Former Norwich City favourite Gary Holt looks set for a return to Carrow Road – despite a confusing day over his position as manager at Falkirk.

Eastern Daily Press: Gary Holt admitted it was a tough decision to leave Falkirk.Gary Holt admitted it was a tough decision to leave Falkirk. (Image: Rangers FC/Kirk O'Rourke)

The Scottish club released a statement Monday lunchtime confirming Holt's departure for a coaching job at the Canaries, only to issue an apology by mid-afternoon clarifying the Scot is only in talks with Norwich. For now, Holt remains head coach at the Bairns.

'Falkirk can confirm head coach Gary Holt has accepted a coaching role at Norwich City after Falkirk, granted the Carrow Road side permission to speak to him over the weekend,' read Falkirk's original statement, with chairman Martin Ritchie adding: 'The club fully understands Gary's wishes to return with his family to Norwich. We wish him every success in the future and to thank him for all his work over the last year.'

However, a posting titled 'Apology – agreement awaited' appeared a matter of hours later.

'Falkirk would like to apologise for the previous incorrect posting on this website,' stated the club. 'We have given Norwich City permission to speak to our head coach, Gary Holt.

'At this time, there is no update to that position and the club confirms that it has not received any formal communication regarding these talks.

'Gary Holt remains the club's head coach until formal agreement is received.'

Holt is in discussions over a coaching role at City alongside manager Neil Adams, reported to be as assistant manager. The 41-year-old shared the City dugout with then-Under-18s manager Adams, including leading City to their FA Youth Cup success 13 months ago – before Holt departed to take over at Falkirk.

Player of the season in 2002 at Carrow Road, Holt made more than 160 playing appearances for Norwich during a four-year spell, in which he helped the Canaries to the second-tier play-off final in 2002 – and then the Division One title two years later.

The Scot figured in City's brief Premier League stay before departing for Nottingham Forest in 2005.

He returned to Carrow Road as a youth coach, brought in by then-manager Paul Lambert from Colchester.

Monday's confusing followed a similar path to that of former City coach Steve Foley, with Ryman League Needham Market posting on their website last month the coach would be returning to Carrow Road to work alongside Adams – only to retract the statement and offer an apology later the same day.

The City board also looking to recruit a new technical director, with the Scottish Football Association's performance director Mark Wotte linked withe role. Current Academy manager at Colney, Ricky Martin, is also in the frame.

Meanwhile, Celtic chief scout John Park could be a target to fill the new director of football recruitment role, to be left by the impending departure of Ewan Chester.