Norwich City eyeing Stoke City boss and ex-Wolves manager to replace Liam Manning if he's sacked | OneFootball

Norwich City manager Liam Manning is under pressure to keep his job

Norwich City have a number of potential Liam Manning replacements reportedly lined up.

The Canaries have suffered a woeful start to the 2025/26 campaign, winning just two of their opening 10 league matches to sit 20th in the table.

There were a number of changes at Carrow Road throughout the summer, including the appointment of Liam Manning as manager, which sparked excitement throughout the Norfolk side’s fanbase.

Manning had just led Bristol City, on a significantly smaller budget, to the play-offs for the first time in 17 years.

Given Norwich’s increased resources and quality of players, it seemed only natural that their new boss would enjoy even greater success with them.

That hasn’t appeared to be the case though and the Canaries are currently on a run of six league matches without a victory.

As they slip further and further away from play-off contention, rumours have begun to spark over a potential change of manger at Carrow Road.

Mark Robins reported to head list of Liam Manning replacements

Naturally, pressure has started to mount on Manning due to the poor nature of Norwich’s recent results.

If the Canaries believe that things really aren’t working out with their new boss, deciding to cut their losses as soon as possible could prevent them slipping further away from the top six.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey via X, the Norfolk outfit are ready to part ways with Manning and already have a list of potential replacements to take over.

These candidates include Mark Robins, Gary O'Neil and Danny Rohl, with Stoke City’s current boss their preferred target.

Bailey states that Robins does have a release clause inserted in his contract with the Potters.

The 55-year-old was appointed as Stoke City manager in January, after seeing his seven-year stint in charge of Coventry City terminated a couple of months prior.

Stoke have started the current campaign strongly, picking up points in eight of their opening 10 league matches to sit third in the table.

Prying Mark Robins away from Stoke City would be a tough ask

Although Norwich may reportedly be hoping to secure Robins’ services if Manning is dismissed, that could be a task easier said than done.

Stoke City have enjoyed their best start to a season since relegation from the Premier League in 2018 and will be desperate not to let anything disrupt that rhythm.

Losing Robins would be majorly deflating for the Potters’ squad and would more than likely affect performances on the pitch.

A reported release clause could make the Canaries’ life easier in attracting the 55-year-old, but his intent to swap Stoke for Norwich would still be needed to complete a move.