Norwich City Consider Replacing Johannes Hoff Thorup with Jack Wilshere
Norwich City are reportedly weighing up the possibility of replacing under-pressure boss Johannes Hoff Thorup with fellow first-team coach Jack Wilshere.
According to Football Insider, the Canaries are exploring the idea of appointing the former Arsenal midfielder as Thorup’s successor, should they choose to part ways with the Dane.
Thorup was brought in last summer following David Wagner’s exit, which came after Norwich’s play-off semi-final loss to Leeds United. However, the team has regressed over the past year and has failed to mount a serious promotion challenge as the season nears its conclusion.
Amid uncertainty surrounding Thorup’s position, Wilshere has surfaced as a leading internal candidate. The 36-year-old is said to be under significant pressure to retain his role after a disappointing campaign.
Wilshere, who joined Norwich as a coach in October 2024, could be handed his first senior managerial role if Thorup departs. Prior to his move to Carrow Road, Wilshere worked with Arsenal’s Under-18s from 2022 to 2024.
A key factor in Wilshere’s potential promotion is his connection with sporting director Ben Knapper, who previously held analytical and loan management positions at Arsenal during Wilshere’s time there.
Thorup’s maiden season in charge has not gone to plan. Tasked with leading Norwich back to the Premier League, the club has instead stagnated in mid-table. While Wagner secured a sixth-place finish last term, Thorup’s side is now at risk of ending the campaign with their poorest Championship result since 2017/18, when they finished 14th.
While Wilshere’s lack of experience makes him a bold choice, the strong links with Knapper and his presence within the club hint this might have always been a long-term plan. Despite the summer departures of key players like Jonathan Rowe and Gabriel Sara, Thorup’s inability to deliver consistent results has left the door open for a managerial change.
Though some may argue Thorup deserves more time, it wouldn’t be a shock if Norwich decided to make a fresh start with Wilshere at the helm.
