In a dramatic end-of-season shake-up, Norwich City have parted ways with head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup and appointed former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere as interim manager for the club’s final two Championship fixtures.
The 36-year-old departs just months after his May 2024 appointment, having overseen a disappointing run of form that saw the Canaries slump to six defeats in their last eight league outings. His tenure ends with the club languishing in 14th place, 13 points adrift of the play-off spots.
“While Johannes’ appointment was made with a long-term vision aligned to our strategic footballing philosophy, recent performances and results have necessitated a change,” said Ben Knapper, Norwich City’s sporting director.
Thorup, who joined from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland, managed just 14 wins in 47 matches in all competitions. His assistant, Glen Riddersholm, has also left the club.
“Johannes and Glen are outstanding individuals who gave their all to improve and evolve our football club. We thank them for their dedication and professionalism and wish them both well in the next chapter of their careers,” Knapper added.
Norwich’s defensive fragility has been particularly costly, with the team conceding 66 goals this season — the fifth-worst defensive record in the division despite boasting one of the Championship’s most prolific attacks, second only to league leaders Leeds United.
In a move that signals a potential shift toward a more modern and youthful direction, the club has entrusted 32-year-old Wilshere with first-team duties for the final two games — away at Middlesbrough on Saturday and at home to Cardiff City on May 3.
Wilshere joined Norwich’s coaching staff last October, following a promising spell in charge of Arsenal’s U18 side. He will be supported in the interim role by Tony Roberts and Nick Stanley.
“There’s no short-term fix here,” Thorup had told BBC Radio Norfolk following Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Millwall. “It’s about building a team that’s not only strong but aligned with how this club wants to play.”
Wilshere now faces the immediate challenge of steadying the ship and galvanizing a talented but underperforming squad in what could prove to be a defining moment in his nascent managerial career.
As Norwich look ahead to a summer of introspection and likely transition, all eyes will be on Wilshere and whether he can breathe new life into a side that has lost its rhythm — and perhaps stake a claim for the role on a permanent basis.
