Norwich City supporters groups were unified in their opinion of Chris Sutton's expected move to arch-rivals Ipswich Town, insisting that Nigel Worthington had let another quality striker slip through the net.

Norwich City supporters groups were unified in their opinion of Chris Sutton's expected move to arch-rivals Ipswich Town, insisting that Nigel Worthington had let another quality striker slip through the net.

Paul Webster, chairman of Capital Canaries, said: “Should it happen? It's a disgrace. Sutton is a class act and still has plenty to offer, particularly in the Championship, and I see it as a great opportunity missed for Norwich City.

“I don't blame the player. If you are a professional player you need to have a club to play for.

“It's just a shame that City couldn't have given him a chance - I would have loved to have seen him alongside Robert Earnshaw.

“I wouldn't have approved of a £20,000-a-week deal, but with a pay-to-play contract you can't go wrong.

“City have missed out.”

A saddened Roy Blower, chairman of Norwich City Independent Supporters Association said the news of Sutton's move to Portman Road would upset a lot of supporters.

“A lot of supporters will feel desperately, desperately unhappy,” he said. “Most supporters will feel sad because he was prepared to go on a pay as you play basis. I suppose some people will hope he doesn't get fit. I wish him luck and hope he doesn't come down here and net the winner.”

Mr Blower said he had known Sutton since the striker was a teenager and spoke to the former City man when he was guest of honour at a 20/20 cricket match in Horsford last Friday.

“I spoke to him and he said he had three or four offers on the table,” Mr Blower said. “He said 'I'm living in Norfolk and you can read into that what you like'.

“But for me maybe Ipswich is a bridge too far.”