O'Neill returns to Norwich

Martin O'Neill last night left Wycombe Wanderers to take over as the manager of one of his former clubs, Norwich City, in succession to John Deehan.

O'Neill, who is leaving Second Division Wycombe after five years in charge at Adams Park, during which time he guided the Buckinghamshire side into the Football League, emerged ahead of the other prime contender, his fellow former Northern Irish international Jimmy Nichol.

Norwich have agreed a compensation package with Wycombe for the man who had two spells as a player at Carrow Road. "I have always said that my happiest days in football were spent at Norwich," O'Neill said. "I am going back in the hope of making sure they return to the Premiership as quickly as possible."