A journalist from the Norwich Evening News has revealed how he threw his own hat into the ring when Norwich City FC manager Nigel Worthington was sacked last month.

As a search for his successor began, avid football fan David Powles swiftly put down all his football skills and attributes down on paper, and applied for the top job himself.

As a qualified referee, with virtual managerial experience on computer game Championship Manager, he sent in a glowing application letter to majority shareholders including celebrity chef Delia Smith.

The 27-year-old also explained that - with resources so low at the club - he was fit, willing and able to fill in on the pitch as well, whenever injuries and suspensions necessitated.

But, after a nail-biting wait, a rejection letter arrived.

It said his "obvious enthusiasm and ability at Championship Manager" was "very interesting", but said the club had opted for someone "with current coaching experience at the very highest level in the English game".

David said: "I thought it would be interesting to see what, if anything, happened if I applied for the Norwich job.

"They are such a friendly club that I got a really nice reply and something to show my mates down the pub.

"Don't tell the boss but of course I would have taken the job in a shot if I had got it."

According to club officials David was not the only fan to send in a hopeful application, with dozens of letters received - many also citing computer game experience - who believed they were good enough for the Carrow Road hot seat.

The job eventually went to Peter Grant, a former Norwich City player who had previously spent almost three years as assistant manager at West Ham.