Chris Hughton admits the backing of Norwich City's board helped him deal with the toughest periods of a testing Premier League season.

Hughton has seen the likes of top flight rivals Andre Villas-Boas and Steve Clarke dismissed over recent days, although Clarke has officially been placed on 'gardening leave' at West Brom, whilst a public stand off at Cardiff involving the owners and Bluebirds' chief Malky Mackay shows little signs of being resolved. City's manager had to deflect questions over his own future at Carrow Road prior to an upturn in fortunes ahead of the festive period and the strong support from inside the club was a major boost for Hughton.

'It is very important to have that backing and there has been wonderful stability at this football club in the last few years,' he said. 'As a manager the important thing is you have to have broad shoulders and try as much as you can to conduct yourself in the difficult periods the same way as when things are going well, but of course you always need support.

'It is sad to see another manager go but for me it is nice to have that support. As part of the League Managers' Association (LMA) I know it does happen. We have had five go in the last couple of weeks and that is the level of pressure involved.'

Hughton is confident his old club are in safe hands with former Norwich midfielder Tim Sherwood placed in interim charge at White Hart Lane.

'I know Tim. He is a very good football person who has some good views on the game and he was an excellent player,' he said. 'When there are changes, not only at Tottenham, but other clubs recently it is simply a consequence of the game. There is no doubt it is a magnificent club with an excellent group of players and they will make sure they spend the appropriate time to get things right.'