Norwich City Appoint Former Rangers Boss in Shock Move
In a major surprise for English football, Norwich City have named former Rangers manager Philippe Clement as their new head coach. The Belgian manager takes over from Liam Manning, who was dismissed during the international break after a disastrous start to the season.
Desperate Times at Carrow Road
The Canaries found themselves in a critical situation, sitting second bottom of the Championship when they decided to part ways with Manning. The former Bristol City boss had been given the role during the summer but lasted just 17 games in charge, with his side failing to win any of their home matches this season.
Norwich's search for a new leader was extensive, with the club reportedly speaking to several candidates including former Wolves boss Gary O'Neill and ex-Sweden and Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson before ultimately settling on Clement.
Clement's Track Record and New Challenge
Although Clement's tenure at Rangers ended disappointingly in February with the club trailing rivals Celtic, the 51-year-old brings significant experience to Carrow Road. During his time in Scotland, he secured the 2024 Premier Sports Cup and had previously guided Club Brugge to two domestic titles before his spell at Monaco.
Clement has signed a substantial contract that will keep him at Norwich until the summer of 2029, indicating the club's long-term faith in his leadership. He will be joined at the club by his trusted coach, Stephan Van Der Heyden.
"I'm really excited by this story and opportunity," Clement stated on the Norwich club website. "I've known of this club for a long time and, whilst we are not in a good moment at this time, we are excited to work together with the players and staff to turn things around."
The new head coach emphasised that meetings with the club owners convinced him this was the right move, citing their "big plans for the future" while acknowledging the immediate priority is to improve results and restore belief among supporters.
Immediate Pressure and Support
Clement faces immediate pressure, with his first match in charge coming away at Birmingham on Saturday. The Belgian acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in his ability to revive the struggling Championship side.
Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper offered the new manager the club's full backing, describing Clement as "an incredibly experienced and prominent head coach, with clear values and beliefs that align with ours." Knapper acknowledged the "incredible amount of work ahead" to improve performances and results.
The appointment represents a significant gamble for both parties as Norwich seek to escape the Championship relegation zone and Clement looks to rebuild his reputation in British football after his Rangers departure.
