Pardew in the frame after Neil is sacked by Norwich

Alan Pardew is a target for Norwich City after the surprise dismissal of manager Alex Neil last night.

Neil has been sacked with the Championship club nine points adrift of the play-off positions in eighth place, and Pardew, the former Crystal Palace manager, emerged as an early contender for the post at Carrow Road.

Pardew left Palace in December after a run of just one win in 11 games, but could be offered a swift return to management. The 55-year-old has vast experience of the Championship following spells with Reading, West Ham United and Charlton Athletic. Gary Rowett, the former Birmingham City manager, and Mark Warburton – a summer target for Nottingham Forest – are also likely to be contenders.

Neil’s stormy two-year reign was ended shortly before 6pm yesterday after a difficult season in the second tier, following relegation from the Premier League.

Norwich have failed to win any of their past five games but it is understood Neil has also clashed with the board over transfer policy and squad changes. He told record signing Timm Klose and long-serving midfielder Wes Hoolahan they had no future at the club earlier this week, a decision which is said to have surprised board members.

There were a number of meetings between Neil and the board after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at struggling Bristol City, and the decision to dismiss the 35-year-old was made before today’s home game against Blackburn Rovers, hours after he had insisted at his press conference that he was the man to take the club forward. Neil is expected to receive around £2million in compensation and first-team coach Alan Irvine will take charge of the team today.

Norwich said in their statement: “The board has taken the tough but unanimous decision, believing it is in the best interests of the club for a new manager to be in place through a crucial summer transfer window and into next season.

“The board has been conducting a thorough review of the structure of the club and an announcement about the new structure will be made next week.”