Bradford block Megson move

Gary Megson, Bradford City's No 2, was last night prevented from taking up the job of Norwich City's manager after the Yorkshire club was granted a seven-day restraining order in the high court.

Geoffrey Richmond, Bradford City's chairman, has accused Norwich of making an illegal approach to Megson. He had faxed Norwich demanding a pounds 100,000 in compensation if the Canaries wished to speak to theire forer caretaker- manager.

Megson, only recently installed as assistant to Bradford's new manager, Chris Kamara, walked out of Valley Parade to take over again at Norwich in succession to Martin O'Neill.

That development angered Richmond, who accused Norwich of "a flagrant breach of Football League regulations and a breach of legal employment laws."

Robert Chase, the Norwich chairman, insisted that his club had not behaved badly. "We will defend ourselves against any action that Bradford might take," he said. "Gary was on seven days' notice and had an assurance from his chairman that they would not stand in his way if another club came in for him."

Megson was in temporary charge of Norwich last season after John Deehan resigned, but was unable to prevent their relegation from the Premiership and was replaced by O'Neill, now at Leicester.

"I realise I am coming in at a difficult time, but you don't go into this profession for a quiet life," Megson said. "When I first came here as a player, I was a balding 33-year-old on a free transfer, but the fans gave me a chance to show what I can do. Now I hope they will give me the same chance as a manager."

Yesterday's other managerial move saw Swansea City lose their caretaker manager, Bobby Smith, who resigned less than three months after replacing Frank Burrows at Vetch Field. The club's assistant manager Jimmy Rimmer, the former Aston Villa goalkeeper, has taken charge of team affairs.