Adams appointed full-time Norwich boss

adamhigginsuk
May 22, 2014
3 min read

Passing the audition: Adams impressed the Norwich board with his attacking philosophy during his brief caretaker tenure (Picture from Getty Images)

NORWICH City have announced Neil Adams has been handed the managerial reins on a permanent basis after his caretaker spell in charge.

Youth team coach Adams was at the helm for the final five games of the Premier League season following the sacking of Chris Hughton.

But he suffered four defeats against Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal and could not prevent their slide to the SkyBet Championship.

The relegated Canaries were expected to appoint former Cardiff boss Malky Mackay, who had held extensive talks with the club.

A return of one point from a possible 15 did not deter the Norwich board from recruiting Adams and chief executive David McNally said they were "delighted".

In a statement on the club's website, he said: "Neil was one of a number of candidates for the position assessed by directors as part of a very thorough selection process.

"Throughout the process, his passion for the club, his commitment to playing attractive, winning football, his hunger to succeed and his desire to continue to progress young, talented players through to the first team squad shone through.

"He has the full and unanimous support of the board and will receive robust backing in this summer's transfer window. Announcements about coaching backroom staff will follow in due course.

"We have the nucleus of an excellent squad and Neil will be given funds to refresh and strengthen the squad where required.

"It's now time for everyone connected with the club to give their full support to Neil as we focus on the future of this great club and prepare for the vital weeks and months ahead."

The news ends speculation about Scotsman Mackay taking over the post or Neil Lennon, who earlier left Scottish Premiership champions Celtic and has been continually linked to the job.

Adams took over in April as a surprise choice to fill the void left by Hughton's swift departure but failed to prevent the club being relegated.

He failed to win any of his five matches in charge but collected a point from a goalless draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

After that game, Adams confessed he would like to stay on to manage the club next term but then admitted his future was uncertain.

A 2-0 defeat by Arsenal at home on the final day confirmed Norwich's relegation after three seasons in the top-flight.

The former Norwich winger, who made 206 appearances as a player at Carrow Road between 1994 and 1999, spoke of his pride in being given the manager’s role full-time.

"It is a huge honour and I am immensely proud to be confirmed as the manager going forward, and work starts straight away on putting into place the necessary requirements for next season," he said.

"The priority is to ensure that attacking, attractive and winning football is once again the norm for supporters of this club, and it is essential that we now have everyone pulling in the same direction for the challenges that lie ahead.

"I thank the board of directors for giving me this opportunity as well as the amazing support that I and the team received from the fans during the last five games of the season and also in the time since.

"And I can assure everyone that we will all be working as hard as possible to achieve our objective of returning this club back to where it belongs."

Adams rejoined Norwich after two spells at Oldham Athletic to become coach of their Under-14s side before later taking over the Under-18s Academy team.

The 48-year-old led the Canaries to FA Youth Cup glory in 2013, beating Chelsea in both home and away legs in the final.

His first task as permanent boss will be to persuade John Ruddy, who came close to joining Chelsea last summer, to stay at the club.

The goalkeeper, named on the standby list for England's World Cup squad, has admitted he wants to continue playing regularly in the top-flight to enhance his international chances.

Arsenal and Crystal Palace have already been linked with a potential move for the 27-year-old former Everton stopper.