Hughton takes charge at Norwich

LONDON (AFP) –

Premier League club Norwich City on Thursday announced the appointment of Chris Hughton as their new manager.

Premier League outfit Norwich City on Thursday announced the appointment of Chris Hughton as their new manager.

The 53-year-old Hughton replaces Paul Lambert after the Scot left to take charge of Aston Villa last weekend.

Hughton, a former Republic of Ireland international, leaves his position as manager of Championship side Birmingham City to step into the Carrow Road dugout.

He had previously been in charge of Newcastle United, leading the Magpies to promotion to the Premier League in 2010.

Norwich finished 12th in the Premier League in the season just finished, after Lambert previously led the Canaries to two consecutive promotions.

Hughton said his first task was to persuade star striker Grant Holt, who scored 17 goals last season, to stay at the club amid reports he wants to leave the East Anglian side.

“He is a quality player, no doubt about that,” Hughton said of the 31-year-old Holt. “With his record — to score the goals he did last season — there wouldn’t be any manager coming in who wouldn’t want to keep a player of that quality.

“I’ve only just come through the door a few minutes ago so I have not had the opportunity to speak with him but that will be one of the priorities.

“He is contracted to this club. He won player of the season for the last three seasons so I absolutely would like him here.”

Norwich chief executive David McNally was equally determined to keep Holt at the club.

“We want him to stay,” he said. “He is our captain and has been our top scorer for the last three years. He is not for sale and we would not encourage anyone to bid for him.”