The club’s statement pretty much all but confirms the Scot’s departure from Norwich City.

Well a whirlwind 3 years it’s certainly been, from the depths of League One to Premiership heights – we really have seen it all.

His first season in charge saw us thunder to the League 1 title, after Lambert himself thumped us 7-1 with his Colchester side. Against all the odds we toppled the challenge of the Championship, we beat Ipswich Town 4-1 and 5-1 and we became a Premiership side again. The Canaries took to the top flight with an air of grace, picking up impressive wins against Tottenham and Newcastle and sturdy draws against Arsenal and Liverpool. But on the final day of May, it all came to an end.

So frankly, we can thank Lambert, we can wish him well, but what’s gone before is irrelevant.

It’s all about the now from here forwards, we can debate why he wants to go, we can question if it’s wise… But time will tell, as long as we can make it difficult for him to sign anyone from us in the following windows, then I’ll be happy.

But now, that’s the last I’ll mention of Paul Lambert.

Right then, here we are, a big, brand, new, shiny era standing before us. It’s all about looking forward, so let’s assess a few candidates who have been floated about.

MALKY MACKAY, the main name from the Sky Sports News journalists. The Cardiff City manager took the Bluebirds to the Carling Cup final, and play-off semi-finals though proved to be unsuccessful in both. At Cardiff, he sports a win ratio of just over 42% which is pretty decent for one season in charge. His time at Watford saw a 33% win ratio, so he’s clearly learning his trade and steadily improving. Some are unsure due to the old Norwich City links here, though Malky has more about him as a manager. His stock is rising and he’s beginning to achieve things gradually. Though the leap of a Premiership job, especially at Norwich where he’s got history may be a tad early for the Scot.

CHRIS HUGHTON, A young manager who is talented there’s no question. His major managerial spells have been at Newcastle and currently Birmingham, with a few caretaker roles dotted in between. At Newcastle he enjoyed a win ratio of 55%, winning the Championship title before being unfairly sacked the following season. Birmingham picked him up though crashed out in the play-off semi-finals. Hughton has proven himself to be successful and looked decent in charge of Newcastle in the top flight. Though he hasn’t really had a sustained go at the Premiership. The Canaries could do a lot worse than looking to Hughton, who probably is better equipped on paper to cope at the Canaries rather than Malky at present.

ALAN CURBISHLEY, I don’t have to tell you he’s been consistent in the Premiership if not spectacular. At both Charlton and West Ham he’s performed well, including keeping the Hammers up against all the odds during the 2006/2007 season. He’s taken a break from football for a considerable spell, been linked with several jobs in the past but hasn’t taken the plunge back into management. Who knows? Carrow Road may be a neat feat for Curbishley, good, footballing people in charge – considering he won a case for constructive dismissal at West Ham. The set-up could suit him down to the ground, furthermore there’s no compensation needed if we do decide to make the move. He’s experienced and is clearly a different approach altogether.

ROBERTO MARTINEZ, Funnily enough this was something I was thinking about when we played Wigan. The typical ‘what if’ question floated around my head about the man in our dug-out then, and I though what about Martinez? Relegation has been a constant threat during his spell at Wigan, but looking at other factors they’ve played some lovely football though lacked a goalscorer. He’s a talented young manager, give him Grant Holt up front, a stylish midfield as we have and who knows! Again he’s at a club and apparently confirmed he’ll be staying, though should Norwich come in and make an approach – there may be some appeal. Somebody should ask Dave Whelan what’s going on, I’m sure he knows.

HEIKO VOGEL, This is one of my own I’m floating in here. The FC Basel manager has come in after Thorsten Fink left for Hamburger SV. The two had led Basel to the Swiss Cup and multiple league championships, since Vogel took charge and masterminded victories over Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Of course the credibility of the Swiss League compared to the Premiership is questionable, though Vogel sports a staggering 75% win ratio. He’s got experience within Europe, a stage higher than the Premiership, has proven to be successful though clearly the top flight of England is another kettle of fish altogether. Whether he’s ready or not is questionable, though he’s going to be an excellent manager in years to come I feel. I have a soft spot for Basel regardless and can’t really see us making an approach, though one to throw in the mixer.

IAN CULVERHOUSE, final name to discuss is our current assistant manager. I’ve heard he’s excellent tactically and very much involved. He’s been a massive part of our rise of the past few years, though a lot is dependent on his character as to if he feels he’s up to the challenge. It’d be a simple place for the board to start at, he’s worked with the players, they know him – a Premiership job is a big pull and would certainly be hard to say no to. It’s all about if he feels up to it though, he’s not really been in the media glare as it were, so it’d be a drastic change. Whatever happens, Cully deserves a heap of thanks for his massive role in helping us up. So stay, or go, you were a loyal player for us Cully and you’ve done an excellent job – Cheers.

So there’s my little list of candidates I’d be happy with. Don’t you get your heads down ladies and gents, it’s a new era, it’s exciting!

Trust in McNally, a new chapter begins at Carrow Road.

In: Cory Varney Thread By: Supermarket Prodigy [408 ] Posted: 356 days ago