Norwich chief Webber slammed by fans after revealing plan to spend the summer transfer window training for Mount Everest
NORWICH CITY fans are fuming after sporting director Stuart Webber revealed plans to train for climbing Mount Everest… during the crucial summer transfer window.
The Canaries were officially relegated from the top flight on Saturday after losing 2-0 to Aston Villa.
The Norfolk club are now preparing for a key summer of transfers as they plot an immediate return to the Premier League, but Webber, 38, will be up a mountain readying himself for the peak of Everest.
He will be completing two climbs, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, during the window, as well as Mount Blanc once the Championship season starts.
In an interview with last week, Webber described the details of his latest contract negotiations - based around his aspirations outside of football.
The Carrow Road chief explained: "I said there’s only one thing which matters to me in this negotiation, it’s not about money, titles or kudos.
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"The only thing I want is the chance to go and achieve a dream and my dream is climbing Mount Everest.
"Before that I’m going to need some pockets of time off.
";I’d never do a climb at a time when it’s business critical.
"Some people said: 'You did Kilimanjaro in January'. Yes, I did, because we had zero funds to sign a player. What am I going to do? Sit in my office for 30 days?
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"When I do Ecuador, it’s in June. When I do Mont Blanc it’s the September international break. When I do the Himalayas it’s during the World Cup.
"If 90 per cent of me isn’t enough, it’s fine because I’m already ready to walk out the door. I’m ready for the next stage of my life."
Norwich fans reacted with anger and despair.
A regular at Carrow Road said: "Having just laid out over 500 quid to renew my season ticket what I want to hear from Webber is how we’re going to learn from the mistakes and some positive reaction to this season’s fiasco.
"Certainly don’t want to hear about his Everest expedition. Arrogant to say the least".
One user added: "Woeful from Webber. No class. Fans and club deserve so much better."
Whilst another claimed: "It’s clear the wheels on the bus have come off…. Tbh I think it’s just Delia holding a steering wheel left. Change is needed now #NCFC."
ANGRY CONFRONTATION
Videos have since emerged on of fans confronting Webber over the remarks.
But the 38-year-old admitted that he has other priorities alongside the football club.
He added: "My life isn’t to appease Norwich fans.
"If Norwich lose on the Saturday does it ruin my next couple of days? Yes, absolutely.
"That pain will never leave when you lose a game but is it the only thing in my life? No."
Webber was one of most sought after directors at one time, linked with the Manchester United director of football job.
The Welshman is seen to be the brains behind Norwich's surge in recent years and the man responsible for bringing the popular Daniel Farke to Norfolk.
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Described as a self-financed club, Webber has overseen the sales of James Maddison, Ben Godfrey and £38million Emiliano Buendia - who all came to Norwich on low fees.
Despite spending around £60m on new arrivals in the summer, the Yellows could not beat the drop for the second time in consecutive seasons in the top flight.