Norwich City Sacks Thorup, Appoints Jack Wilshere as Interim Manager Amidst Struggling Season

Norwich City has made a swift and decisive change in management, announcing the sacking of head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup and appointing former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere as interim boss for the remaining two games of their Championship season. The move comes after a disappointing run of form, including six defeats in eight matches, which has seen the Canaries plummet to 14th place in the table – 13 points outside the coveted playoff positions.

Thorup, who took over in May 2024 following David Wagner’s departure amidst the club’s play-off defeat by Leeds United, leaves Carrow Road with a record of 14 wins from 47 games. His assistant, Glen Riddersholm, has also departed the club.

Speaking about the decision, sporting director Ben Knapper stated: “While 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 to make a change.” Knapper emphasized that the club’s approach is focused on building a stronger, more strategically aligned team.

Wilshere, 28, will be assisted by Tony Roberts and Nick Stanley in his temporary role. He inherits a challenging situation but has been given the responsibility of guiding Norwich through their final two fixtures – a trip to Middlesbrough this Saturday and a home game against Cardiff City on May 3rd. Thorup himself expressed his disappointment, stating shortly before his dismissal that “There is no short-term solution here, it’s long-term and hopefully with all the decisions we have taken and are going to take we’ll build an even stronger team, a team that is better suited to the way we want to play.” The appointment signals a clear intent for Norwich to reassess their managerial strategy as they look ahead to future seasons.

Related topics: Norwich City, Championship, Football, Jack Wilshere, Management Change