“A shame” – Norwich City told to consider Russell Martin after appointment stance revealed
This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Russell Martin is not in contention to become the next Norwich City manager.
According to Pink Un, the former Southampton boss will not be returning to the club he once played for despite their search for a replacement for Johannes Hoff Thorup.
The 39-year-old is currently on the market after his dismissal from the Saints in December of last year, having previously guided the club to Premier League promotion.
Martin joined Norwich as a player in 2010, spending eight years at Carrow Road, making over 300 appearances in that time.
No Russell Martin return is a shame for Norwich
When asked about Martin not being discussed as the next manager, FLW’s Norwich fan pundit Zeke Downes claimed it is a shame.
He believes the club are likely looking for someone with a smaller profile that can grow with the Canaries, but admitted that the ex-Southampton manager would be a great appointment if he were to be looked at.
“It is a bit of a shame,” Downes told Football League World.
“I think he’s the one that I probably would’ve wanted, with his links to the club and the fact that he won promotion in the past.
| Russell Martin’s Southampton record (all competitions as per Transfermarkt) | ||||
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | W% |
| 73 | 33 | 14 | 26 | 45.21 |
“Plays a style of play that’s a lot like ours.
“He’s had a bit of Premier League experience, although it obviously didn’t go very well.
“But he’s probably got eyes above Norwich, maybe that’s why he’s not been contacted, or maybe it’s partially down to the fact that it didn’t with him too well at the club when he left.
“Who knows, but they’re probably wanting someone that’s got the league experience but isn’t that quite as well known and they’re able to grow with the club.
“But I don’t know who that would be, so it is a bit of a shame.
“I would’ve wanted him, but also we don’t want it to go badly and it souring the relationship with him and his legacy at the club.
“So, at the moment we don’t really know who is going to be in charge and it feels like it could last a little bit longer.”
Norwich finished 13th in the Championship table last season, earning 57 points.
Martin appointment would be great for Norwich
It’s surprising that Norwich haven’t made any effort to try and entice Martin to the club, even if he might not be interested at the moment.
Given his history with the Canaries, he would surely be considering a return to Carrow Road at some point in his managerial career.
Being the one to bring them back to the Premier League could potentially be an exciting project for him, so Norwich should at least look into whether he’d consider it.
He’s a solid candidate with a proven track record, and he knows the club and its fans quite well, so on paper he’d be a great choice to replace Thorup.
