Contenders for new Norwich boss

  • Anglia
Norwich City now need to find a new manager after the departure of Paul Lambert. Credit: ITV Anglia

Paul Lambert's confirmation as Aston Villa manager means Norwich must now look for his successor at Carrow Road. The 42-year-old guided the Canaries from League One to the Premier League but now has a new challenge at Villa Park.

Press Association Sport looks at some of the likely candidates to replace Lambert.

Malky Mackay

One of the favourites for the job is the current Cardiff manager who spent six years at Norwich as a player. Mackay led the Bluebirds to the Carling Cup final last season, where they lost on penalties to Liverpool after putting in a gritty performance at Wembley. A move to Norwich would give the Scot his first shot at Premier League management.

Former Norwich City favourite Steve Bruce has has most recently been manager of Sunderland Credit: Steve Drew/EMPICS Sport

Steve Bruce

Bruce is another former Canary (1984-87) and he has a wealth of managerial experience. Since his dismissal from Sunderland in November Bruce has been without a club and his resume could draw the attention of the Norwich board. He has had nearly a decade in the Premier League managing Birmingham, Wigan and the Black Cats and will be looking to get back into management.

Former Norwich player Mark Bowen who is now an assistant manager at Fulham. Credit: Joe Giddens/EMPICS Sport

Mark Bowen

Bowen was one of the candidates for the job after Bryan Gunn's departure in 2009 and could be looking for a return to Carrow Road. Bowen made 321 appearances for Norwich but is yet to take up his first managerial role. After working as number two for both Mark Hughes and Bruce, Bowen is currently working with Fulham's youth team but a lack of managerial experience could count against him.

Chris Hughton

Linked with a move to West Brom and also to Swansea, the current Birmingham manager is a possibility for the Norwich vacancy. With Premier League experience from his time at Newcastle, the 53-year-old has guided Birmingham to the play-offs and is well respected within the game. A move to the Canaries could prove attractive if Hughton wants to be back in the Premier League.

Alan Curbishley

Without a club since 2008 but the former Charlton and West Ham boss has a reputation for getting his teams playing good football. After being linked with several other clubs in recent seasons Curbishley may fancy the hot seat at Norwich but his time out of the game could count against him.