Norwich City Part Ways with Head Coach Liam Manning Amid Poor Performance

Norwich City announced the dismissal of head coach Liam Manning on June 3, following a disappointing streak that saw the team suffer its seventh consecutive home defeat, placing them second from the bottom in the Championship standings.

Manning, 40, was appointed in June after successfully guiding Bristol City to the playoffs last season. However, his tenure at Norwich lasted only 17 matches, with his final game resulting in a 2-1 loss to Leicester City. The club has not secured a victory in the last 11 games and has faced eight consecutive home losses across league and cup competitions.

Sporting director Ben Knapper expressed the challenging nature of recent performances, stating, “We have tried absolutely everything possible to work through this incredibly challenging period, but unfortunately, given the recent run of results and performances, we have been left with no choice other than to make a change at this stage.” He also acknowledged the hard work of Manning and his staff, wishing them the best for their future endeavors.

In the interim, first-team coach Ryan Garry has taken charge, supported by goalkeeper coach Tony Roberts and set-piece coach Nick Stanley.

Following the latest defeat, protests erupted outside Carrow Road, with fans voicing their dissatisfaction and demanding changes within the club’s leadership. It marks a historic low, as this is the first time a team in the second tier of English football has lost its first seven home league games in a season.

Knapper addressed the fans’ frustrations, stating, “We very much understand the frustration and criticism from our supporters at this stage. So far, results and performances on the pitch haven’t been good enough. We accept that responsibility, but it’s now imperative that we start to repair the relationship with our supporters and do everything we can to give them something to get behind.”

Under Manning’s leadership, Norwich has recorded 10 losses in 15 Championship games, including a significant 3-1 defeat to Ipswich Town, marking their first loss in an East Anglia derby in 16 years. The club is on the lookout for its fifth permanent manager since Daniel Farke, who is now at Leeds United, left in November 2021 after leading them to two promotions to the Premier League.

Manning, a Norwich native who began his career in the club’s academy, transitioned to coaching after stints in non-league football and various managerial roles, including at MK Dons and Oxford United, prior to his time at Bristol City.

Despite a summer transfer window that saw 12 new signings, the team lost key players, including Borja Sainz, who scored 18 goals last season, and Marcelino Nunez, both of whom were sold for substantial fees. United States international Josh Sargent started the season strong with six goals but has not found the net in his last 11 appearances, leaving the team struggling for scoring options.

In his final post-match interview, Manning reflected on his time at Norwich, saying, “I don’t live my life with regrets; it’s part of my journey. I’m learning, I’m hurting, I’m frustrated and I’m hugely disappointed, because this is a club I care deeply about. I didn’t come here to be where we are. But we are, so I will do a lot of learning as to why.”

Manning’s assistant, Chris Hogg, and analyst, James Krause, have also departed the club.