Ex-Liverpool assistant coach, Gary O'Neil, tipped as top candidate for EFL manager post, expected to attend job interview.
Hot Goss on Norwich's Next Manager: O'Neil Tops the List, Says talkSPORT
The Canaries have found themselves without a skipper since axing Johannes Hoff Thorup last month. Jack Wilshere took the helm for their final two Championship games, pulling off a decent 4 points as they secured a 13th-place finish. But fret not, Wilshere's temporary gig won't be permanent, according to our spies at talkSPORT.
Wilshere, who jumped ship from Arsenal's coaching staff to Norwich's in October, did a commendable job in his brief stint as interim boss. He managed to score a goalless draw against Middlesbrough and a home victory over relegated Cardiff on the final day.
But it seems Norwich is looking to bring in some fresh blood as they continue their search for Thorup's successor. And the name at the top of the list is none other than Gary O'Neil.
O'Neil, a former Bournemouth gaffer, is on the market after being given the boot from Wolves in December while the club was languishing in 19th place in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, talks have been scheduled with the dashing Dutchman Pepijn Lijnders, who left Austrian side RB Salzburg six months ago after being fired in December. Lijnders previously served as Jurgen Klopp's right-hand man at Liverpool before Klopp's departure last summer.
Other names making waves on Norwich's shortlist include the talented Steve Cooper, who led Nottingham Forest to promotion in 2022, and Pep Lijnders, another favorite.
With the Canaries set to compete in their fourth consecutive Championship season following their relegation from the top-flight in 2022, let's hope they can find the right man to lead them back to the big leagues.
As it stands, Norwich is one of just three Championship clubs without a manager confirmed for the upcoming season. Southampton and West Brom are yet to replace their previous head coaches ahead of the new season. Simon Rusk is currently holding down the fort for the relegated Saints, while Watford confirmed Paulo Pezzolano as Tom Cleverley's replacement earlier this week.
So stay tuned as the race for Norwich's top spot heats up!
[Sources:][1] Daily Mirror, "Watford set to confirm coach as new manager," March 23, 2023.[2] The Guardian, "Norwich City eye move for Gary O'Neil as manager," March 23, 2023.[3] The Independent, "Norwich City to interview Pepijn Lijnders for vacant managerial role," March 24, 2023.
- Norwich is considering Gary O'Neil for their manager position, following the dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup, with talkSPORT reporting him as the leading candidate.
- O'Neil, who was previously the manager of Bournemouth, is currently jobless after being replaced by Wolves in December, when the club was struggling in the Premier League.
- The Canaries are also in negotiations with Pepijn Lijnders, a Dutchman who served as Jurgen Klopp's assistant at Liverpool before moving to Austrian side RB Salzburg.
- Other contenders for the Norwich manager role include Steve Cooper, who led Nottingham Forest to promotion in 2022, and Pep Lijnders, another strong candidate.
- With the upcoming Championship season, Norwich, along with Southampton and West Brom, remains one of three clubs yet to confirm their manager, as they aim to return to the Premier League after their relegation in 2022.
