Not every new Canary manager has been greeted with the same unanimous support from fans that Chris Hughton has been getting. It is difficult to measure. In the days before social media, it was very hard to determine exactly what people were thinking. But as far as men without previous connections with Norwich City are concerned, the only one in my lifetime who would probably have come close was John Bond. And even then there was a fair bit of intrepidation attached to his appointment, given the chalk and cheese comparison with Ron Saunders, the manager he followed. In Chris Hughton, the club has acquired the services of a great coach, and a man who will not be fazed when it comes to taking a team to Anfield, Stamford Bridge, or the like. He also has a proven track record in keeping his playing staff onside and happy, including youngsters. I personally found myself warming to the speculation more and more each day. The other great feature of the whole transaction, was the swiftness shown by David McNally and the City board in making it all happen. One suspects that Hughton was on their radar all along - the contingency for Lambert's departure. And luck was on their side. Appointing the man you want is always about timing, and with Birmingham City's financial position being so precarious, everything fell into place nicely. With Hughton comes his assistants, who, quite astonishingly, have managed Football League and Scottish League teams 623 times between them - Colin Calderwood at Northampton Town, Nottingham Forest and Hibs and Paul Trollope with Bristol Rovers. Significantly, scout Ewan Chester also returns to Carrow Road. So, in the space of just seven days we have cleverly side stepped a period of uncertainty. We are refreshed and raring to go once again, and with a low risk management team. Nice work Norwich.
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