Gary O’Neil will not be taking over as Norwich City’s next head coach, despite holding advanced discussions about the vacancy at Carrow Road.
The former Wolves and Bournemouth manager had re-entered the frame for the job after also speaking with the club in the summer.
However, he is no longer expected to move forward in the search to replace Liam Manning.
O’Neil took part in face-to-face meetings in London with sporting director Ben Knapper, technical director Neil Adams, head of recruitment Lee Dunn and representatives from SRC FTBL last week.
But despite those conversations, both sides have now mutually agreed to pursue other paths. O’Neil — who made over 50 appearances for Norwich between 2014 and 2016 — is said to be focused on ensuring that his next managerial role is the right long-term fit after departing Wolves last year.
Jon Dahl Tomasson, the former Blackburn Rovers and Sweden manager, remains a leading candidate. Two other unnamed coaches also continue to be considered, with Norwich aiming to accelerate the appointment in the coming days so that the incoming boss has enough time to work with the squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with Birmingham City.
Tomasson and the other contenders have spoken with majority shareholder Mark Attanasio, who has been conducting his interviews remotely from the United States — a sign that the recruitment process has reached an advanced stage.
Norwich currently sit 23rd in the Championship, raising real concern among supporters about the threat of relegation to League One for the first time since 2009. Those involved in the decision stress that the club is prioritizing a long-term solution rather than simply appointing a short-term fix.
Liam Manning was dismissed after a 2–1 defeat to Leicester last weekend, just five months after returning to manage his hometown club.
His tenure included an 11-match winless streak, leaving him with the shortest reign of any permanent Norwich boss and the club’s worst ever home start to a season.
Just a few hours after the full-time whistle blew at Carrow Road, Norwich City confirmed through an official statement that they had dismissed Liam Manning from his position as head coach. The club has already begun accelerating the process of identifying his replacement.
Reports from Sky Sports indicate that former Newcastle United forward and ex-Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson—who has also managed Malmö and previously worked within the Swedish national team setup—has now emerged as one of the leading contenders for the job. Meanwhile, Pinkun reports that Gary O’Neil has pulled out of the running.
According to the latest information, Norwich’s leadership has been impressed by the 49-year-old Tomasson, and the club is now preparing to move into advanced discussions with their final shortlist of candidates, as they approach a crucial phase of their managerial search.
Upon announcing Manning’s departure, the club released the following statement:
“Norwich City can confirm that the club have parted company with head coach Liam Manning. Assistant head coach Chris Hogg and first-team coach analyst James Krause have also left the club.
“First-team coach Ryan Garry, supported by goalkeeper coach Tony Roberts and set-piece coach Nick Stanley, will take charge on an interim basis while we work to appoint a new head coach.”
Sporting director Ben Knapper added further comment, explaining the decision:
“We have tried everything possible to navigate this extremely difficult spell, but given the recent results and performances, we ultimately had no option but to make a change at this point.
“Liam and his staff gave everything to help push the club forward. They are genuinely good people, and we wish them the very best in whatever comes next.”
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