Grant backs back room staff

CHRIS LAKEY Peter Grant turned down an opportunity to bring his own back room team with him when he took over the Norwich City hot seat.

CHRIS LAKEY

Peter Grant turned down an opportunity to bring his own back room team with him when he took over the Norwich City hot seat.

The City manager has retained assistant Doug Livermore, coach martin Hunter and reserve team coach Keith Webb.

However, Grant said last night that he was not forced to retain the trio when he was appointed as Nigel Worthington's successor a month ago.

“One thing I was asked by the board was if I would like to bring in my own backroom team,” he said. “I said no problem. I have seen so many new managers change their assistants and I never know why.

“They said I could bring my own team in and I said I didn't want to. I told them I would rather work with them for a couple of weeks and to a man they have been absolutely excellent. I could not ask for more.

“Martin Hunter has a great knowledge of the game and Doug Livermore's experience and contacts are important to me.

“I told Martin his job is as safe as houses - he has a great work ethic, the same as Doug and Keith. With them we will not go far wrong.”

Grant, flanked by majority shareholders Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones, was speaking to fans in Lowestoft - his first face to face with the club's followers since he took over.

He fielded an array of questions including the club's youth policy, referees, player discipline - and finances.

With City in their final season of parachute payments, Grant admitted that the gap between Championship and Premiership was getting wider - and he didn't like it.

And he had a warning for clubs who find themselves dropping out of the top flight.

“Of the three that come down now, two will definitely get left behind,” he said.

“They will all spend their money trying to get back up but only one will make it.”