Norwich manager Mike Walker yesterday admitted he was devastated after his second spell in charge of the club ended yesterday. The former Everton boss has left the struggling First Division club, which he had previously taken into Europe, by "mutual consent."

Norwich, who are 16th in the table, ended their relegation fears by recording 5-0 victories in their last two home games, but before that they had gone 14 games without a win.

Walker, though, who returned to Carrow Road in June 1996 following his first successful spell at the club, stood by his record.

"I am bitterly disappointed to say the least," he told the Norwich Evening News. "They have decided to make a decision which is their prerogative and at the end of the day, that's the way it is. I think I have worked hard under trying circumstances this year, but the decision has been made.

Nowich vice-chairman Roger Munby claimed the decision had been taken to give the club more time to appoint a successor.