New Norwich City manager search update as Jack Wilshere stance made clear and ‘host of candidates’ declare interest

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As Norwich City search for a new manager to replace Johannes Hoff Thorup, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal where the club stands, with Jack Wilshere pushing for a permanent job and another big name entering the fray.

Just a few weeks ago, Norwich looked like they could mount a challenge for the play-offs this season, but their recent form has been, quite frankly, abysmal.

Still, it came as something of a surprise to the fanbase when Thorup was sacked after Monday’s defeat to Millwall, though we did anticipate Norwich’s stance on the situation in the wake of the 5-3 loss to Portsmouth.

Now, with two games until the end of the season, Jack Wilshere has stepped up as interim manager, but EFL Analysis has exclusive information on what the future holds for the Canaries as they look for their next permanent boss.

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Jack Wilshere wants Norwich City job, but he’s not alone

We spoke to EFL Analysis insider Graeme Bailey about the situation at Carrow Road, and he outlined what is going on behind the scenes there with new names emerging, and Wilshere himself throwing his hat in the ring.

Bailey told us that Raphael Wicky is now “on Norwich’s radar as a potential replacement for Johannes Hoff Thorup.”

He added: “Their search for a successor is already underway and we are told a host of candidates have already made approaches to the Carrow Road hierarchy.

“However, Norwich are doing their work on potential options and Wicky is emerging as someone of interest.”

The legendary former Swiss international midfielder was last in work at Young Boys – where he impressed hugely.

Wicky previously came close to landing the job at Sunderland before Regis Le Bris took over, and agreeed terms with West Brom when Carlos Coberan moved on, but “backroom issues” foiled that plan. It is thought there is now a “good chance” Wicky comes to England this summer.

Meanwhile, Bailey tells us Jack Wilshere has made it clear he is “keen on landing the role on a permanent basis,” though it remains to be seen whether he will be given that opportunity at this stage in his career.

• READ MORE: ‘Sensational’ Norwich City player backed for Championship accolade, it ‘cannot be overstated how good’ he is

It’s too soon for Jack Wilshere to step up

It would appear obvious that the original plan for Norwich was to bring Wilshere in to learn the ropes and support Thorup before eventually taking on the top job. That would surely have been something Norwich hoped to happen in a few years, rather than a few months, though.

While Wilshere is highly regarded within the game and especially at Norwich, the fact he only has two upcoming fixtures in which to prove his worth would surely not be enough to make a strong enough case to bag the top job going into next season.

It’s a similar situation to that at West Brom, who also need a new manager. James Morrison is in temporary charge there for now, and young Ryan Mason has been mooted as an option to take over in the summer, but the fans and indeed these clubs demand success, and it’s a big gamble to take on unproven coaches.

One day in the not-so-distant future, Wilshere will be a top manager, we’re sure. But today is not that day.