Norwich target Southampton’s Ben Chorley
Norwich City are reportedly interested in signing Ben Chorley, who is set to leave Southampton, according to Football League World. Chorley, Southampton’s recent head of UK scouting, has announced his departure from St Mary’s Stadium.
The Canaries are looking to fill a new head of scouting role following recent backroom changes. Chorley, 43, would oversee Norwich’s general scouting department under sporting director Ben Knapper and assistant Lee Dunn.
Chorley’s career path from player to scout
Ben Chorley’s playing career began in Arsenal’s youth system, though he never made a senior appearance for the Gunners. He went on to play centre-half for clubs including Wimbledon, MK Dons, Gillingham, Tranmere, Leyton Orient, Stevenage, Portsmouth and Bromley.
Off the pitch, Chorley has quickly risen through the ranks. He managed Bromley’s under-18s before moving into scouting and sporting director roles at Swindon Town. In 2023, he joined the Sport Republic group as sporting director of French club Valenciennes, before switching to Southampton’s scouting department.
Norwich’s scouting overhaul and next steps
Backroom changes open new role
Norwich announced a series of behind-the-scenes changes last month, creating the head of scouting position Chorley is being linked with. The club aims to strengthen its recruitment after narrowly missing the Championship play-offs last season.
Southampton’s relegation and the fallout from the ‘Spygate’ scandal have triggered departures, including Chorley’s exit. Norwich appear ready to capitalise on this to bolster their scouting setup ahead of the new campaign.