Mackay leaving - Nigel Worthington said;'?I think it is good business,?

Thanks for the memories Malky

13 September 2004 13:00

By IAN CLARKE Farewell big man ? thanks for six great years and we'll miss you.

They were the sentiments of legions of City fans yesterday as Malky Mackay completed his move to West Ham.

Yesterday, as the transfer was confirmed, there were many warm tributes and also a real sense of sadness that the towering defender has gone so quickly and fans have not had a chance to say a proper farewell.

In his six seasons at the club, big-hearted Mackay pulled on the first team shirt 232 times and bagged 17 goals ? including many memorable ones such as crucial strikes in the play-off season and the unforgettable double against Ipswich at Carrow Road earlier this year.

Website chatrooms were full of tributes.

On pinkun.com, A1Canary said: "Gutted you are leaving like this Malky and that you have not had your chance in the Prem, i'm only glad that we finally helped you in to the international scene and hope you enjoy several more games for Berti's Tartan Army in the future. Thanks for the great moments ? and not to mention endless unsung rock solid displays at the heart of the fortress Carrow Road."

AJ said: "Goodbye to a Norwich City all time great."

Yoda said: "We all know Malky had his limitations, but he always gives 100 per cent, and in most fans' eyes that's all you can ask for."

DumbleDelia is Magic said: "What a top player you have been. You have been a magnificent servant to this club in your time here and although to many it has been cut short, I wish you the greatest luck wherever your career will take you."

Jobian said: "Basically you're a top bloke and have always given 100pc for this club. I cannot thank you enough for some wonderful memories."

Aaron Murrell said: "Malky, you were a great defender and you have given us loads of great memories in the play offs, league, cup, and off course, the derbies. Thanks for all of the memories. Sentiment aside, I am appalled with Norwich City for selling such a great defender and even though he hasn't got much pace, he still sticks to defenders like a magnet and always gives 110pc."

On the club's own site www.canaries.co.uk, Bones1940 said: "Best of luck Malky and thanks for 6 years of great service."

Wandsworth Yella said: "Yep - good luck to him. One of the greats in recent years in my mind."

Canary Kid said: "I am truly gutted. He has been a loyal player for 6 years and I am sorry to see him go."

Canaries Kid added: "Good luck Malkay, and thanks for being such a great player."

Indeed, some Canaries supporters offered damning criticism of Worthington's decision to sell and classed it in the same bracket as the decision not to offer Canary legend Iwan Roberts a new contract at the end of last season.

On City's own website, www.canaries.co.uk, canary0306 said: "This ranks as the worst decision in Worthy's reign so far. I know Malky would not have wanted to go and wanted to see his playing career out at Norwich if possible.

"Worthy should be ashamed to not give him one minute of a chance in the Premiership."

Meanwhile, John Bonds Ghost said: "This is an appalling decision by Worthy and the board.

"It's strange that we agree to sell him whilst he is away on international duty having been praised by all the TV pundits for his outstanding display against Spain.

Robert Green said;'He has been here for six years and it will be strange without him here. A character as big as he is will be missed."

Nigel Worthington said;'?I think it is good business,?

Posted By: phrankin, May 21, 15:24:17