Norwich City manager search news: Russell Martin talk, real reason for Thorup sack, Jack Wilshere next steps | OneFootball

FLW round up the latest news regarding Norwich City's manager search.

Norwich City made the brave decision on Tuesday morning to part ways with Johannes Hoff Thorup.

The Dane was appointed in May 2024 as David Wagner’s successor, having been identified as a strong fit for Norwich’s long-term vision, both in character and philosophy.

However, the season has been marked by inconsistency, with the Canaries failing to sustain a credible play-off push. Their struggles became particularly pronounced in the final third of the campaign, where they managed just one win in their last ten matches – a run of form that ultimately cost him his job.

Jack Wilshere has been made the interim head coach for the final two games of the season, but who will be the permanent addition at the helm remains unclear.

Football League World has today brought the latest news around the search.

The reason behind Johannes Hoff Thorup's sacking

As previously alluded to, Johannes Hoff Thorup was seen as someone who aligned closely with the Canaries’ long-term vision.

Supporters understood that his appointment was part of a longer-term project, and that success might only come further down the line. Therefore, it came as something of a surprise when, just shy of a year into his tenure, the club chose to part ways with him following a disappointing run of results.

Speaking about the sacking, sporting director Ben Knapper revealed just why his stay at Carrow Road had become untenable.

“Whilst we made this appointment with a long-term focus and in line with our wider club strategy and direction, unfortunately recent results and performances have deemed it necessary for us make a change," Knapper told Norwich City's in-house media.

For Thorup, the decision may have come as something of a surprise, but with results and performances on a downward trajectory, it’s often difficult to turn things around once that momentum is lost.

Jack Wilshere's big Norwich City opportunity

Following Thorup’s dismissal, Jack Wilshere has been handed a huge opportunity at just 33 years of age, stepping up from his role as first-team coach to take charge as head coach for the final two games of the season.

Before making his move to the Canaries in October, he was Arsenal Under-18s coach and led them to the 2022‑23 FA Youth Cup final.

Since then, he has worked under the Dane’s guidance, but his budding coaching career will face its first real test when he takes on Middlesbrough this Saturday. Beyond that, he’ll round off the season with a fittingly nostalgic fixture against Cardiff City – currently under the caretaker management of his former Arsenal team-mate, Aaron Ramsey.

Whether Wilshere is in contention for the permanent role remains to be seen. However, given that his footballing philosophy closely aligns with Norwich’s, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him seriously considered – particularly if he impresses over the final two games of the season.

Russell Martin reunion could be on the cards

One potential option that could be considered is a return to Carrow Road for Russell Martin. The former Southampton manager spent nine years at Norwich during his playing days, making over 300 appearances and playing a key role in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League on two occasions - something he would look to recreate as a manager.

Football League World's Canaries pundit, Zeke Downes, was particularly keen on the option.

"I think Russell Martin will be up there," he told FLW.

"He has his links to Norwich and he did an okay job with Southampton, but he wasn't great in the Premier League. It could be him, it could be Wilshere on a permanent, but I think Wilshere isn't going to be ready for that yet. It could also be a random name from abroad who we haven't heard of yet."

While he found the Premier League a challenge during his time with the Saints, his performance in the Championship was impressive, guiding them to promotion via the play-offs in 2023–24. He also enjoyed a positive spell at Swansea City, and his clear tactical vision aligns well with the possession-based style that the Norwich hierarchy are so keen to implement.

A reunion with Martin certainly appears to be a realistic option, but we’re likely to learn more about other potential candidates in the coming weeks.