Norwich City chief executive David McNally believes the Canaries' Premier League fate is in safe hands with Alex Neil.

Eastern Daily Press: David McNally is looking forward to working with Ed Balls on Norwich City's board. Photo: Steve AdamsDavid McNally is looking forward to working with Ed Balls on Norwich City's board. Photo: Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2015)

City moved three points clear of the bottom three, at the halfway stage of the season, with a crucial 2-0 home win over Aston Villa and McNally shares Neil's belief they now have the platform to push on ahead of the January transfer window.

'I think we have one of the best managers in the league, seriously, and arguably the best squad in our history,' he said. 'I don't think our points tally reflects how we have played. We have been unlucky on occasion, albeit you are where you are by this stage of the season and we accept that and respect that. I will work with Alex during January to try and improve the squad again to have a stronger second half to the season. The aim was always to stay in the Premier League and then do as well as we can. There is no cop out there, but in the first year back that is what we are trying to do.

'I think it is too dramatic to say what we do in January will dictate whether we stay up or not. If we didn't bring anyone in, apart from Matt Jarvis, who I think will prove a big signing for us, my view is we would be more than good enough to do well in this league, however, our stated aim is always to improve the squad in every window and we will be striving to do that.'

City made another signing off the pitch earlier this week with Ed Balls replacing Alan Bowkett as chairman and McNally insists that will prove to be another astute appointment.

'In terms of passion Ed is, respectfully, up there with Delia and Michael, who love this football club above everything else in my view. It is fantastic to have somebody alongside us who shares that passion for their football club, the supporters' football club,' he said. 'I've known Ed for quite a while now. We have watched many a game and the one that sticks in my memory is the FA Youth Cup at Chelsea a few years ago when he was there and he showed his support and how much it meant to him on what was a wonderful, historic occasion for the club. I'm sure we will compliment one another and work well with each other.

'I must also place on record our thanks to Alan for what he did in his time here at the club, particularly when we first took over, in terms of stabilising the financial position. That was a crucial period for the football club.'