Irvine eyes promotion in City role
Alan Irvine yesterday joined forces with fellow Scot Alex Neil at Norwich – and insisted the Canaries are more than capable of sealing an immediate return to the English Premier League.
Former West Brom manager Irvine, who was Paul Lambert’s assistant boss at Blackburn Rovers until the end of last season, has been appointed firstteam coach at Carrow Road.
The Canaries are preparing for life in the Championship once again after former Hamilton boss Neil presided over relegation just 12 months on from leading City back to the top flight.
However, Irvine told fans not to get settled in the second tier.
The 57-year- old said: “The most important thing is I come in and make a contribution and that’s what I’m looking to do.
“I believe the squad and management team that’s here has every chance of getting promotion.
“I’ve worked with quite a few of the players in the past and I’m really looking forward to doing that again.
“Up until recently I was working with Paul Lambert and he always spoke very highly of the club.
“Everyone from a distance has been really positive about the place and he really reinforced that.”
Irvine, who has also bossed Preston and Sheffield Wednesday, will be back at Ewood Park on the opening day of the new season as City take on Rovers.
Neil said: “Alan has worked with some top managers in his time as well as having been a manager himself.
“He will bring a wealth of experience gained over the course of his career.
“It adds to us as a coaching team because he’s had real success at clubs.
“In terms of what we’ve got, we’re now more diverse. He’s got a great reputation but also has the willingness and drive to be here which is great.”