Norwich City’s managerial search down to two final candidates

Norwich City’s managerial search is down to two final candidates according to reports as they seek to replace Daniel Farke.

The Canaries are closing in a new boss already – with an appointment possible by the weekend now that they have narrowed their focus to two preferred contender for the vacancy.

Talks remain on going with interested parties, after commencing on Sunday in the wake of Farke’s departure on Saturday evening following their Premier League win over Brentford.

No announcement is expected in the next 24 to 48 hours, with further discussions believed to be centring on the potential make up of the new coach’s backroom staff.

Bodo Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen has emerged as a possible option, with Knutsen closing in on a second Norwegian title, although City have refused to be drawn on speculation he is their top target.

It is believed the Canaries do not wish to end up in a similar situation to how Tottenham’s managerial search was played out in public during the summer, prior to Nuno’s arrival. The Portuguese was widely seen as well down the list of preferred candidates, and has since been replaced at Spurs by Antonio Conte.

Farke, assistant Eddie Riemer, first team coach Christopher John and head of performance Chris Domogalla left the club with immediate effect following Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Brentford.

It is understood head of football development Steve Weaver would oversee training sessions if an appointment is not made by the start of next week.

Aside from the club’s international contingent, the rest of City’s first team squad was already due to be off until Friday.

City remain confident the new head coach will be in place for Southampton’s Premier League visit to Carrow Road on November 20.

Who are the current favourites according to Sky Bet?

Frank Lampard – 7/4
Kjetil Knutsen – 5/2
Roy Hodgson – 4/1
Mark Robins – 7/1
Steve Bruce – 10/1
Russell Martin – 14/1

There is conflicting reports in regards to Frank Lampard, various media outlets including TEAMtalk claim talks have been opened with the former Chelsea player, however MyFootballWriter understands they haven’t been in contact with him over their vacant head coach role despite him being the favourite.

The timing of the German’s dismissal was intended to allow for time to commence City’s new manager search, with this week’s international break providing some respite from the relentless Premier League schedule.

Upon Farke’s departure, sporting director Stuart Webber said: “We feel that now is the right time for a change to give ourselves the best opportunity of retaining our Premier League status. It’s important that we now look forward.

“We have 27 league games remaining and a long way to go in the current season. We know we have the ability within our playing squad and staff to start picking up points and climbing the league table.”

Fans have reacted with Norwich City’s managerial search down to two final candidates…

Well at least that rules out Allardyce, Warnock and various other retreads. #NCFC https://t.co/AsUEhi4hmk

— Paul Jeater (@EssexWomble) November 8, 2021

@kristanreed: Of course, it’ll be no-one we’ve heard of, as usual, as that is The Norwich Way. Everyone will be puzzled/annoyed by it, think it lacks ambition, and then they will turn out to be a good hire.

@humanmale1984: I always look at it the other way round. If it’s someone I’ve never heard of before I’m actually more pleased as it suggests they know what they’re doing and have done exstensive research and gone left field. If it turned out to be a Big Sam or Hodgson, then I’d be disappointed.

@ReginaldHSmith: To NCFC Lords and Ladies, Whilst I don’t see Mr Lampard as the best manager I agree he is best placed to rid the club of its no ambition and “little” image. Yours RHS. #ncfc #otbc

@Bike_Monkey_Oz: Experienced forward thinking = Big Sam

@lukewoodso: It only won’t be Lampard if he’s uninterested in taking Norwich through the championship say we do get relegated this year. Otherwise it simply has to be him #NCFC

@cheltcanary: Really hope is Knutsen or someone ‘fresh’ – another Farke type outsider…..

@Ginger_Canary: Nothing is imminent but it’s good to see that Webber and the board know exactly who they want and fingers crossed it won’t be take long and won’t be difficult to get either candidate #ncfc

@Saund65: I think I prefer that to ‘ancient, backward-looking’ options.

@NiallBranton: Modern, forward thinking…. Rules Lampard out then

@KaelonSeth: You’d think their ONLY criteria for a manager now would be “stay in the premier league”. They can go back to their model afterwards

@unbiasedhammer: Love this from @NorwichCityFC, it’s not about win at any cost. Football is an entertainment business and to have values and stick to them is brilliant. Good luck hope you stay up (without getting any points from us obviously)

@SmiggoM: The Norwich model is relegation.. both Steve & sam relegation standard managers

@nick__deal: And then there were two… Think it’s fairly safe to say that Knutsen is one of the names involved here given the recent surge in odds?

@BevDogg_NCFC: Beautiful beautiful stuff

@KeithMillsD7: I assume the “Norwich model” involves constanting yo-yoing between the Premiership and the Championship.

@nathanKennedy_: “The Norwich Model” basically yo-yoing between The Championship and The Premier League every year for eternity until the world eventually gets sick of them and blows Norwich up

@alexearland14: If we are gonna go for ‘another Daniel farke’, then we might as well have kept Daniel farke. #ncfc