Norwich City concluded the 2024/25 season without a permanent manager following the dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup just before the campaign’s end. Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere stepped in on a temporary basis, managing to secure four points from the final two games — a goalless draw away at Middlesbrough and an entertaining 4-2 home win over relegated Cardiff City on the last day.
Despite a promising short stint, Wilshere is not expected to be appointed on a permanent basis and will be leaving the club entirely. As Norwich prepare for the 2025/26 season, the search is now on for a new long-term managerial appointment. With that in mind, Football League World has explored four potential candidates who sporting director Ben Knapper might consider suitable for the role.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
A surprise frontrunner according to the bookmakers, former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl would be a high-profile appointment. Though his time with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg was recently cut short after a dip in form, his earlier work in the season displayed his tactical strength. Known for his energetic, high-pressing style of play developed under the Red Bull football philosophy, the Austrian coach could be an ideal match for a youthful Norwich squad aiming to recreate the high-tempo success achieved under Daniel Farke.
Russell Martin
Currently managing Southampton, Russell Martin’s name continues to be associated with possession-based football. While he has enjoyed success — notably leading Southampton to Premier League promotion in 2023/24 — some critics argue that his previous spells at MK Dons and Swansea were more stylish than effective. A return to Carrow Road would be fitting, as Martin made over 300 appearances for the Canaries between 2009 and 2018. His footballing philosophy could align well with Norwich’s current technical squad, even if his overall managerial record remains mixed.
Steve Cooper
Steve Cooper’s track record shows he excels when taking charge of underperforming sides. He led an unfancied Swansea City into the play-offs and took bottom-placed Nottingham Forest to Premier League promotion, later keeping them up in their first season back. While his more recent spell at Leicester City didn’t yield long-term success, his short-term impact has been cast in a better light following disappointing results under successor Ruud van Nistelrooy. Norwich’s squad has promise but remains inconsistent and somewhat unbalanced — Cooper’s pragmatic and structured approach could be exactly what the club needs.
Marti Cifuentes
Former QPR and Hammarby boss Marti Cifuentes is reportedly in contention for the West Brom job, but he could also be an appealing candidate for Norwich. Recently placed on gardening leave by QPR following tensions with the club’s young CEO, Cifuentes brings a continental, methodical approach to coaching that mirrors the style of Carlos Corberan. His tactical clarity and experience with recruitment from overseas markets may suit a Norwich side looking for a more cohesive and strategic rebuild.
As the Canaries look ahead, all four managers bring unique strengths — and each could represent a fresh, thoughtful direction under Ben Knapper’s guidance.
