Norwich City owner Mark Attanasio has publicly backed under-pressure head coach Liam Manning, insisting “relegation is not an option” despite the club’s alarming Championship form.
The American businessman appeared on BBC Radio Norfolk’s Canary Call to address growing supporter frustration, confirming that both Manning and sporting director Ben Knapper retain the board’s full confidence.
Faith in Manning Despite Crisis Form
The Canaries are second-from-bottom in the Championship table with just 8 points from 12 matches, and a run of 5 consecutive defeats has intensified pressure on the 39-year-old boss.
But Attanasio said stability remains the priority, stressing that the club’s long-term vision depends on consistency rather than another managerial change.
“There’s no plan to sack Liam,” Attanasio said. “We hired Liam due to his record as an English football coach. He’s a hard worker with high integrity, and he left a really good job at Bristol City to come here.”
Norwich owner has just publicly backed Manning.
“The answer is no, there’s no plan to sack Liam. We hired Liam due to his record as an English football coach.”
“We are going to give him time to succeed,”
#canarycall #ncfc pic.twitter.com/WRtYOP81r7
— Championship Terrace Talk (@ChampionshpTalk) October 29, 2025
Attanasio’s Norfolk Holdings group became majority shareholders in March, holding an 85% stake in the club. He acknowledged that everyone at the club is “accountable” for the current struggles but emphasised that Manning deserves time to embed his approach and rebuild the squad.
The American owner also addressed one of the summer’s biggest controversies, the £10m sale of playmaker Marcelino Núñez to rivals Ipswich Town, describing it as a “PR own goal” but defending the management’s autonomy in recruitment decisions.
Ground Plans Paused After Fan Opposition
An update on the proposed stadium development plans from ownership ℹ️
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) October 29, 2025
Attanasio also confirmed that proposed redevelopment work at Carrow Road has been paused following strong fan opposition. The plans would have seen around 3,000 season-ticket holders relocated from the River End and South Stand to accommodate a new fan zone and expansion project.
“We’ve taken the decision to postpone the work to allow us and management time to consider feedback and optimise the plans,” the club said in a statement. “Carrow Road has been our home for 90 years, and we’re aware of the need to enhance supporter experience while maintaining its character.”
Attanasio said he was “willing to take the heat” during his first full year as majority owner, adding that he has met with players and staff during his current visit to assess morale and leadership within the club.
“I am someone who chooses to show up when there is a challenge, not shy away,” he added. “Every person that has called in knows more about football, but I know more about assessing management than anyone that has called in. I’m not going to let anyone pull the wool over my eyes.”
Attanasio will miss this weekend’s home fixture against Hull City due to a funeral in the US, but he confirmed he watches every match live and often finds himself “screaming at the television” in frustration.
With Norwich’s season on the brink, his public show of faith in Manning could prove decisive. Whether that trust is rewarded on the pitch remains to be seen, but for now, the message from the top is clear: stability, not panic, will guide Norwich City’s next steps.
