Norwich City chief executive David McNally said the club were forced to take action and sack manager Chris Hughton to keep their alive their chances of avoiding relegation.
• Davitt: Norwich put Hughton out of his misery
The Canaries decided to part company with Hughton on Sunday following the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion, replacing him with with U18s coach Neil Adams.
Norwich are currently 17th in the Premier League table, just five points clear of the drop zone, and face a difficult run-in, with games against Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
"We felt we were left with no choice. Recent results and performances have been disappointing," McNally told a news conference. “We believe the change we have made is the right one.”
McNally's decision has angered some, with former England international Gary Lineker taking to Twitter to express his frustration with Hughton's sacking.
David McNally says he had 'no choice but to sack Chris Hughton'. Really? Where does football find these folk? Recipe for disaster, Delia.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 7, 2014
McNally, though, feels he should have moved earlier to dismiss Hughton in order to have given Norwich the best possible chance to stay up.
He is, however, confident that new boss Adams has what it takes to keep the club in the Premier League.
“I take my share of responsibility. Did we hang on too long? I think we gave Chris Hughton every opportunity to improve our fortunes,” he said. “But we will stay up. No doubt.”
Adams himself is also sure that he is the right man for the job.
"Am I confident I can get the result to keep us in this division? Absolutely," he said. "I was approached on Sunday and it took two seconds to make the decision. Everyone knows what this club means to me.
“I'm looking forward to doing the job with relish. When you work as a coach you want to go to the very top, it is privilege. It's my club, I've been here for 20 years."
Adams’ first game in charge is a crucial relegation clash away to fellow strugglers Fulham, who lie in 18th position, on Saturday.