Norwich City axe former Portsmouth managerial target after disastrous Championship start
Pompey held talks with Liam Manning following Danny Cowley’s sacking in January 2023.
Norwich City have sacked manager Liam Manning after a disastrous start to the Championship campaign.
It comes just six months after he made the shock switch from Bristol City in the summer, despite leading the Robins to a play-off finish last term.
The 40-year-old won just two of his 15 league matches in charge at Carrow Road, one of which coming against the Blues at Fratton Park in August.
Manning leaves the Canaries 23rd in the standings after claiming just 10 points, with Saturday’s defeat to Leicester City spelling the end of his short stint in Norfolk,
Norwich City’s statement over Liam Manning
A statement on Norwich City’s club website read: 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.
Liam Manning’s Pompey links
Following Cowley’s sacking at Fratton Park in January 2023, Manning was interviewed for the vacancy and was among the early favourites alongside Ian Foster, Leam Richardson and more.
Pompey would go on to hire John Mousinho, with that decision proving a huge success, with the ex-Oxford United defender guiding the club to the League One title in 2024 and Championship survival a year later.