Sutton disappointed by decision to dismiss Thorup

Chris Sutton scored 35 goals in 102 league appearances for Norwich City

Norwich City "failed to hold their nerve" by sacking head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, according to former Canaries striker Chris Sutton.

The Dane was relieved of his duties on Tuesday following a run of six defeats from their past eight games and just one win.

"I'm really surprised - I didn't see it coming because like most fans I thought Johannes was in for a bit of a long haul and this season was one of bedding-in and it was part of the long-term strategy of going away from signing experienced players and looking at younger ones," Sutton told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"His skill-set was supposed to be developing young players and Norwich spent pretty big in the summer on young players so the decision to sack him right now doesn't add up."

Norwich are in their third season back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League in 2022 but are 13 points short of the play-off places with only two games remaining.

"I didn't expect Norwich to finish in a play-off position this season and I don't think many fans did - recent results haven't been good but to sack him seems odd," added Sutton.

"What's the plan? Is it about a club developing young players or are we going to see a heavy summer of transfer activity?

"In some ways I'm really disappointed the club have failed to hold their nerve with Johannes and stick to the plan."