Norwich City sent shockwaves through the Championship today by announcing the sacking of their manager.

After a string of underwhelming performances and growing fan unrest, the club’s hierarchy decided it was time for a change. With the Canaries sitting outside the play-off spots and ambitions for promotion slipping away, patience finally ran out.

Naturally, as one door closes, many more open. There is never a shortage of candidates when a job as attractive as Norwich becomes available. The infrastructure, fanbase, and potential at Carrow Road make it one of the most appealing vacancies in English football. With that in mind, here are five managers who MUST be on Norwich’s shortlist as they plot their next move.

Russell Martin

Russell Martin is a name that will immediately resonate with Norwich supporters, having spent some of the best years of his playing career at Carrow Road. Since moving into management, Martin has carved out a strong reputation for implementing a possession-based style of football, first at MK Dons and then impressively at Swansea City.

Most recently, Martin was in charge at Southampton, leaving the club in December 2024. While Saints’ season did not quite hit the heights expected, Martin’s commitment to developing young players and playing attractive football would align perfectly with Norwich’s ethos. Given his history with the club and his progressive philosophy, he feels like a natural fit.

Gary O’Neil

Another strong contender is Gary O’Neil, who departed Wolverhampton Wanderers on the same day as Martin left Southampton. O’Neil’s reputation has skyrocketed in recent years, after guiding Bournemouth to safety against all odds and then doing commendable work at Wolves despite limited resources.

O’Neil’s pragmatic yet positive approach would bring balance to a Norwich side that has at times lacked resilience. He knows how to build organised, competitive teams and would not be daunted by the pressure of a promotion push. His man-management skills are highly regarded, and he has shown he can get the best out of squads that others have struggled with.

Steve Cooper

If Norwich are dreaming of a return to the Premier League, they could do a lot worse than Steve Cooper. The former Swansea and Nottingham Forest manager is still highly thought of despite a brief and difficult spell at Leicester City, which ended in November 2024.

Cooper’s track record in developing young talent and building cohesive teams makes him an appealing option. His work at Forest, taking them from the Championship wilderness to Premier League safety, is still fresh in the memory. Cooper’s ability to build momentum quickly would be crucial for Norwich, who desperately need a new spark.

Jack Wilshere

Perhaps the most intriguing option is already within the club. Jack Wilshere, appointed today as interim manager, is being talked about as a possible permanent successor.

The former Arsenal and England midfielder has worked with Norwich’s academy sides and has been highly praised for his coaching potential. While inexperienced, Wilshere brings fresh ideas, a high footballing IQ, and a hunger to prove himself. His appointment would certainly excite younger fans and could rejuvenate the dressing room.

Sean Dyche

Finally, if Norwich want to play it safe and shore up their promotion hopes with proven experience, they could turn to Sean Dyche. The veteran manager, who left Everton in January 2025, would bring a wealth of Premier League know-how and a reputation for building resilient, hard-to-beat teams.

Dyche’s style might not fit the “Norwich Way” blueprint of free-flowing football, but if the brief is simply to get the club promoted, he is as dependable as they come. His work at Burnley showed he can build clubs sustainably and instil a strong mentality.

Conclusion

Norwich City’s next appointment could define their future. Whether they opt for a club legend like Russell Martin, a rising star like Gary O’Neil, the tactical mind of Steve Cooper, the fresh energy of Jack Wilshere, or the safe hands of Sean Dyche, the decision must be the right one.

The Canaries have the structure to succeed—but without a clear vision from the dugout, promotion will remain a distant dream. The pressure is on the board to get this right. One thing is certain: there is no shortage of quality candidates ready to take flight at Carrow Road.