Norwich City Begin Search for New Manager After Thorup’s Exit
Norwich City are actively seeking a new head coach following the recent dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup. The 36-year-old Danish manager was sacked on 22 April after the Canaries suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Millwall the previous day.
In the interim, assistant coach Jack Wilshere has been appointed to oversee first-team duties for the rest of the season, giving the club time to carry out a thorough search for a long-term replacement ahead of the summer.
Fan Pundit Backs Gary O’Neil as Strong Candidate for Norwich Role
When asked whether Gary O’Neil should be on the club’s shortlist, Norwich supporter and fan pundit Zeke Downes gave a positive endorsement:
“I think Gary O’Neil would be among my top choices. He’s got ties to Norwich and showed he can do a respectable job in the Premier League. I’d certainly be happy to see him come in, but it depends on whether he’d want to step down from top-flight football.”
Downes added: “His past with Norwich might sway him, but if it’s not Wilshere, then it could be another name we’re not overly familiar with. Wilshere is being linked quite a bit, probably because of his Arsenal connection with Ben Knapper, our sporting director. But honestly, it may be too early for him—he’s still very green in terms of experience.”
O’Neil Could Be a Major Appointment for the Canaries
Bringing Gary O’Neil to Carrow Road would likely be viewed as a major coup. At 41, he remains early in his coaching journey, with plenty of potential to grow in the role.
He’s no stranger to Norwich either, having played for the club from 2014 to 2016 and playing a key role in their promotion-winning campaign during the 2014/15 season.
As a manager, O’Neil has only operated in the Premier League, which is a notable accomplishment for someone so young in the coaching game. He kept Bournemouth in the top flight with a 15th-place finish in his debut season, and later guided Wolves to a 14th-place finish before being let go in December with the team struggling near the bottom.
Given Norwich’s current position in the middle of the Championship table but with aspirations of returning to the Premier League, O’Neil’s appointment could provide the ideal blend of familiarity, ambition, and top-flight experience.
