Norwich City Football Club have confirmed that Jack Wilshere will not be considered for the permanent managerial position after his recent stint as caretaker manager. This decision follows the club's parting of ways with Johannes Hoff Thorup, whose tenure was marred by a disappointing run that left Norwich well outside the Championship playoff spots.
Wilshere, who previously served as the first-team coach, stepped into the caretaker role towards the end of the season, overseeing two matches. His brief tenure included a goalless draw against Middlesbrough and a notable 4-2 victory against Cardiff City, who have since been relegated. Despite a flicker of optimism during his time in charge, speculation about his candidacy for the permanent role has been firmly dismissed. Journalist John Percy reports that Norwich City will primarily focus on external candidates in their search for a new manager.
In comments to BBC Radio Norfolk, sporting director Ben Knapper praised Wilshere, stating, "Jack is a fantastic person; he and I have a big history together. He's a great coach and will be a fantastic head coach, but that's not going to be here at this particular moment in time." This statement underscores the club’s intention to recruit an experienced manager capable of providing the stability necessary to reignite Norwich's promotion ambitions.
This season has been challenging for Norwich City, with the club recording only the 13th best home performance in the Championship, winning just ten out of 23 matches at Carrow Road. The urgency for a solid managerial appointment is evident, as the club’s aspirations for the upcoming season hinge on finding the right individual to navigate a difficult landscape.
As Norwich City accelerates its search for a new manager, time is of the essence. The club are preparing for pre-season training and face a crucial summer transfer window. Insiders suggest that the incoming manager will need to be ready to lead a significant rebuild, as former players have already warned of the extensive work required to avoid becoming entrenched in mid-table obscurity.