Norwich City have informed interim head coach Jack Wilshere that he is not under consideration to take the role on a permanent basis.
The Canaries opted to dismiss Johannes Hoff Thorup last month following an underwhelming debut campaign at Carrow Road. The expectation was to push for a top six finish, but that never looked likely and the Dane left with the club sitting 14th in the Championship.
Former England international Wilshere was handed the reins for the final two games of the season. The 33-year-old initially joined the East Anglians in October 2024 as a first team coach and was chosen to lead the team whilst a search for a permanent successor began.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder finished the campaign with a 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough before a comprehensive 4-2 victory over relegated Cardiff City on the final day.
Wilshere Not In Running
Despite a positive end to the season, Wilshere will have to wait a little longer to land his first permanent managerial role. Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, the news was confirmed by sporting director Ben Knapper:
“Jack is a fantastic person, he and I have a big history together.
“He’s a great coach and will be a fantastic head coach, but that’s not going to be here at this particular moment in time.”
Knapper also confirmed that the search for their new boss will be “focussed externally”. Others linked to the role include former Southampton managers Ralph Hasenhutl and Russell Martin, ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil and 2022 Championship play-off winner Steve Cooper.
Jack Wilshere WILL NOT be Norwich City’s next permanent head coach.
Sporting Director Ben Knapper says the new boss will be an external candidate.
Listen to a full interview here:https://t.co/vug3ZUDxKz
— BBC Norfolk (@BBCNorfolk) May 9, 2025
Writer’s View
Norwich will be determined to get their next appointment right as they shift attention to next season. Once considered one of England’s ‘yo-yo clubs’, they are now gearing up for their fourth successive Championship campaign. Many clubs would have taken a punt on Wilshere, epecially with the recent trend of opting for young up-and-coming coaches. However, he is only 33 and his time will come. Clearly, the Canaries feel that they need an experienced man to take the helm, perhaps one that has achieved success in the second tier previously.
