Norwich City can confirm that Shaun Howes will be stepping down from his role as head coach for Norwich City Women at the end of the 2022/23 season.
His final game in charge will be at the Harrod Sport County Cup final match against Mulbarton Wanderers at Carrow Road on Friday, May 19.
Howes joined the side in May 2020 and has led the team through three campaigns, one of which ended with a County Cup final win; the club’s sixth title as champions of Norfolk.
Alongside heading up the women’s team, Howes works with Norwich City’s Community Sports Foundation as their workforce development manager and as a coach with the Norwich Girls Development Programme.
This season, Howes has guided his side to their highest league finish since 2014, and also played an integral role in bringing the side to Carrow Road for their recent 5-3 win over Ashford Town in front of over 7,500 spectators.
He said: “I have been extremely privileged to lead this club for the past three seasons and to have played a small part in the club’s integration into Norwich City and the amazing progression it has made on and off the pitch.
“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me, guided me and trusted me to lead the squad. I am proud to leave the club in a better place than when I arrived, and this is down to the hard work and dedication of so many people over so many years.
“My biggest thanks go to the players, not only those in the current squad, but everyone who has been here over the past three years. They have been an amazing group to work with.
“From being able to give younger players their first opportunity in elite football to seeing the girls walk out at Carrow Road in front of over 7,500 fans fills me with so much pride and I know they will continue to grow and have an exciting journey ahead of them.
“I wish everyone involved in the club the very best for the future and I look forward to watching them next season with my family as a fan.”
Norwich City Women general manager, Flo Allen, said: “Shaun has shown tremendous commitment to develop the club over the last three seasons and has been a credit to work with.
“Day in, day out he has worked relentlessly, playing a significant role in the development of the football club throughout his tenure.
“We are proud of everything Shaun has achieved whilst at the club, most memorably this season leading the team in a terrific FA Cup run and clinching an emphatic victory at Carrow Road in April.
“We wish Shaun and his family all the best for the future. We hope that over the next few weeks the fans can pay tribute to Shaun as we look to reclaim the County Cup and finish the season strong.”
Watch Shaun's farewell interview over on Canaries TV here.
Norwich City would also like to put on record its thanks to Shaun for his time at the club and we wish him all the best for the future.
The club will immediately begin the search for a new head coach ahead of the 2023/24 season and will issue a further update on this in due course.