Norwich City have reportedly narrowed their managerial search to a final shortlist that includes Liam Manning, Pep Lijnders, and Gary O’Neil.
According to The Pink Un, all three candidates remain in serious contention to replace Johannes Hoff Thorup, who was dismissed after just one season in charge. Thorup joined from FC Nordsjaelland last summer but failed to guide the Canaries into the Championship play-offs. Sporting director Ben Knapper said a change was necessary due to poor performances and declining results.
Following Thorup’s exit, Jack Wilshere stepped in as interim manager and earned four points from his two matches, helping the team to a 13th-place finish. Despite initial expectations that he would be appointed permanently, Wilshere is now not being considered and is likely to leave the club.
Knapper confirmed that the club’s focus was on external candidates, and it now appears that Manning, Lijnders, and O’Neil are the front-runners as Norwich move closer to making an appointment.
Who’s in the Frame?
Liam Manning took over at Bristol City in November 2023, having previously managed Oxford United. He led the Robins to their first play-off appearance since 2008, though they suffered a heavy 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sheffield United. Nonetheless, Manning’s impressive work hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the 39-year-old—who hails from Norwich and once held a Carrow Road season ticket—has also been linked with the Leicester City job. While there has been no official approach from Norwich yet, he remains a top contender.
Pep Lijnders, a longtime assistant to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, took on a managerial role at RB Salzburg last summer. However, he was dismissed after winning just 13 of his 28 matches in charge. Despite that setback, Norwich are said to value his experience and potential.
Gary O’Neil, a former Norwich midfielder who played for the club between 2014 and 2016, has also emerged as a strong candidate. He managed Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, though he left Wolves in December after a poor run of form. His familiarity with the club could work in his favor with both fans and staff.
While three foreign-based managers are also under consideration, The Pink Un reports that Christian Titz and Brian Priske are not among them, and former captain Russell Martin has never been on the club’s radar.
What’s Next?
Knapper aims to have a new manager in place well before the squad returns for pre-season at the end of June. A decision could even come as soon as next week.
If Manning is unavailable or unwilling to leave Bristol City after a successful campaign, Norwich may need to weigh their other options carefully. Lijnders offers top-level experience but comes with concerns over his record in Austria, while O’Neil has Premier League credentials and a history with the club, making him a sentimental yet potentially pragmatic choice.
