Norwich sack Worthington after humiliating Burnley defeat

CHAMPIONSHIP strugglers Norwich have sacked manager Nigel Worthington following their humiliating 4-1 defeat at home to Burnley.

Worthington had been in charge at Carrow Road since December 2000, leading the club to the Championship title in 2003/04 but failing to keep them in the Premiership the following year.

City failed to make the play-offs last season, finishing ninth, and are currently lying 17th in the table after a run of five league games without a win.

The Northern Irishman was given a two-match ultimatum by majority shareholders Michael Wynn Jones and Delia Smith following last Saturday’s loss at Plymouth, but the board have lost patience after just one game due to the abject nature of today’s defeat.

First team coach Martin Hunter — brought to the club by Worthington during the summer — takes temporary charge of the Canaries and will be assisted by Doug Livermore.

Chairman Roger Munby said: “The board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Nigel for all that he has done for the club in his time as manager. The search for a new Norwich City manager will start immediately.”

Worthington had earlier vowed to fight on following the Burnley defeat but the board took that option away from him.

Worthington’s players failed dismally to respond to the ultimatum given to him by the board after the Plymouth defeat as they conceded twice in each half to slump to an embarrassing defeat.

Burnley could have been two goals to the good when James O’Connor fired them into a 31st-minute lead and when Andy Gray made it 2-0 with a firm header just before the break it was no more than the visitors deserved.

Things went from bad to worse for Norwich after the break with Gary Doherty being sent off for a professional foul, Gray taking advantage of shambolic defending to make it 3-0 and substitute Alan Mahon lashing home a fourth near the end.

Robert Earnshaw had pulled one back for the Canaries to make it 3-1, but that was no consolation for the frustrated fans who greeted the final whistle with jeers.

The atmosphere threatened to turn ugly after the final whistle, with Norwich substitute Andy Hughes having to be restrained by colleagues after a verbal confrontation with a supporter, but Worthington was defiant.

“I am a loyal person,” he said.

“I have got a contract, I have been manager of this football club for six years when it has been absolutely tremendous. I.

“Until such time as someone tells me different I will remain loyal to the cause.”