Norwich captain Russell Martin insisted the team hadn’t ‘stopped playing’ for Chris Hughton after the Canaries manager was dramatically sacked by the Premier League strugglers.
Hughton was dismissed on Sunday after Norwich’s 1-0 loss at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday left the East Anglian club just one place above the relegation zone.
Norwich chiefs, having seen the side win just one of their last six matches, said they had to take drastic action with the club now having a mere five league games left in which to retain their top-flight status.
Hughton has been replaced by former Norwich youth team manager Neil Adams but Martin was adamant the players hadn’t given up on their former boss.
“I don’t know what that means, losing the dressing room,” Martin said.
“No. We didn’t stop playing for him. The boys have tried and given everything for him but it has not been good enough for a while.”
Martin said the priority was to win away to fellow strugglers Fulham this weekend.
“We didn’t have time to reflect following Saturday’s result really,” he said.
“We were in and training on Sunday as usual and then we were informed last night so we haven’t had much time to react.
“Unfortunately it is the nature of the game but the club have made the decision and now we have to move on.
“It is obviously disappointing to see three men go who we all respect and had good relationships with but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out but we take a big part of that responsibility as well because we didn’t perform consistently enough for them.”
After their trip to Craven Cottage, Norwich have a daunting run-in against leaders Liverpool, title-holders Manchester United, title contenders Chelsea and fading former league leaders Arsenal.