Since taking the team up to the Premiership as champions two years ago, the previously untouchable Ulsterman has seen his popularity erode gradually. A number of perceived failures in the transfer market, relegation from the top flight, tinkering with tactics, excessive use of the 'emergency' loan system and the under-employment of promising Academy players in the first team are all concerns to have been voiced over the current stewardship of the club.
The situation looks likely to come to a head today after a public meeting attended by more than 500 people agreed that Worthington's tenure should come to an end. A protest will take place at 2pm in Wherry Road, close to the ground, and will be expected to raise the profile of the opposition and crank up the pressure on the Board to make changes.
The last time such measures were undertaken by Canaries fans was when Robert Chase was eventually removed as Chairman. The vilification of Worthington as an individual is nowhere near as bad as it was for Chase, however, and the current situation is more about the direction things are going on the pitch. Last weekend's 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace was typical of the team's inconsistency this term, coming after two encouraging wins.
Worthington, who retains the backing of a Board keen to foster stability at all levels within the club, will be hoping that his side can put in a good performance on the pitch against a Stoke side they would have been expected to beat at the start of the season. These are exactly the sort of games the Canaries have all-too-often failed to win, however, leading to the sort of protests likely to be seen this afternoon.