But the directors of Norwich City Football Club wasted no time in appointing Chris Hughton to replace him as manager.
He was their first choice and it was important for him to settle in as soon as possible to prepare for the new season.
The pre-season fixtures will provide an early opportunity for fans to assess the new manager's impact on a team assembled by Paul Lambert - together with his own additions to the squad.
After away games against Hertha Berlin; Celtic; and Peterborough; at 7.45pm on Tuesday July 31st the Canaries will be at home to Ajax. After an away game against MK Dons there will be a 3pm Kick-off at Carrow Road on Saturday August 11th for the visit of Borussia Monchengladbach - not easy to fit that name on a shirt!
The Premier League season kicks off with a trip to Fulham the following Saturday, but an ideal opportunity to compare Chris Hughton with Paul Lambert will come on Saturday October 27th when Canary fans will travel to Villa Park, hoping to put one over on their former hero - now a real 'Villain' - which is what Aston Villa fans call themselves!