Lambert claims Wolves were wrong to sack McCarthy

Published on 24/03/2012 03:00

Norwich manager Paul Lambert believes Wolves made a mistake sacking Mick McCarthy in their battle against relegation.

The Premier League’s bottom club travel to Carrow Road today having conceded 12 goals and not scored one in their last three games. Fulham and Manchester United thrashed them 5-0 and in between the side now managed by Terry Connor lost 2-0 to fellow strugglers Blackburn.

McCarthy was axed five weeks ago and their only point under Connor so far came from the 2-2 draw at Newcastle in his first game in charge. “I think Mick McCarthy going was the wrong decision,” Lambert said. “I think the drive and passion he has for the game might have stood them in good stead. That’s taking nothing from Terry because he was part of it, but we have to try to keep them down there.

“It’s mammoth for him. He’s been thrown in at the deep end.”

The Canaries have dropped to 14th in the table and also have only one point to show from their last four league games, a draw at home to Wigan two weeks ago. But they are still 13 points clear of the relegation zone with nine matches left and Lambert insists the recent defeats at home to Manchester United and at Stoke and Newcastle, all by a single goal, have not knocked confidence. “It’s going to be a really hard game – Wolves are fighting for their lives – but the team are playing well and I don’t have a problem lifting them.”