Norwich City are closing in on Bristol City head coach Liam Manning, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
It’s been an underwhelming campaign for the Canaries. They made the decision to part company with David Wagner a year ago following a play-off semi final defeat against Leeds United.
This saw the East Anglians switch tact, appointing the relatively unknown Johannes Hoff Thorup. The Dane arrived in England after rising through the coaching ranks at FC Nordsjælland, initially signing a three-year deal at Carrow Road.
An array of incomings last summer saw a host of changes to the playing squad. It was widely accepted that it would be a transition season for Norwich, and that showed on the pitch. They never really looked like breaking into the top six and spent the majority of the campaign in mid-table.
Eventually, Hoff was shown the exit door in April, leaving first team coach Jack Wilshere to oversee the remaining two games.
Norwich Closing In On First Choice
Reports emerged earlier this month that Norwich had set their sights on Bristol City boss Liam Manning. The 39-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest young coaches in the EFL and guided the Robins to the play-offs.
They fell at the semi-final stage following a 6-0 aggregate defeat against Sheffield United, which led to rumours that a host of clubs were keeping an eye on his situation. This included Leicester City, who look set to part ways with Ruud van Nistelrooy following their relegation from the Premier League.
Liam Manning is close to joining Norwich City.
Bristol City boss established as a leading contender last week, as revealed with @alex_crook.
Norwich are prepared to pay Manning’s £800k release clause and an official approach is expected within 24 hours.🟡 pic.twitter.com/kR4R3JpXwN
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 25, 2025
It appears as if Norwich now look set to land their man. Ben Jacobs claim the Canaries are preparing to meet the former Oxford United boss’ £800,000 release clause at Ashton Gate, with an official approach due imminently.
Writer’s View
If this deal goes through, it would be a major coup for Norwich. Manning is widely tipped to work his way up the managerial ladder and eventually land a job in the Premier League. The work he has done at both Oxford and Bristol City has been impressive and the Canaries will be hoping he can hit the ground running. Still, it’s debateable as to whether this is a step up for the 39-year-old. Historically, Norwich have been the bigger club and have spent several seasons in the top tier. However, they do appear to be in transition and he won’t be afforded the patience he perhaps would have received at Ashton Gate should he have suffered a dip in form next season.
