Norwich City manager search news: Gary O’Neil approach, Russell Martin link, Chris Sutton criticism | OneFootball

All the latest news surrounding Norwich City's search for a new manager

Norwich City confirmed their decision to part ways with Liam Manning following their 2-1 loss to Leicester City at the weekend.

The Canaries have endured a difficult first part of the season, and have now opted for a change in the dugout during the November international break.

The 40-year-old was only appointed in the summer, taking over the side in place of Johannes Hoff Thorup by making the jump from Bristol City.

Manning oversaw just two league wins from 15 games, leaving the team 23rd in the Championship table and four points adrift of safety.

Here we look at all the latest news surrounding Norwich’s pursuit of a new permanent manager…

Chris Sutton offers Liam Manning sympathy

Former Norwich star Chris Sutton has offered his sympathy to Manning after the decision to sack him was confirmed during the weekend.

The Sky Sports commentator has claimed that the manager was not the biggest issue with the team’s form this season, hinting at his wider criticisms of how the club are currently being run.

“I feel really sorry for Liam Manning,” wrote Sutton, via X.

“A thoroughly decent guy.

“Essentially being the fall guy for not getting the best out of the bang average new recruits… Manning isn’t the primary reason Norwich City are in this mess…”

Sporting director Ben Knapper has come under criticism for his role in Norwich’s difficult start to the campaign, particularly due to his role in player recruitment.

Gary O’Neil approach

Norwich have made an approach to former player Gary O’Neil about potentially succeeding Manning at the helm.

It has been exclusively revealed by FLW that the Canaries have made contact with the 42-year-old regarding their current managerial vacancy.

O’Neil has previously managed Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, and was linked with a return to Molineux recently before withdrawing himself from the running to replace Vitor Pereira.

The former midfielder spent two years at Carrow Road, making over 50 league appearances for the club during that time, so could be convinced to return to oversee the team as manager.

Russell Martin interest

Another former Norwich player has been linked with a possible return to the club to take over as manager in Russell Martin.

It has been reported by Give Me Sport that the 39-year-old is considering the role amid interest from the Canaries.

Martin is currently available after his dismissal from Rangers in October following a poor start to the season, and he has previous experience of the Championship from his time at Swansea City and Southampton.

But Martin has also been linked with a return to St. Mary’s in recent weeks, with the Hampshire outfit searching for a replacement to Will Still.

Ben Knapper seeks repair of Norwich fan relationship

Knapper has claimed that he worked with Manning to help turn around the team’s poor form in recent weeks, but that ultimately it was time to make a change in the dugout.

He has accepted responsibility amid supporter frustration, and has made it clear that he wants to repair the relationship with the fans going forward.

“We have tried absolutely everything possible to work through this incredibly challenging period but, unfortunately, given the recent run of results and performances, we have been left with no choice other than to make a change at this stage,” wrote Knapper, via the club’s official website.

“Liam and his staff worked tirelessly to move our football club forward.

“They are all fundamentally good people and we wish them the very best in whatever comes next.

“We very much understand the frustration and criticism from our supporters at this stage.

“So far, results and performances on the pitch haven’t been good enough.

“We accept that responsibility, but it’s now imperative that we start to repair the relationship with our supporters and do everything we can to give them something to get behind.”