Liam Manning Named Norwich City Head Coach on Four-Year Deal, Replacing Jack Wilshere

In a bold and forward-looking move, Norwich City Football Club has officially appointed Liam Manning as the club’s new head coach. The appointment was confirmed on June 3, 2025, with the 39-year-old Englishman signing a four-year contract that will see him remain at Carrow Road until the summer of 2029.

Manning takes over the managerial reins from Jack Wilshere, who served in an interim capacity following the sacking of Danish coach Johannes Hoff Thorup in April. Wilshere steadied the ship during a turbulent period but was never expected to take on the role permanently.

This appointment marks a significant chapter in the club’s journey as it aims to return to the Premier League and re-establish itself as a competitive force in English football.

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A New Era Begins at Carrow Road

Liam Manning arrives at Norwich with a reputation for developing young talent and implementing an attractive, progressive style of football. He previously managed clubs like MK Dons, where he gained national attention for taking the team to a third-place finish in League One during the 2021–22 season, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion.

His managerial philosophy blends tactical intelligence, high pressing, and possession-based football, which aligns well with Norwich City’s long-term footballing vision.

Speaking to the club’s official media after signing his contract, Manning said:

> “I am incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to lead Norwich City. This is a club with great tradition, passionate supporters, and strong ambitions. I’m excited to get started and build something sustainable, competitive, and exciting for everyone connected with the club.”

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Transition After Wilshere’s Short Stint

Jack Wilshere stepped in as interim boss under difficult circumstances following the dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup. While Wilshere lacked significant managerial experience at senior level, his leadership helped stabilize the dressing room, guide the club through the closing stages of the season, and avoid further decline.

Club sporting director Ben Knapper praised Wilshere’s contribution:

> “Jack brought calm and commitment during a challenging time. We are grateful for the professionalism he showed, and we hope he continues to grow in his managerial career.”

Despite speculation linking Wilshere with a potential permanent appointment, the club hierarchy was always believed to be searching for a more experienced head coach to take the project forward.

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Why Liam Manning?

Norwich City’s decision to hire Manning comes after careful consideration of various managerial candidates. Reports suggest that former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl and Southampton’s current manager Russell Martin were also in the running, but the board was most impressed with Manning’s long-term vision, his experience in developing academy graduates, and his strategic planning skills.

Ben Knapper explained the club’s thinking:

> “Liam is an outstanding young coach who impressed us with his clarity, structure, and enthusiasm. His plan for Norwich City mirrors our commitment to building a team that can not only compete in the Championship but thrive in the Premier League. His ideas for player development, training methodology, and community engagement all aligned with our values.”

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Immediate Priorities

With the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship season approaching fast, Manning will need to get to work immediately. His first order of business will be to evaluate the squad, identify transfer targets, and instill his tactical philosophy during pre-season training.

Norwich have already made several exciting signings during the summer transfer window, including:

Mirko Topić (Serbian midfielder from Famalicão for €3.5 million)

Mathias Kvistgaarden

Papa Diallo

Jakov Medić

Vladan Kovačević

Glenn McCourt, a promising 17-year-old from Derry City

These additions signal a clear intention to blend youth and experience, and Manning will be tasked with integrating them quickly into the squad.

Additionally, he will need to make decisions on some of the existing players, particularly those who struggled for form last season. The likes of Adam Idah, Gabriel Sara, and Jonathan Rowe are expected to play important roles under the new regime.

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Supporters React Positively

Norwich City fans have largely welcomed Manning’s appointment. While some were hoping for a more high-profile name, others have praised the club for choosing a coach who fits the club’s culture and development pathway.

On fan forums and social media, comments like “A smart appointment”, “He’s exactly what we need”, and “Long-term planning is finally here” have been trending since the news broke.

Many supporters still hold fresh memories of Manning’s MK Dons side that impressed with its fluid, attacking style—a stark contrast to the more cautious football seen at Carrow Road in recent seasons.

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Norwich City’s Promotion Ambitions

After narrowly missing out on the Championship playoffs last season, the club’s leadership is clear about its goal for the 2025/26 campaign: promotion.

While the Championship remains fiercely competitive, Norwich will be among the clubs tipped to challenge for a top-six spot. With Manning’s appointment, an influx of new signings, and a renewed sense of purpose, the Canaries are looking to restore their place among England’s elite.

However, the club is also taking a more measured approach than in previous years. Rather than chasing short-term success, there’s a distinct emphasis on long-term project building, youth development, and financial sustainability.

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Looking Ahead

Norwich City will begin their 2025/26 campaign at home against Millwall on August 9, giving Manning a high-profile opportunity to kick-start his tenure with a positive result.

The pre-season preparations have already concluded with a 2–0 win against NAC Breda in the Netherlands—a result that provided early encouragement about the team’s direction under new leadership.

Manning has promised a team that will play “brave, energetic, attacking football”, and with the club’s faith in him secured through a long-term deal, the stage is set for what could be an exciting and transformative period in Norwich City’s history.

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Conclusion

The appointment of Liam Manning signals a fresh, ambitious chapter for Norwich City. With a strong developmental ethos, a modern tactical approach, and a young, talented squad, the Canaries appear poised to make a serious push for promotion.

While the road back to the Premier League is never easy, Manning’s arrival has injected optimism and belief into the club and its fans. The coming months will test his leadership and vision—but if early signs are anything to go by, Norwich may have found the right man for the job.