The club’s failure to defend the title they won last season led to manager Roberto Mancini’s sacking last Monday – two days after a 1-0 loss to Wigan in the FA Cup final.

Having already secured second spot in the table, City lacked spark as they were edged out by a more enterprising Canaries side.

Kidd said: “It’s been a really emotional week right through the club, and we can’t hide from that.

“Now is the time to look forward, put this season behind us and then see where we can improve.

“You look at it now that there is a new manager coming in – and hopefully that will be done quickly so he can assess what he needs.”

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini remains the clear favourite to succeed Mancini, whose absence was noted by supporters who frequently chanted his name.

Kidd had also paid tribute to the man who brought silverware back to City after a drought of more than three decades in his programme notes, while the club also printed a photographic appreciation.

“I understand the cheers for the boss. He would have been disappointed if there wasn’t for what he did here,” Kidd said.

Norwich created the better chances throughout the game and struck through Anthony Pilkington, Grant Holt and Jonny Howson.

Jack Rodwell twice equalised – his first goals for City – as the hosts responded well to Norwich’s first two goals but they failed to reply after Howson’s fine individual effort.

Carlos Tevez was withdrawn after 50 minutes and the Argentinian was given a good ovation by the crowd – something his grin and wave made clear he appreciated – but Kidd would not be drawn on suggestions it could mean farewell.

He said: “I think that was just his appreciation to the crowd.

“That (substitution) was already decided beforehand. We had spoken to one another about it.

“They have put a shift in during the last few months and this week has been about trying to get some freshness in the team.”

City’s programme is not yet over, with the team flying to the United States for friendlies against Chelsea in St Louis and New York.

Kidd said: “We are very fortunate as footballers – there are a lot of people going to work tomorrow morning wishing they were going to New York and doing what we are doing.

“Football is not work, is it? You are blessed if you are involved in any way, shape or form, in football.”

Norwich’s victory ensured they finished a respectable 11th in the table, just over a week after they feared getting dragged into the relegation fight.

Manager Chris Hughton said: “It would have been nice to be a bit more consistent right the way through, but I am delighted to have finished where we have done.

“We defended very well, restricted them to minimal chances and to score three goals and be a threat – that’s difficult here. It was an outstanding performance.”