Norwich have revealed that assistant boss Mike Phelan has left the club after having his contract terminated by mutual consent.

The 52-year-old returned to Carrow Road, where he spent four years as a player, in November with his role being to help then boss Neil Adams in the team’s bid for promotion from the Championship, after being relegated last season.

With so much experience having worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and his status as a member of Norwich’s hall of fame, Phelan was widely tipped to take over as manager when Adams resigned earlier this month.

After some deliberation, the board instead appointed Hamilton’s Alex Neil but despite the snub, Phelan was expected to continue in his role at the club, with his knowledge of the game seen as key to helping Neil settle into English football.

However, the Norfolk outfit have now made the surprise announcement that their former midfielder has asked to have his deal terminated with immediate effect.

A statement on their official website read: “Following an approach by Mike to the club, City can confirm first-team coach Mike Phelan has left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

“Mike, a Canary hall of fame member and former captain of Norwich City, leaves with the very best wishes of everyone at the club for the future.”

Despite the apparent unrest, Norwich currently sit seventh in the Championship standings are a priced at 11.00 to win the division outright, while they are 3.10 to be promoted.