Norwich City are delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Manning as head coach, following an extensive recruitment process.
Manning, 39, joins from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City where he had been head coach since November 2023, leading the Robins to the play-offs in the 2024/25 season.
A native of Norfolk and a former member of the Canaries’ academy, Manning gained experience as head coach of West Ham’s Under-23 side and later as New York City FC’s academy director.
He earned his first senior football role as head coach of Belgian second tier club Lommel SK, where he led the side to a third-place finish, before returning to the UK as head coach of League One’s Milton Keynes Dons.
Before joining Bristol City, Manning had an eight-month stint with Oxford United, guiding them to second place in League One at the time of his departure.
Manning has signed a contract through to the summer of 2029, with a further update on the appointment of his backroom staff to follow in due course.
Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Manning said: “I’m privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to work for this fantastic football club. It’s a wonderful club with a big history and tradition.
“When I spoke to Ben and the owners about the opportunity here, I was really impressed by their vision and strategy for moving the club forward. I felt a clear alignment in how they want to play and develop players – that is something I was really excited to be a part of.
“It’s clear, there has already been a lot of valuable groundwork laid in recent seasons – it’s now important we build further on that and move the club forward.
“I’m really excited to meet the supporters and will do everything possible to give them a club they can be proud of.”
Sporting director Ben Knapper said: “We’re all thrilled to welcome Liam and his family to Norwich City. This is an exciting appointment, and we are so happy to get it over the line and have him on board.
“It quickly became clear that Liam’s ambitions match our own and we are all committed to driving this club forward towards our targets. Liam knows the league, has consistently demonstrated an ability to outperform resources and his approach aligns with our footballing ideas and strategy.
“He is an exceptionally bright coach who will push himself, and everyone around him, to develop and improve. We are so excited to have him as a key part of our club.”