By Lewis Wiltshire

Worthington has worked at Carrow Road since summer 2000

Nigel Worthington insists he remains proud of what he achieved at Norwich as manager despite his sacking.

Worthington parted company with the Championship club on Sunday after three successive league defeats and four losses in five games.

He told BBC Sport: "It's part and parcel of football. But there's not too many who have done six-and-a-half years and I'm very proud of that fact.

"I'm proud of what we achieved at the football club."

Interview: Nigel Worthington

Interview: Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones

Worthington's six-and-a-half years include almost six as manager, with an initial brief period as assistant to Bryan Hamilton before he took the top job in December 2000.

In his first half-season he saved the club from relegation, and in his first full campaign he led them to the play-off final.

He followed that in his third full season by finally leading the club back to the Premiership after an absence of nine years, as First Division champions.

Six-and-a-half years is quite a long time these days so I will catch up, have a few days of chill-out time, a few holidays and then get ready to go again Nigel Worthington

"We brought silverware to the club, we got the club to the Premiership, we saw the stadium grow and grow, and season tickets went through the roof. I was proud to be a part of that," Worthington said on Monday.

"I went into work every day with a smile on my face - that's what this club is about. The next manager will find that it's a good club to work for, with good facilities and magnificent support."

Worthington was not shocked by his dismissal - after owners Delia Smith and husband Michael Wynn Jones expressed their "disappointment" at the 3-1 defeat to Plymouth and said they "expected the situation to be rectified".

But Worthington said: "That was no problem - I can live with that.

"All along I said I would not comment on the owners making a statement. I had a good working relationship with them and I can wish them the best for the future."

The former Northern Ireland captain will now take a short break - before looking for his next job in management.

"I will take time out to recharge my batteries and then I will be looking to get back into football.

"I'll wait for people to come to me, but I'm not going to rush.

606 VIEW He left as he came in - with dignity and class BBC Sport's Lewis Wiltshire 606: Have your say

"Six-and-a-half years is quite a long time these days so I will catch up, have a few days of chill-out time, a few holidays and then get ready to go again.

"I'll keep my hand in. I'll watch some football and get out and about."

Meanwhile Canaries chief executive Neil Doncaster paid tribute to Worthington.

"He will always be regarded as one of the great figures in Norwich's history. He is an excellent professional and the dignity he showed on Sunday night came as no surprise to me and reflected very well on him as a man.

Coach Martin Hunter has been placed in temporary charge and is an early favourite for the post along with former player Mark Bowen, who is now assistant to Mark Hughes at Blackburn.

"We have said the process of finding a new manager has begun," Doncaster said.