Johannes Hoff Thorup’s Sacking at Norwich: Ownership Shift Spurs Surprise Decision
The dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup as Norwich City manager has raised eyebrows, despite the club being set for their lowest league finish in seven years.
According to Nick Mashiter, the decision to relieve Thorup of his duties stemmed from the new leadership at Carrow Road. American businessman Mark Attanasio, who completed his takeover from longtime owners Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones in March, is believed to have pushed for the change. Attanasio, who envisioned back-to-back top-six finishes when acquiring the club, saw this season as a significant underachievement and opted to part ways with Thorup.
Jack Wilshere will step in for the remaining two matches of the season. Though reportedly considered a long-term managerial option, there are doubts as to whether the 33-year-old is ready to take the reins permanently.
Owner’s High Expectations Trigger Thorup’s Exit
In a post on X, Mashiter noted that the decision “was driven by American owners and not something which was foreseen last night.” He added: “Top six was the target. Club brought in good ££ last summer but reinvested a lot to go backwards.”
Norwich brought in around £30 million from the sales of Gabriel Sara and Adam Idah, yet their replacements—such as Ante Crnac, Amankwah Forson, and winter signing Mataj Jurasek—have underperformed. Jurasek, notably, has only featured twice in league play since his arrival from Slavia Prague.
Without Sara pulling the strings in midfield and with just two wins from their last eight matches, the Canaries are on track for a bottom-half finish—20 points adrift of the tally that secured sixth last season.
While Thorup was expected to use this season as a foundation for future progress, Attanasio’s desire for immediate results has cut that plan short.
Wilshere’s Potential Still in Development
Wilshere will oversee Norwich’s final fixtures against Middlesbrough and Cardiff. Though he joined with a view to potentially succeeding Thorup, insiders suggest it may be premature for him to take on the role full-time.
His only prior coaching experience came from his stint with Arsenal’s academy before becoming a first-team coach at Norwich. While he is seen as a future manager in the EFL, it’s unlikely Attanasio will risk handing over the reins during a crucial rebuild. Instead, the board is expected to look for a more seasoned figure to lead a serious promotion bid in their fourth straight Championship season.
