Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber has announced that he is to leave the club.

Webber, who led the Canaries to two promotions to the Premier League after joining Ipswich Town's Norfolk rivals from Huddersfield in April 2017, told the club that he would be leaving at the start of the year.

Norwich are in the process of recruiting a replacement.

Webber's departure comes as his relationship with fans soured somewhat in recent times, with the Canaries labouring to a 13th-place finish in last season's Championshp.

In a statement, he said: "I’d like to thank Delia (Smith), Michael (Wynn-Jones) and the rest of the board for their understanding in making this decision.

“The support I’ve had from all the board, past and present, throughout my time at the club has been outstanding.

"Delia and Michael are two of the most special people that I’ve met. They care so much about Norwich City, its staff and supporters.

East Anglian Daily Times: Delia Snith and Michael Wynn-Jones said they were 'devastated' to lose WebberDelia Snith and Michael Wynn-Jones said they were 'devastated' to lose Webber (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

“I’ve worked with some incredible staff, from my direct reports to the Executive Committee and wider staff across both the football club and Community Sports Foundation.

"I’ve seen so many staff grow and develop, and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication.

“Nobody will ever be able to take away our two title wins, the growth of the Lotus Training Centre and academy, and the connection our football areas now have with the wider business.

"Together, we have enjoyed some really special moments and we should be incredibly proud of the foundation we have managed to build to ensure future success at this club.

"To the players I’ve worked with, I’ve learned so much and they have done some incredible things over the past six years. They will go down in history at this football club.

"I look forward to the next chapter and helping as much or as little in this transition over the coming months. The board know they have my unwavering support.

"Thank you to every board and staff member, player and supporter that I’ve met. I wish the club the very best and I look forward to supporting from afar."

In a statement, Smith and Wynn-Jones, the majority shareholders at the club, said they were 'devastated' to lose Webber.

They said: "In our 28 years of serving this great football club we have never worked with such a talent."

They added: "Stuart Webber has been an outstanding servant to this football club and built a strong foundation for the future.

"We are very sad to lose him, owe him much gratitude and want to wish him all the very best for the future."