Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper has explained the club’s decision to dismiss Johannes Hoff Thorup with just two Championship matches remaining this season.
A 3-1 defeat to Millwall on Easter Monday sealed the fate of the Danish head coach. With just one win in their last ten games—alongside three draws and six defeats—Norwich found themselves at the bottom of the form table, prompting the club to end the Hoff Thorup experiment.
Despite boasting two of the league’s top scorers in Borja Sainz (17 goals) and Josh Sargent (15 goals), the Canaries are languishing just three points clear of 17th place.
Assistant coach Glen Riddersholm has also departed. However, Jack Wilshere, who previously worked with Riddersholm, remains at the club and will serve as interim head coach for the final two fixtures against Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough and Aaron Ramsey’s Cardiff City.
Knapper Explains Hoff Thorup’s Exit
In the official announcement, Knapper admitted that although Hoff Thorup was brought in with a long-term vision, the team’s poor run forced their hand. Norwich have let in 10 goals in their past three matches—against Burnley, Portsmouth, and Millwall.
“While the intention behind Johannes’ appointment was to support our long-term vision and strategy, recent performances and results meant a change was necessary,” Knapper said.
He expressed gratitude to both Hoff Thorup and Riddersholm, acknowledging their dedication and efforts, and wished them well for the future.
Upon Hoff Thorup’s arrival 10 months ago, Knapper had spoken glowingly about the former FC Nordsjælland manager, praising his alignment with the club’s values and his clear playing philosophy.
A Necessary Change
Ultimately, it became obvious that the club was heading in the wrong direction under Hoff Thorup, with little indication that he could turn things around. Fortunately for Wilshere, relegation isn’t an immediate concern, though he could end up sending his former Welsh teammate’s Cardiff side down on the final day.
Wilshere, who previously coached Arsenal’s U18s, has long aspired to manage at senior level. Now, Norwich have handed him that chance—perhaps he’s the fresh start they need. It had become increasingly apparent that Hoff Thorup wasn’t the man to lead them forward.
