CHRIS FISHER, EDP Political Editor Norwich City yesterday received a Commons kicking from MP Ian Gibson for having a "lack of ambition".

CHRIS FISHER, EDP Political Editor

Norwich City yesterday received a Commons kicking from MP Ian Gibson for having a "lack of ambition".

Dr Gibson, a keen Canaries fan, unexpectedly put the boot in while speaking in a debate on the future of the biotechnology industry.

Arguing that there were too few biotech companies in and around the city, he reflected on whether this was explained by a "lack of ambition associated with Norwich". And he continued: "No, that's the football club."

When questioned about the comment after the debate, the Norwich North MP said that "the club should show clearly that it wants to be a Premiership team and not settle for one term". He wanted the people running it "to say they are going for a permanent place in the Premiership and how they are going to do it", he added.

Dr Gibson said he did not blame manager Nigel Worthington for this season's results, and described his record as "all right". It was the club's board that "made the policy", he said, before emphasising: "It's no good saying we can't live with the Chelseas. We can live with the Charltons."

The MP also said he wanted Norwich to be "a science city with a Premiership team".

He has been repeatedly calling for it to be given the official 'science city' status that six other cities already have.

Norwich City last night confined its reaction to: "Norwich City remains an ambitious football club, and everyone remains committed to achieving success for the club next season."

Dr Gibson, who was once on the books of Scottish professional club St Mirren, will be playing at Carrow Road on Monday in a charity match when he will captain a Supporters XI against an All Stars XI.