Norwich City have removed manager Johannes Hoff Thorup from his post after their play-off ambitions went up in smoke.
The Canaries were well within the top six conversation for much of the season but after picking up just four points out of a possible 24 in recent weeks, their chances of reaching the semi-finals are now over. Their defeat to Millwall only compounded their woes on Easter Monday, and was the breaking point for the chiefs at Carrow Road.
Norwich Announce Departure And Replacement
The news was revealed in a club statement on Tuesday lunchtime, with a statement from Sporting Director Ben Knapper being released alongside the announcement. He said:
“Whilst 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 make a change.
“I’d like to place on record our sincere thanks to Johannes and Glen. They are both fantastic people who worked tirelessly to help improve and move our football club forward.
“We all wish the two of them the best in the next stage of their respective careers.”
The club revealed that former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere would take control for their final two games of the season against Middlesbrough and Cardiff City, with the Bluebirds being led by his ex-teammate at The Emirates in Aaron Ramsey.
Writer’s View
The expectations of Norwich City means that any manager had to deliver at least a play-off appearance and Johannes Hoff Thorup failed to deliver on that. It seems that their decision to sack David Wagner, whilst certainly justified to some extent, has backfired as the former Huddersfield Town boss delivered exactly what was expected. City now have summer to find an appointment and rebuild, as it is unlikely to see their star players in Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent sticking around when clubs around Europe are showing interest. Perhaps they could pursue a manager like Russell Martin, who proved his worth in the second tier with Southampton last season.
