When Nigel Worthington took charge of Norwich City in the year 2000, he was something of a managerial novice.
However, over the next four years, there was an upward trajectory for the Canaries under the guidance of the Northern Irishman.
In his first six months at the Carrow Road helm he guided Norwich to safety in the Championship and then 12 months later oversaw a promotion challenge that ended in a defeat to Birmingham City on penalties in the final of the playoffs.
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Yet, the following season Norwich secured their place in the Premier League thanks to a return of 94 points, which at the time was a club-record haul.
It was in the top flight, though, that Worthington's stint started to turn sour. Norwich were unable to retain their status during the 2004-05 campaign and then in their first term back in the Championship, they could only muster a ninth-place finish.
The 2006-07 term provided little respite, with three defeats and a draw throughout September leaving Worthington on the brink of the sack.
Indeed, the axe was wielded nine years ago today following a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Burnley - a result that saw Norwich drop down to 17th in the table with nine matches played.
In a short statement on the club's official website, chairman Roger Munby said: "The board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Nigel for all that he has done for the club in his time as manager."
Worthington was initially replaced on an interim basis by coach Martin Hunter, before former Norwich midfielder Peter Grant took charge.
The arrival of the Scotsman failed to inject Norwich with the necessary momentum and they ended the season in 16th position.
Liam Apicella
