Norwich names Chris Hughton as new manager

Norwich names Chris Hughton as new manager

Published Jun. 7, 2012 3:50 p.m. ET

Norwich appointed Chris Hughton as manager of the Premier League club on Thursday, a day after its former manager, Paul Lambert, officially took over at Aston Villa.

The 53-year-old Hughton comes to the Norfolk club from Birmingham, and although it was difficult to leave he said he is ready for a new challenge.

''I had a very good year (with Birmingham) ... it's a wonderful club,'' Hughton said. ''I am looking forward to the challenge in front of me.''

Lambert steered Norwich back to the Premier League during his two-year stint at the club. Norwich finished 12th last season, four places higher than Villa.

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''It's a wonderful achievement,'' Hughton said of his Norwich predecessor's campaign, and added: ''It's a hard act to follow ... but it's about the club moving forward.''

With Hughton in charge, Birmingham finished in fourth place in the English second tier Championship last season.

Hughton led Newcastle before moving to Birmingham a year ago.

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