The 47-year-old former England B international, who also enjoyed playing and coaching stints in Australia with Newcastle Jets and Northern Spirit in the old NSL days, said he's moving back Down Under to be with his family.

"After 26 years in the game I just decided I wanted to spend more time with my wife and family back in Australia," Crook told First News.

"I think in the last three years I've probably seen them for less than six months and it's time to put that right."

Crook enjoyed a lot of success in Australia winning the 2001/2002 NSL Coach of the Year with Newcastle, while he helped Sydney FC lift the inaugural A-League trophy under Pierre Littbarski.

He added: "As far as the future is concerned as I say I just want to spend some quality time with the family.

"Would I consider another job in football? Well you can never say never but right now I'm just looking forward to spending some time at home."

Crook, who made over 400 appearances for the Canaries during his playing career, was brought back to Carrow Road last year by former boss Bryan Gunn.

Gunn was sacked earlier this season and replaced by Paul Lambert, who alongside Crook, guided Norwich to promotion and back into the English Championship.

Crook added: "I've got so many fantastic memories of my times with Norwich City, both as a player back in the 80s and 90s and then of course during my recent time on the coaching staff.

"I think the future is looking really bright for Norwich now."

 

Lambert added: "He's done a great job with the reserves but he's also been a tremendous help to me and Ian and Gary in helping us to work with the players to achieve promotion this year.

"I fully understand he wants to go back to be with his family in Australia and wish him every success in the future."