Norwich chief executive David McNally has revealed the club are in the process of looking for a new manager as Paul Lambert looks set to move to Aston Villa.
The 42-year-old Lambert had his resignation request rejected by the Norwich board as his representatives were locked in talks with Villa and he has now been placed on gardening leave from Carrow Road.
McNally was responding to days of speculation over Lambert's situation and confirmed both clubs are now in talks over compensation. "We are looking for a new manager, that is likely what we concentrate on in the next few weeks," McNally told Sky Sports News.
"We were in a situation where we were approached by another club to speak to Paul Lambert, we didn't grant them permission and we were very clear we wanted to keep our manager who has been incredibly successful.
"When it was indicated by our manager that he would like the opportunity to speak to this particular club the dynamics changed, and then it was about talking to them about compensation, agreeing compensation and sorting out a time frame, and we are still in that process."
McNally praised Lambert's contribution during his time at Carrow Road but is hoping the situation can be resolved as quickly as possible.
He said: "Paul Lambert has been fantastic for this football club for three years and he will quite rightly take his place in Norwich City history and we will always be very grateful to Paul for his achievements here.
"Paul did tender his resignation but we haven't accepted it - that is our right and we will attempt to get to a conclusion on this. The lawyers will be involved and we will see if we can get through this as quickly as possible - and we (can) focus on our search for a new manager."
Cardiff boss Malkay Mackay and Celtic chief Neil Lennon have been made early favourites to replace Lambert at Norwich but McNally revealed the club have made no approach for a manager at present and will appoint someone who meets their criteria.
"It is interesting, I've seen it reported today that we have contact both those clubs about their particular managers but we haven't, I'd like to put that on record," he said.
Comment 1 - 12 of 12
Reason I mention Steve Buce he his available and no compensation payable.
Don't see why Steve Bruce always gets a mention. Has never done anything but achieve medicority as a manager. Would suggest Glenn Hoddle (England's best manager since Bobby Robson), Alan Curbishley or Tim Sherwood from the back-room at Spurs.
Lee clarke
So happy Norwich have been dumped! You reap and so on!!. I hear John Ward may be available from Colchester, but I suspect he will be more loyal. Championship next year for Norwich. Couldn't happen to a more deserving club.
Support Norwich City "yes" NOT individuals or managers they are just there to do a job and they are well paid to do it. Both Lambert and Holt were well supprted by the Norwich supporters and like all mad dogs they turned on us. So support the Club not the indiviidual.
If a ginger knobhead called Alex comes a-knocking, slam the door in his face as hard and as fast as possible.
You reap what you sow,Norwich.Colchester Utd must be pissin' themselves laughin' at you yokels.
The real reason Lambert left was he hated Delia's dumplings
you can have steve cotterill
Steve Bruce Ex player and now very experianced manager
There is no loyalty in football just money . So no longer am I willing to support poor performances from overpaid disloyal players and managers if they do not perform to expectations then us the paying public should let them know in no uncertain terms from the stands "We want our money back". Let them know respect and loyalty is a two way street.
Null Lennon?? Surely not!
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