Smith was unhappy with Norwich's recent performances

Worthington was sacked as boss on Sunday following the 4-1 home defeat to Burnley, but Smith said she would not hurry to appoint his replacement.

"We have a policy here which we hope to continue, where the board wants to work closely with the manager," she added.

"We can't be successful unless we have a really good team working together."

Interview: Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones

Interview: Nigel Worthington

Smith's fellow joint majority shareholder, husband Michael Wynn Jones, stressed the importance of taking time to appoint a new manager.

"What I don't think we want is a quick fix. I think we've got to do this job properly and thoroughly," he said.

We're determined this club is going to be successful and our new manager is going to be an integral part of that Norwich joint majority shareholder Michael Wynn Jones

"And it's got to take as long as it will take, within limits of course.

"We have our criteria about what we're looking for and as soon as we find someone who matches up to that criteria the decision will be resolved.

"But we're not going to rush it."

Worthington's stint in charge of Norwich ended on Sunday after nearly six weeks, following a poor run of results which saw the Canaries pick up just one point in five league games, conceding 14 goals in the process.

Wynn Jones admitted the atmosphere at the club had not been good during recent weeks.

"Anything which can alleviate that, you've got to be relieved about but the important thing is to look ahead and be really positive about it.

"We're absolutely determined that this club is going to be successful and our new manager, whoever it is, is going to be an integral part of that."