Norwich: No Lambert compensation agreed

Norwich City and Aston Villa are yet to agree a compensation package for Paul Lambert’s move to the Midlands.

The 42-year-old handed in his resignation earlier this week, which the Canaries rejected, in a bid to replace Alex McLeish who was sacked from Villa Park in May.

Villa then released a statement on Saturday expressing their delight at appointing Lambert as their new manager.

However, Norwich have responded with a statement of their own in which the club have paid tribute to the Scot for his efforts with the side, but insist that no compensation deal has been finalised, contrary to reports.

The official statement says: “Following today’s (Saturday) announcement by Aston Villa that they have appointed Paul Lambert as their new manager, we would once again like to place on record our sincere gratitude to Paul for everything he has done for the club – everybody at Carrow Road wishes him all the best for the future.

“Some media reports are suggesting we have agreed compensation for Paul’s services with Aston Villa, however this is not the case. We will continue to discuss this matter privately with Aston Villa.”

Norwich will now face a tough second season in the Premier League without the manager that got them there and kept them in the division, and it looks increasingly likely that top scorer Grant Holt could also leave.

The forward has made public his wish to leave Carrow Road, and as for the manager post the club revealed they have received a large amount of interest.

The statement continues: “Meanwhile the search for the next Norwich City manager is already actively underway and the club has been inundated with applications for and interest in the job of leading this great club forward in the Barclays Premier League.

“The next Norwich City manager will have a great squad of players, a robust and competitive budget and excellent facilities to work with – as well as the superb backing home and away of our fantastic supporters.

“The club will update our fans on this process in the days ahead as soon as we have more news.”