Alex Neil admits the support of Norwich City's top brass has been vital during the Canaries' wretched Championship run.

City slipped well off the promotion pace prior to Christmas but Saturday's 3-1 league win over Paul Lambert's Wolves moved them to five points outside the play-off places.

The club's majority shareholders and chief executive both publicly backed Neil to lead the fightback in the darkest moments of a spell that brought eight defeats in 10 games.

'Delia has been absolutely great. I have complete support from the board,' he said. 'Listen, you don't become a bad manager overnight.

'We won promotion on an incredible run, we were unfortunate not to stay up and then this season we are top of the league. What has happened since is we have fallen off the standards we set ourselves but some of the recent results and performances we are getting back to those levels.

'When things are going well you take the praise so you have to accept the criticism when people deem it is not going so well. You have to rise above it. You can't affect that or get upset by it. All that is going to happen is you get distracted and you need to focus on the job.'

Neil, speaking to Talksport on Monday, reiterated he will only sanction departures from his squad in the closing week of the transfer window if it does not hinder Norwich's Championship push.

'I think the players are fully aware of any interest. They look at it like we do as a club but the fact is we will not be selling anyone unless it is right for the club,' he said. 'When they sign a contract they have chosen to be here and there is a mutual agreement from both parties.

'I have a good enough relationship with all the players that they know I will be doing things in the best interests of the club and not only that but for them as well.

'If you need a wee boost or to shake up the squad it can be a good window. If we lost a few players we would look to replace them.'