Paul Lambert signs fresh Norwich City deal

Lambert has been among the favourites for the vacant West Ham position

Norwich City have handed a "new and improved" deal to manager Paul Lambert, the length of which is undisclosed.

The Scot has experienced a remarkable 24 months at the Canaries helm, leading them from League One to the Premier League with successive promotions.

"This is the feeling I have for the club, it was never a monetary thing," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"It's up to me to try to get players in to give the current group a hand and make the club the best it can be."

Lambert's assistant Ian Culverhouse and football operations manager Gary Karsa have also received new contracts.

The former Celtic midfielder attracted an approach from Burnley in January, which was rejected by the club, and has been among the favourites for the vacant West Ham job.

"What people have to realise, or get their heads around, is I don't worry about speculation," he added.

"I think people create a monster and try to latch on to it but if people just trust me a little bit - I never had any intention of leaving the football club.

"The work started a few weeks ago to try and get lads in I think might help us."

Chairman Alan Bowkett told the club website: "What Paul, his staff and the players have helped the club to achieve since he joined us has been absolutely incredible.

"Therefore after protracted and professional negotiations, we are thrilled to report we have a new deal.

"Paul has stressed to me he has never wished to leave as he and the fans have unfinished business in the Premier League.

"We have always said our aim was to make Norwich City an established Premier League club and we'll be doing everything in our power to support Paul as he works with us towards that goal."

The 41-year-old arrived at Norwich in August 2009 from Colchester, just 10 days after leading the U's to a 7-1 win over the Canaries at Carrow Road.

His switch from Essex to Norfolk was a complicated affair off the pitch, with Norwich eventually paying the U's £400,000 in compensation after a Football League tribunal.

But on the pitch success was instant, with the Canaries winning the League One title with a nine-point advantage over runners-up Leeds.

One year later Lambert secured a Premier League spot by finishing second in the Championship, and in doing so became the first manager to secure back-to-back promotions from League One to the top flight since Joe Royle achieved the feat with Manchester City in 2000.