarke, 19, a sport and business management student from Taverham, said: 'It's a shame as Neil Adams loves the club. A little more time and a transition period was needed, but if he thinks it is best for the club then it is the best decision.'

John Chapman, 53, a firefighter from Eaton, said: 'It seems a shame, I am surprised when they're seventh in the league. Perhaps it's to do with Ipswich being second or first or internal politics, I don't know.'

Duncan Jones, 41 an accountant from Banham, said: 'I am very surprised. I thought the board would push him but he has had his fair crack at the whip.'