Deehan resigns at Norwich

John Deehan last night stepped down as the manager of Norwich City in a response to the crisis that has put the club in danger of relegation, writes Trevor Haylett. His assistant, Gary Megson, is expected to take over for the remainder of the season.

Deehan was appointed in January last year after Mike Walker had departed for Everton. At the turn of the year, Norwich were seventh in the Premiership and aiming for Europe, but a disastrous 1995 in which they have won just once in 14 games has seriously undermined confidence.

Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle was their third in eight days and the final straw. Deehan's letter of resignation was accepted by the board last night, chairman Robert Chase paying tribute to Deehan's "courage" in making his decision now to give his successor a chance of keeping the Canaries in the top flight.