The 2005-06 campaign was a season of high, yet ultimately unfulfilled, ambition for Norwich City as The Canaries, newly relegated from the Premier League, finished 9th in the Championship. The promotion push was severely hampered by the mid-season club-record sale of star striker Dean Ashton to West Ham, despite his crucial goals for the side, including his 10 in the league before his departure. Ashton's absence, alongside the efforts of players like Darren Huckerby, defined a year of disappointment and transition under manager Nigel Worthington.