Norwich City are embarking on a significant transformation of their football operations, marked by the landmark appointment of Dr. Paul Ford as the club's first performance director. This strategic decision underscores the Canaries' commitment to enhancing their elite sporting framework ahead of the new season. Read more about Mousinho Targets Vital Points as Pompey Face Norwich.
Dr. Ford joins Norwich with over 15 years of experience in high-performance leadership roles, notably with Team GB and the British Olympic Association. In his new role, he will develop a comprehensive strategy that encompasses medical care, performance, nutrition, and psychology. The club is optimistic that his expertise will help address the injury issues that have plagued the team in recent campaigns.
Entering his first position in professional football, Dr. Ford will oversee both the medical and performance departments. He is expected to promote collaboration among coaching staff, performance analysts, and medical professionals. His role mirrors that of Claire-Marie Roberts at Coventry City, who holds a similar position in the Championship. Dr. Ford is set to officially begin his duties next week. Read more about Stacey Set for Return as Canaries Target Vital Win.
The introduction of a performance director coincides with a broader restructuring of Norwich's football operations. Alongside Dr. Ford's appointment, the club has promoted Lee Dunn to assistant sporting director, effective immediately. Dunn will continue to lead recruitment and scouting initiatives while expanding his responsibilities to include loan management, player pathways, and analytics. His promotion follows the retirement of Neil Adams earlier this summer.
Ben Knapper, the sporting director, expressed confidence in Dunn's capabilities, stating, “Lee is fully deserving of this step, and I’m looking forward to continuing the close working relationship he and I have.” Knapper further asserted, “He’s a well-respected figure, both inside the club as well as externally, and having him in a role where he can continue to heavily drive scouting and recruitment, whilst also influencing more broadly across other areas of our football operation, will be hugely beneficial.”
Knapper also welcomed Dr. Ford, describing him as “a really exciting hire.” He highlighted Ford's extensive experience in high-performance management, noting, “His knowledge of elite athlete management across multiple sports will be invaluable for us going forwards. He’ll bring a fresh and innovative perspective that will help take our programme to the next level.”
As Dunn transitions into his new responsibilities, Norwich are actively pursuing a new head of scouting, with reports suggesting that progress is being made towards this appointment. Additionally, the club is preparing to fill the head of football development position, as Dean Rastrick is set to join Everton following an agreement between the two clubs. Rastrick's departure follows another significant exit, with Joe Shulberg moving to Rapid Vienna to join the coaching team of former Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup.
In a further administrative change, long-serving club secretary Andrew Blofeld has taken on a new role as head of football administration and operations. This move reflects Norwich's commitment to refining their organisational structure as they aim for success in the forthcoming seasons.