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Norwich City have parted ways with head coach Liam Manning after a disastrous start to the Championship season saw the Canaries plummet to 22nd in the table.
Manning, who joined the club in June 2025 from Bristol City, lasted just five months in charge before being dismissed following a 2-1 home defeat to Leicester City on November 8.
The Norwich-born manager’s tenure was marred by an unprecedented home record—losing all seven matches at Carrow Road, the first time in Championship history that a club had lost their opening seven home fixtures.
His overall record was equally concerning, with just three wins, two draws and ten losses from 15 matches, leaving Norwich four points adrift of safety and in genuine relegation danger.
Sporting director Ben Knapper confirmed the decision, stating: “We have tried absolutely everything possible to work through this incredibly challenging period but, unfortunately, given the recent run of results and performances, we have been left with no choice other than to make a change at this stage”.
Now, the Telegraph’s John Percy has revealed that Norwich have held talks with Gary O’Neil as they search for Manning’s successor.
The former Bournemouth and Wolves manager has emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant position alongside ex-Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson, who has also been interviewed this week.
Norwich hope to appoint their new head coach within the next 10 days, ideally before the end of the international break.
O’Neil was the assistant manager of Liverpool’s Under-23s between August 2020 and February 2021 under Barry Lewtas.
But his connections to Norwich run even deeper—he made 59 appearances for the Canaries between 2014 and 2016, including featuring in their Championship play-off final victory over Middlesbrough in 2015.
The 42-year-old was also in the frame for a return to Wolves, but the Midlands club have decided to go with former Luton Town manager Rob Edwards.
Norwich interviewed former Sweden & Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson on Tuesday. Tomasson among a number of options including Gary O’Neil, who has also been interviewed this week. Norwich hope to appoint in the next 10 days #otbc #ncfc
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) November 12, 2025
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