Norwich City: Liam Manning’s first words as head coach
Liam Manning is committed to giving Norwich City supporters a team ‘they can be proud of’ after being confirmed as the club’s new head coach.
Manning has signed a four-year deal at Carrow Road and is expected to be joined in Norfolk by long-term assistant Chris Hogg and first-team coach James Krause, with talks ongoing with Bristol City over their exits.
The 39-year-old has become the 44th Canaries boss and the first hailing from Norwich, with his links to East Anglia wide-reaching as both a player and a coach.
It is the strength of City’s footballing project that has tempted Manning back to Norfolk though, not the geography involved in his move from Ashton Gate. He is hoping to kick them on after a 13th-placed Championship finish last season.
“I’m privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to work for this fantastic football club. It’s a wonderful club with a big history and tradition,” speaking to City’s official club channels.
“When I spoke to Ben and the owners about the opportunity here, I was really impressed by their vision and strategy for moving the club forward. I felt a clear alignment in how they want to play and develop players – that is something I was really excited to be a part of.
“It’s clear, there has already been a lot of valuable groundwork laid in recent seasons – it’s now important we build further on that and move the club forward.
“I’m really excited to meet the supporters and will do everything possible to give them a club they can be proud of.”
Manning emerged as City’s preferred candidate following an extensive recruitment process that was kickstarted by Johannes Hoff Thorup’s exit in April.
That involved talking to former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil and Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders along with three unknown overseas coaches. Manning’s ability to outperform resources and his football strategy aligned with City’s methods.
Manning is expected to be officially unveiled at a press conference after his family holiday at the start of next week.
