Norwich City now ready to make final decision on Jack Wilshere amid high-profile applications for manager role

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EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that Norwich City are close to concluding their search for a new manager, with a decision being made on Jack Wilshere’s future at the club.

After a strong start to the season, Norwich City fell away from the Championship play-off race under Johannes Hoff Thorup, and the Danish manager paid the ultimate price by losing his job last week.

Since then, the Canaries installed young coach and former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere as interim manager for the final two games of the season.

Wilshere himself made it clear he wants the job permanently, and after an impressive showing from Norwich in a 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough last weekend, we revealed the Canaries hierarchy were feeling good about Wilshere’s work.

Now, EFL Analysis has exclusive information on the situation behind the scenes at Carrow Road, and it sounds like a decision will be coming very soon.

• READ MORE: Norwich City players’ reactions to Johannes Hoff Thorup sacking speak volumes about how they really feel

Ben Knapper wants to put Jack Wilshere in permanently at Norwich City

Discussing the matter with EFL Analysis expert Graeme Bailey, we understand Norwich City are now ready to hand the reins to Jack Wilshere on a permanent basis after a strong start to his temporary tenure.

Norwich have been inundated with a number of high-profile candidates looking to take on the job, but it is thought Sporting Director Ben Knapper is really happy with how Wilshere has settled into the role and is keen for him to stay on beyond the end of this season.

A final decision is likely to be made after the final game of the campaign against Cardiff City on Saturday, but the people at the top of the club pleased with Wilshere, and we are told the playing staff have very quickly taken a real shine to the 33-year-old in his early days as manager.

• READ MORE: Norwich City told there is ‘real chance’ they lose Josh Sargent this summer, Newcastle and Everton among Premier League fans

High risk, high reward gamble for Norwich City

Obviously, putting such a young and inexperienced manager in charge is a risk for Norwich, and if it all goes wrong next season, Ben Knapper and co. will be questioned heavily.

But, with a slew of players likely to depart Norwich this summer, including big transfer targets Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent, as well as experienced heads like Angus Gunn, the club is in desperate need of a rebuild.

Wilshere’s youthful, fresh perspective could be ideal for that project, and there’s no doubt that his reputation in the game will help the Canaries attract some top talent. Perhaps he could even call in some favours and tempt some Arsenal prospects over to Carrow Road?

Of course, the other side of the coin is, if Norwich don’t give Wilshere the job now, will he move on and work elsewhere? There’s every chance some other club would snap him up, and Norwich may well be thinking they’d rather give him the opportunity than have to see him flourish somewhere else.