Worthington defiant as City line up for the Cup

Last updated : 26 October 2005 By Rick Lamb
Under-fire boss Nigel Worthington is refusing to allow talk of his spell in charge of Norwich coming to an end to get to him.

The gaffer told the Eastern Daily Press that he has not thought about throwing in the towel, even as City's start to the season has failed to live up to expectations.

"The word resign doesn't come into it," said Worthington. "I have signed a long-term contract at this football club and I intend to honour it.

"Taking flak is part and parcel of the job. You can like it or lump it, but that's a fact. It's not something that you like, but it is there and you have got to deal with it, and fortunately I am quite thick-skinned."

Echoing the sentiments of his directors, Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones, in their statement yesterday, the Ulsterman added:

"The best way I can deal with it is to roll my sleeves up, work as hard as I can, get the players to do exactly the same - and work through it together.

"You are going to have your good times and your lean times. When you go through your lean times you have got to pull together, be even stronger and stick with the principles of what you are trying to do."

Norwich travel to Premiership Birmingham City tonight in a welcome break from league action. Steve Bruce's side have begun the season dismally and may rest players, allowing the Canaries an excellent chance of progressing to the last 16 of the Carling Cup.