Favourites to become new Norwich boss after decision to sack Liam Manning

We take a look at the favourites to become new Norwich boss after decision to sack Liam Manning following defeat to Leicester.

Liam Manning departs leaving the club with a 11-game winless streak, leaving them in the Championship relegation zone, sitting 23rd with 9 points from 16 games played.

Early favourites to replace him included Brendan Rodgers, Michael Carrick, Russell Martin, Gary O’Neil, and Michael Skubala. However, Rodgers – despite being the initial frontrunner – is reportedly uninterested in the role and prefers a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League to manage top players.

Norwich City can confirm that the club have parted company with head coach Liam Manning.

Assistant head coach Chris Hogg and first-team coach analyst James Krause have also left the club.

— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 8, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

Norwich City can confirm that the club have parted company with head coach Liam Manning.

Assistant head coach Chris Hogg and first-team coach analyst James Krause have also left the club.

Sporting director Ben Knapper said: “We have tried absolutely everything possible to work through this incredibly challenging period but, unfortunately, given the recent run of results and performances, we have been left with no choice other than to make a change at this stage.

“Liam and his staff worked tirelessly to move our football club forward. They are all fundamentally good people and we wish them the very best in whatever comes next.

“We very much understand the frustration and criticism from our supporters at this stage. So far, results and performances on the pitch haven’t been good enough. We accept that responsibility, but it’s now imperative that we start to repair the relationship with our supporters and do everything we can to give them something to get behind.”

First-team coach Ryan Garry, supported by goalkeeper coach Tony Roberts and set piece coach Nick Stanley, will take charge of the first team on an interim basis, as the club works to appoint a new head coach.

Norwich fans protest outside of stadium after defeat extends winless run to 11 games

Norwich City boss Liam Manning said to BBC Radio Norfolk: “We were okay without, for me, testing their keeper enough, which has been a consistent thing around quality in attacking areas.

“When you look at the plan, the way we pressed, the way we got after them, the way we played forward and the way we were a bit more direct in what we did was good.

“But in the last 15-20 minutes we can’t sustain the level of intensity that you need to and, unfortunately the challenge is to be able to have real impact off the bench to sustain the levels when we have the volume of injuries we have got.

(On fans’ protests) “My whole thing is not to put on a sales pitch, my whole thing is to thank the fans today. I thought they were outstanding to the final whistle.

“In a tough moment and where we are at, I thought they showed what they are about today and really stuck with the group, which is the most important thing.

“And going forward that’s exactly what the lads will need.

“I don’t live my life with regrets, it’s part of my journey. I’m learning, I’m hurting, I’m frustrated and I’m hugely disappointed because this is a club I care deeply about. I didn’t come here to be where we are. But we are, so I will do a lot of learning as to why.”

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW NORWICH MANAGER:

BetVictor – 12 Nov
John Dahl Tomasson – 1/2
Gary O’Neil – 7/4
Marek Papszun – 5/1
Daniel Farke – 8/1
Michael Carrick – 8/1
Russell Martin – 12/1
Brendan Rodgers – 16/1
Will Still – 20/1
Carlos Corberan – 20/1

With Rodgers effectively ruled out, as stated at the top of the article, Michael Carrick emerges as the leading remaining candidate, followed by Martin, O’Neil, Skubala (Lincoln City), and Richie Wellens (Leyton Orient).

No firm links exist yet, and the hiring process is expected to take time, but Norwich urgently need a new manager to reverse their slump ahead of a packed festive schedule and the January transfer window, or risk relegation to League One.

Here’s how fans reacted amid the favourites to become new Norwich boss after the decision to sack Liam Manning…

@CastCanary: The next appointment needs to have a real personality to inject into this squad as they’re not strong enough to build one on their own. Other bonuses would be relating himself to the fans quickly, improving them in possession and making the most of Kvistgaarden and Sargent #ncfc

@David_NCFC_1982: Putting it out there now….. Russell Martin is NOT, I repeat NOT!!! the answer

@LeeMF76: What hope do we have that BK gets the next decision right, should he really be given another shot? He’s been here two years, we’re now looking for a 4th HC. Players he’s brought in (loan and perm) have also not worked out. I have no confidence he’s qualified for the role. #ncfc

@Tants7: Never nice to see anyone lose a job and especially a decent bloke. He’s been massively let down by Knapper, the recruitment has been poor but I’ve not seen an ounce of any player improvement. Today his changes cost us. Go get Carrick!

@lukasjot: Knapper has to follow Manning out the door. Can Attanasio really afford another wrong managerial appointment and the squandering of more of his money in January? Us fans certainly can’t accept that. #NCFC

@TownITFC: Agent Manning, you’ve done the Town proud. Return to base

@BristolOli: Thanks for the compensation money – we did warn you when you thought you were getting the new Pep 🤣🤣

@The_Bristol_Don: There we have it…. The grass isn’t always greener despite the lure of massive amounts of money to waste on your dull spreadsheet football. Cheers for the 800k relieving us of the monotonous crab like football. Without you we wouldn’t have our enjoyment of football back 👍🏼

@BritInUSofA: Hahaha. That’s what he gets for leaving Bristol City for a “bigger club”

@OSIBPODMAG: Thanks for the £1.6m, and all the best for the season

@alex_bailey92: Hope the new coach bombs out Mattson, Topic and Medic straight away. Mattson runs about a lot but can’t pass the ball. Not too sure what Topic actually does, 6 foot tall, brick shit house but doesn’t make a tackle. Medic is just fucking woeful. #NCFC

@talktoj4mes:
❌ MANNING OUT ✅
❌ KNAPPER OUT
❌ WEBBER OUT
❌ ADAMS OUT
Fully vocal behind the team and new head coach for 90 minutes then the protests need to continue to get these out of the club. Complete new structure needed 2/3 years ago, ideal time to finally do this now… #ncfc

@yarmy73: Keeper half decent. Fullbacks Mahovo & Fisher decent. Darling decent pre Manning. Wright decent. Diallo, Jurasek, Crnac, Schwartau should be good enough for Champ. Sarge, Kvist, Makama decent. We do have a half decent foundation to build on. A new manager and a bit of 💰 in Jan #ncfc

@joe_ferrari: I was privileged to work with 9 full time #ncfc managers in 18 yrs from 2001-2019. Next boss will be our 6th in just over four years. That kind of acceleration of changed football leadership is a serious concern. Need to get next one right 🙏 🔰

Manning getting the boot yesterday was the first part of the dream scenario. Now we need Forest to win today.

It’s almost time to come home Boss…🥹🇩🇪 #ncfc pic.twitter.com/EK9qdE0OFn

— Up the Nodge (@ncfc87685) November 9, 2025