New deal for Paul Lambert at Norwich

PAUL Lambert has signed a "new and improved" contract as manager of Norwich City.

The Canaries are set to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2005 after securing back-to-back promotions under Lambert, who took charge in August 2009 with the Norfolk club near the foot of League One. The 41-year-old Scot - who attracted an official approach from Burnley earlier in the season and emerged as a reported target for managerless West Ham - has been in lengthy discussions with the board over improvements to his rolling 12-month deal.

With those now concluded, Lambert will focus on securing new players to help the club stay in the Premier League. Lambert said: "It's terrific for myself and Ian (Culverhouse] and Gary (Karsa]. We came here together and we've never indicated we wanted to leave at all. I've loved my two years at the club."

The former Celtic midfielder was named LMA Championship Manager of the Year on Monday night, his second successive accolade voted for by his peers.

Norwich chairman Alan Bowkett expressed the board's delight to have tied Lambert down on new terms. "Paul has stressed to me he has never wished to leave as he and the fans have unfinished business in the Premier League," he said.

Asked whether his new deal was a long-term contract or still a rolling 12-month deal, Lambert said: "I think that's the way it is at the minute. My job is to get players in to give the current group a hand and that's what I'll try to do."