BIRMINGHAM City have paid tribute to Chris Hughton after he was named new manager of Norwich City.

The 53-year-old was confirmed by the Canaries at a press conference this afternoon – five days after former boss Paul Lambert joined Aston Villa.

In a statement on their website, Birmingham announced that a compensation package had been agreed with Hughton also taking Colin Calderwood, Paul Trollope and chief scout Ewan Chester to Carrow Road.

Acting Birmingham chairman Peter Pannu said: “We’d like to thank Chris and his team for their efforts over the last 12 months and they leave with our best wishes.

“Chris is a great man and a proven manager and we didn’t want to stand in his way when Norwich made an approach with the offer of a top-flight managerial position.

“We will now actively seeking a new coaching team to build on the good work done during 2011/12 season.”

Speaking at the press conference, Hughton, who described taking over from Lambert as a “tough act to follow”, said: “It is a good feeling. It is something I have been very excited about as it has materialised over the last few days.

“I am looking forward to the challenge in front of me. It is a wonderful job in the Premier League.”