DAVID CUFFLEY Nigel Worthington was today sacked as Norwich City manager. Worthington's contract was “terminated with immediate effect” after a 4-1 Coca-Cola Championship home defeat by Burnley.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Nigel Worthington was today sacked as Norwich City manager.

Worthington's contract was “terminated with immediate effect” after a 4-1 Coca-Cola Championship home defeat by Burnley.

First team coach Martin Hunter has been appointed caretaker boss.

The news came in a club statement issued at Carrow Road 2½ hours after the match, City's fourth defeat in five league games.

The statement read: “Norwich City Football Club today announces that Nigel Worthington has parted company with Norwich City after more than five years in charge.

“Worthington's contract has been terminated with immediate effect.

“First team coach Martin Hunter will now take charge of the first team as caretaker manager, assisted by Doug Livermore.”

Club chairman Roger Munby said in the statement: “The board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Nigel for all that he has done for the club in his time as manager.

“The search for a new Norwich City manager will start immediately.”

Worthington's dismissal comes six days after a statement from majority shareholders Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones, apologising to fans for the team's performance in last week's 3-1 defeat at Plymouth, and calling for the “situation to be rectified” in the next two games.

Worthington became manager in January 2001 after a short spell as caretaker boss.

He led City to the Nationwide League Division One play-off final in 2002 and the Division One title in 2004, bringing promotion to the Premiership, where they were relegated after one season.

The defeat by Burnley left City in 17th place in the Championship table.