Norwich City announced earlier today that they have parted company with manager David Wagner.
The 52-year-old German couldn’t save his job despite reaching the play-offs this season. However, the Canaries lost out on a chance of promotion to the Premier League following a 4-0 defeat across two legs to Leeds United.
Wagner’s job was under threat in the early stages of the campaign when his side picked up two wins in 10 between September and November. However, they recovered well to climb the table during the second half of the season, losing just three of their last 17 league outings.
Norwich retain ambitions of returning to the top tier and this decision will have been made with that in mind. With that said, let’s take a look at five potential candidates who could take the hot seat at Carrow Road:
Carlos Cuesta
Despite being a relative unknown in terms of senior management, Cuesta has plenty of pedigree and is one of the early frontrunners for the vacancy at Norwich.
He is currently assistant manager to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, who are still pushing to be crowned champions with just one game of the season remaining. The 28-year-old has also been an assistant at Juventus academy and Athletico Madrid under 17s.
If he’s looking to take the first steps into senior management, there are worse clubs to start at.
Steve Cooper
Eyebrows were raised in some corners as Nottingham Forest announced the departure of Cooper in December. The Welshman managed Swansea City for two years and was in the East Midlands for the same amount of time before being replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.
If Norwich are looking for somebody dependable who will bring stability and will want to build, they could do a lot worse than look at the ex-defender.
Cooper also has international honours having managed England at youth level from 2014 to 2019.
Will Still
Still has been in France for the past few seasons gaining his UEFA license whilst also managing Ligue 1 outfit Reims. He built up such a reputation that the club would take a financial hit in terms of a fine every time he took charge.
The 31-year-old Belgian left the French side earlier this month by mutual consent following two wins in 14 games. He had been earmarked by Sunderland but they appear to be taking a closer look at Liam Rosenior.
Still would fit the model as he likes to play a 4-2-3-1, the same formation the Canaries prefer. He is also keen on a job in the Championship.
Michael Skubala
Skubala is in his first full-time role in management at League One Lincoln City, where he narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
A late run saw them remain undefeated in 16 games before a shock home loss against Wigan Athletic. They eventually missed out on a top six finish due to a last-day defeat to champions Portsmouth. The ex-Leeds United man is likely to be hot property along with members of the Imps playing squad.
He has been integral to the success of players such as Joe Taylor, Lasse Sorensen and Ethan Erhahon and that won’t have gone unnoticed.
Liam Rosenior
Rosenior was let go by Hull City at the end of the season after narrowly missing out on the Championship play-offs by just three points, despite having a contract running until 2026.
It was stated at the time of his departure by owner Acun Ilicali that his and the manager shared different visions, but he had won two and drawn two of his last five games in charge.
With Sunderland keen on the 39-year-old, we could see a Championship tug-of-war for his services. He has also held coaching roles at Derby County and Brighton and Hove Albion so despite his young age, he would bring an air of experience to Carrow Road.
