Liam Manning’s true motivation for Norwich City switch revealed as Bristol City doubts emerge
We’ve been keeping a close eye on Liam Manning’s movements in the last few days as he closes in on the Norwich City job, and we can now exclusively reveal his thinking behind taking the role.
Liam Manning and Bristol City were one of the big success stories in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, with the Robins making it to the play-offs against all the odds.
Bristol City were duly dispatched by Sheffield United in brutal fashion there, and will have to go again next season. But, they may have to do that without Manning, it seems.
Norwich City were first linked with Manning earlier this month, and we’re now told his appointment at Carrow Road is imminent.
- READ MORE: Sky Sports commentator sympathises with Bristol City after ‘cruel’ play-off defeat to Sheffield United, it’s ‘tough to take’
Why is Liam Manning joining Norwich City?
On Monday, we revealed Manning was ready to accept Norwich’s approach and make the move back to Norfolk to be closer to his family.
But, EFL Analysis can now exclusively reveal thanks to information from Graeme Bailey that the geographical advantages are not the only driving factor behind his decision.
We are told Manning is keen on the Norwich City project because he believes the Canaries are better equipped to win promotion and make it to the Premier League when compared to the resources he has available at Bristol City.
It is said Manning is well aware of how big a club Norwich are and the potential they have, and that has played a part in his decision to make the switch.
- READ MORE:Â Jack Wilshere breaks silence after leaving Norwich City and reveals reason behind his decision
The task ahead for Liam Manning at Norwich City
If and when Manning does take over at Norwich, he will have his work cut out to get the Canaries in shape for that promotion push he wants and that the club will expect.
In the wake of Johannes Hoff Thorup’s departure, fans became disillusioned with the players for their perceived poor attitude on and off the field.
Manning will have to unite that dressing room and get the players fired up for the new campaign, but he will also very likely have a rebuild job on his hands, too.
Borja Sainz is wanted by top clubs already, and Josh Sargent is also expected to be Premier League bound.
Still, Manning will have targets at Bristol City he may want to bring with him. It will be an interesting project to watch unfold, that’s for sure.
Two Champions League giants are in talks to sign ‘exceptional’ Championship talent this summer
Championship clubs are set for a thrilling summer transfer window of incomings, but several players could also leave for pastures new.
The 2024/25 Championship campaign reached an exciting climax on Saturday. Tommy Watson’s late winner from the bench sent Sunderland to the Premier League at Sheffield United’s expense.
Sunderland will plan to do the impossible by staying in England’s top flight, but while promotion could see numerous players remain, one is seemingly on his way out.
Eintracht Frankfurt are pushing to sign Jobe Bellingham alongside Borussia Dortmund, with the 19-year-old travelling to Germany for talks.
Frankfurt and Dortmund can promise Bellingham Champions League football in 2025/26, and he isn’t the only Championship talent potentially heading for Europe’s elite competition.
- READ MORE:Â Sunderland destined to struggle next season as fans make Premier League prediction, only one thing can save them
Norwich City star Borja Sainz is in talks with Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal
Although Norwich City are close to appointing Liam Manning as their new manager, stealing him from second-tier rivals Bristol City, the Canaries are preparing to lose star attacker Borja Sainz.
Sheffield United were linked with Sainz in March, who netted an impressive 18 goals in the Championship last term, with two Champions League clubs now chasing his signature.
According to The Pink Un, the 24-year-old has been in talks with Athletic Bilbao after speaking to football chief Mikel González since the end of the season.
Sainz posted on his social media accounts of him back in Bilbao last week watching Tottenham beat Manchester United in the Europa League final, and now he could return to the club where he started his career.
After posting an eye-catching campaign in England’s second tier, the Spaniard also has interest from another Champions League club in Villarreal.
- READ MORE: Gary Lineker pays tribute to ‘incredible’ Jamie Vardy as Leicester City prepare for the Championship
What Ben Knapper has said about Sainz’s future
Sainz was in the race for the Championship Golden Boot for a while before a late flurry from Leeds United’s Joel Piroe saw him steal the prize with 19 goals.
But after recording his best career return to date, sporting director Ben Knapper accepts that he can’t stand in the way of players wanting Premier League or Champions League football.
