Ben Knapper reveals the real reason Norwich City hired Liam Manning as ‘bright’ verdict shared

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After what has felt like weeks of negotiating and hushed conversations, Liam Manning has finally been announced as the new head coach of Norwich City.

The 39-year-old led Bristol City to the play-offs last season, but after a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sheffield United, he has switched the West Country for East Anglia and he is now tasked with taking the Canaries back into the top six.

It was not the best of campaigns for the Norfolk outfit in 2024/25, and they finished 13th in the Championship. Johannes Hoff Thorup was sacked before the end of the season, and the hunt for a replacement had been ongoing for just over a month.

Norwich are already closing in on Daniel Grimshaw as Manning’s first signing, while Jacob Wright has already joined the club. However, with their hometown head coach now through the door, their summer recruitment can step up.

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Ben Knapper weighs in on Norwich City’s Liam Manning appointment

The Canaries had been pursuing Manning for a while, but they have finally got their man and supporters can now be excited for next season and a play-off spot will be targeted.

Norwich are expected to spend big in the summer, and sporting director Ben Knapper has spoken of his delight at bringing in the club’s new head coach.

He said (via: canaries.co.uk): “We’re all thrilled to welcome Liam and his family to Norwich City. This is an exciting appointment, and we are so happy to get it over the line and have him on board.

“It quickly became clear that Liam’s ambitions match our own and we are all committed to driving this club forward towards our targets. Liam knows the league, has consistently demonstrated an ability to outperform resources and his approach aligns with our footballing ideas and strategy.”

Knapper concluded: “He is an exceptionally bright coach who will push himself, and everyone around him, to develop and improve. We are so excited to have him as a key part of our club.”

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Liam Manning has one huge task on his hands, he must sort it ASAP

While there will be a number of new faces at Carrow Road this summer, potentially including Vladan Kovacevic who is being targeted by Norwich, there will be departures as well.

Keeping hold of Josh Sargent will be difficult, and he will be the subject of plenty of interest in the coming weeks and months after an excellent campaign in 2024/25.

The American scored 15 goals in just 32 games for the Canaries last season, and without his injury, he could have beaten Joel Piroe to the Championship Golden Boot.

While Manning may not be able to keep his new number nine at Norwich, finding a replacement is vital to the level of their success come August, and a resolution to this situation must be found immediately.