Norwich City Football Club has announced that Neil Adams will depart from his role as technical director at the conclusion of the 2025/26 Championship season, marking the end of a significant chapter in his long-standing association with the club. At 60 years old, Adams has been a pivotal figure at Norwich, and his exit is poised to instigate a shift within the club's football leadership structure.
Lee Dunn, currently the head of recruitment, will take over as technical director, collaborating closely with sporting director Ben Knapper at Carrow Road. The club is also assessing options to fill Dunn’s position, weighing the possibility of promoting from within against the prospect of seeking external candidates as part of a broader reorganisation of its football operations.
In addition to Adams' departure, reports suggest that Dean Rastrick, the head of football development, is in discussions regarding a similar role with Premier League club Everton. Rastrick returned to Norwich in 2023 after a spell at Tottenham, succeeding Steve Weaver in his current position. Read more about Adams Set to Depart as Norwich City Faces Major Transition.
Knapper reflected on Adams’ impactful tenure, stating, “Neil has been an incredible servant to Norwich City, and his contribution cannot be overstated. I’ve been fortunate to work very closely with him during my time here, and his knowledge, passion and love for the club has been clear to see.” He further acknowledged Adams' enduring legacy, adding, “He has been an invaluable support over recent years, and he will rightly go down as a club legend for his contributions and many achievements over an incredible four decades. Everyone associated with the football club is grateful for Neil’s fantastic service across his many roles. He will depart with the appreciation and very best wishes of our players and staff, and I’m sure he will remain close by and connected to the club moving forwards.”
Adams’ illustrious history with Norwich includes over 200 appearances as a player. He transitioned to coaching in 2008, leading the under-18s to victory in the FA Youth Cup in 2013, defeating Chelsea in an exciting two-legged final. Following the departure of Chris Hughton, Adams briefly served as interim manager before being appointed permanently in May 2014, although his tenure in that capacity lasted just 32 matches before he stepped down, paving the way for Alex Neil to lead the team to promotion through the play-offs. Adams returned to Norwich in July 2015 as loans manager after a brief period with England's U17 side, and he became assistant sporting director under Stuart Webber in September 2021. Read more about EFL Expands Play-Offs to Six Teams for 2026/27.
Dunn has played a vital role in the club’s recruitment strategy since joining Norwich in 2013 as a match analyst. He has steadily progressed through the ranks, taking on the head of recruitment role in 2021. His work in securing the signing of Mathias Kvistgaarden in the summer of 2025 was particularly highlighted by Knapper, as the club successfully competed against rivals in France, Germany, and the Premier League.
As Norwich City navigates this transition, the changes signal a pivotal moment for the club's footballing vision and strategy, with both Adams and Dunn having had a profound impact on the club's trajectory over the years.