Norwich City have parted ways with head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup after just under a year in charge, marking a swift end to a tenure that began with high hopes but unraveled with disappointing results. The 36-year-old Dane, appointed in May 2024 to replace David Wagner, struggled to maintain consistent form, culminating in a run of six defeats in eight Championship matches.
Sporting director Ben Knapper confirmed the decision, emphasizing that while the appointment had been made with a long-term vision, recent performances forced the club’s hand. “While we made this appointment with a long-term focus and in line with our wider club strategy and direction, unfortunately recent results and performances have deemed it necessary for us to make a change,” Knapper said. Thorup departs with a record of just 14 wins from 47 games, alongside his assistant Glen Riddersholm, who also leaves Carrow Road.
Jack Wilshere Takes the Helm for Season’s Finale
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has been tasked with steadying the ship for Norwich City’s remaining two Championship matches. Wilshere, who joined Norwich’s coaching staff last October after managing Arsenal’s U-18 team, will be supported by Tony Roberts and Nick Stanley as he takes interim charge.
The 32-year-old faces an immediate test with an away trip to Middlesbrough, followed by a final-day home clash against Cardiff City on 3 May. Despite Norwich’s impressive attacking record — only leaders Leeds United have scored more Championship goals — defensive vulnerabilities have plagued the team, conceding 66 goals, the fifth-worst tally in the division. Wilshere’s short-term mission will be to restore some pride and assess the squad ahead of what promises to be a pivotal summer for the club.
Thorup’s Norwich Challenges: Injuries, Transfers, and Inconsistency
Thorup’s Norwich reign was marred by significant hurdles, starting with the departures of key players Jonathan Rowe and Gabriel Sara, who had been sold before the season began. Compounding these losses were persistent injury problems that undermined the squad’s stability throughout the campaign.
Norwich’s form fluctuated dramatically under Thorup. A strong unbeaten home run early in the season ended with a loss to Bristol City in November. December brought a bleak return of one point from four games, only for a New Year resurgence yielding 10 points from four matches. The arrival of seasoned professionals like Emiliano Marcondes and Anis Ben Slimane, alongside standout talents such as Borja Sainz and US striker Josh Sargent, briefly lifted spirits. However, Sainz’s six-match ban and a subsequent slump — beginning with a 3-2 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday — sealed Thorup’s fate. Norwich managed only one win in their final eight matches under his stewardship.
Ownership Expectations and the Search for a New Manager
The dismissal of Thorup underscores the shifting expectations at Carrow Road following the club’s ownership change. American Mark Attanasio’s Norfolk FB Holdings took over from long-time owners Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones in March, bringing fresh ambitions of Premier League promotion within three to five years.
Thorup had engaged in strategic discussions with Attanasio during the international break, emphasizing a united vision between the American and British contingents. Yet, the club’s recent collapse revealed a stark misalignment between plans and performances. Norwich’s search for a new permanent head coach is now underway, with hopes pinned on finding a leader capable of delivering consistent promotion challenges, reminiscent of the successful Alex Neil and Daniel Farke eras — albeit with the goal of sustaining top-flight status this time around.
Supporters’ Reaction: Patience Wears Thin
While there was initial sympathy for Thorup’s difficult circumstances, patience has worn thin among Norwich City supporters, particularly given the ambitions of the new American ownership. Despite attacking flair, persistent defensive frailties — notably exposed during heavy Easter defeats to Portsmouth and Millwall — made the manager’s position increasingly untenable.
Comparisons with Daniel Farke’s challenging first season in 2017-18 had provided Thorup some protection. However, with just one win in their past 10 matches, Norwich had become the Championship’s worst-performing team since early March. Supporters who once hoped Thorup might grow into the role ultimately saw enough evidence to accept a change was necessary. Now, with Jack Wilshere at the helm for the final two games, attention turns to how Norwich City will rebuild — and who will be trusted with leading the next phase of the club’s evolution.
