Exclusive: David Prutton feels Russell Martin is a “tremendous fit” for Norwich City | OneFootball

David Prutton believes Norwich City must consider Russell Martin for their managerial vacancy after Johannes Hoff Thorup's exit.

David Prutton insists Norwich City must consider Russell Martin as the club begin their search for Johannes Hoff Thorup’s replacement.

There were high hopes for the Canaries this season under the Dane, but whilst there were some high points and some stylish attacking football, they struggled defensively and lacked consistency.

A run of five without a win, including four defeats, ended any chance Norwich had of reaching the play-offs, and the 3-1 loss at Millwall last time out proved to be the final straw for Thorup.

Russell Martin backed for Norwich City return

Jack Wilshere is leading the team for the final two games of the season, with the hierarchy now having time to make a decision on who will succeed Thorup.

Naturally, there has been plenty of talk about who could come in, and Martin’s name has been mentioned.

The 39-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by Southampton earlier in the campaign, and he has a connection with the club, having captained Norwich and made over 300 appearances for them in his playing days.

When you combine that with the fact he has a promotion from the Championship with Saints on his CV, Martin looks like a good fit.

And, speaking exclusively to FLW, pundit Prutton made it clear that he thinks Martin has to be under consideration for the vacancy.

“That is a tremendous fit. The moving on of David Wagner hasn’t worked, and the evolution they were looking for hasn’t come to fruition.

“Injuries and suspensions haven’t helped over the course of the season, but they have some very, very good players. I think Norwich would definitely consider someone like Russell, and I don’t think his currency has been tainted too much by what went on at Southampton, and he did a great job to get them up.

“Given his connection to Norwich, it could be a homecoming of sorts, and I don’t think it’s one that they should not consider, because of what they’re after, and what a former boss of theirs Daniel Farke has done with Leeds, they want to be in a similar position.

“Russell has done that, as has Rob Edwards, so they’re two men you feel would be on the shortlist.”

Russell Martin could build a long-term project at Norwich City

Martin appears to be a divisive manager in football, as he has such a clear philosophy and way of playing, which some don’t like.

But, he has proven himself in the Championship, winning promotion with Southampton, and he did well at Swansea prior to that, so he ticks a lot of boxes for Norwich in that sense.

As well as that, the Canaries have a lot of technical players in their squad, so you could see them adapting to Martin’s demands, and playing the sort of football he wants.

Of course, the fact he was such a favourite at Carrow Road in his playing days means this would be an emotional move for Martin if it were to happen.