Norwich City face major stumbling block in managerial search, one top option faces hurdle ahead of potential arrival

Norwich City have been handed a difficult update amid their search for Johannes Hoff Thoru’s successor.

With the 2024/25 Championship regular season drawn to its conclusion, Norwich City’s focus remains on appointing a new head coach in a timely manner to ensure that plenty of time is available to plan ahead of the next campaign.

The Norwich City hierarchy was far from pleased with the form at the back end of the season which saw them drop out of contention for the play-offs, resulting in Johannes Hoff Thoru’s dismissal at the club.

Jack Wilshere plugged the gap in the remaining games, and now Norwich are faced with the task of finding Thoru’s successor.

One of their top options, however, looks set to hit a stumbling block, something that would majorly impact his ability to take up a role in England.

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Financial issues could prevent Norwich City from Pep Ljinders’ deal

Norwich City are set to be ambitious with their next appointment, with Pep Ljinders being a concrete option for the Canaries, per Alan Nixon on Patreon.

However, Nixon suggests that such a deal may not be possible since the 42-year-old is ‘still due to be paid two years of his contract in Austria ‘.

Such financial issues would supposedly affect his ability to take a job in England, a huge blow for the Canaries, with them reportedly prioritising a deal for the former Liverpool coach ahead of fellow candidates with Championship experience.

Linders was sacked at RB Salzburg after 28 games, having won 13, drawn seven, and lost a total of eight matches.

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Pep Ljinders and RB Salzburg financial issues could be a blessing in disguise for Canaries

Whilst Ljinders has proven himself previously to be a top coach, Norwich City may need that stability that can be more guaranteed when bringing in someone with vast Championship experience.

Ljinders was top of their priority list, but his appointment still would have been somewhat of a risk, especially when there will be pressure on the Canaries to mount a play-off push next season at the minimum.

Rather than sitting patiently waiting for Ljinders’ situation to potentially resolve, Norwich need to move on; it is crucial that an appointment is made swiftly to provide as much planning time ahead of the season as possible…

Norwich City in race with a number of clubs interested in Championship play-offs manager, he’s doing a brilliant job

EFL Analysis have gained an insight into Norwich City’s ongoing search for a Johannes Hoff Thorup replacement.

Johannes Hoff Thorup was sacked by Norwich City with two games of the Championship season to go, following a concerning dip in form.

Jack Wilshere took interim charge of the Canaries for the final two fixtures, picking up four points from a possible six.

It was understood that the club’s hierarchy were feeling good about Wilshere, however, the ex-midfielder has now left Norwich after being ruled out of the running for the permanent role.

We now have a fresh update on the club’s ongoing hunt to find a new manager.

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Norwich City interested in Bristol City manager Liam Manning

EFL Analysis understands that Norwich City do have an interest in Bristol City manager Liam Manning.

Norfolk native Manning has done a brilliant job taking Bristol City to the play-offs, and his performance has caught the attention of a number of clubs.

We are told a number of the Championship clubs in the market for a new boss do have an interest in Manning, and one of those is Norwich.

Norwich are assessing their options after deciding against going with a rookie in the shape of Wilshere, and former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is one who is keen on landing the post.

It is not known whether Manning would be open to moving to Carrow Road, but Bristol City would fight to keep their boss.

Liam Manning’s record as Bristol City manager

Manning took over Bristol on November 7, 2023, and has since taken charge of 82 fixtures across all competitions.

He has won 28, drawn 25 and lost the remaining 29 matches as the Robins’ boss.

Bristol City ended 2023/24 in 11th place, but Manning’s first full season in charge was much better.

Bristol finished the most recent campaign up in sixth – their highest Championship finish since 2007/08 (fourth).

They went on to lose to Sheffield United in the Championship play-off semi-finals.