Gary O’Neil will not take over as Norwich City’s next manager, despite advanced talks about the position at Carrow Road.
The former Wolves and Bournemouth manager re-entered the running for the position after speaking with the club in the summer. However, he is no longer expected to take part in the search to replace Liam Manning.
Last week, O’Neil met in person in London with sporting director Ben Knapper, technical director Neil Adams, head of recruitment Lee Dunn, and SRC FTBL representatives. Despite such discussions, both parties have now amicably opted to pursue different courses. O’Neil, who made over 50 appearances for Norwich between 2014 and 2016, is thought to be focused on finding the ideal long-term coaching post after leaving Wolves last year.
Jon Dahl Tomasson, the former Blackburn Rovers and Sweden manager, remains a top contender. Two other unknown coaches are also being considered, with Norwich hoping to complete the job in the coming days so that the new manager has enough time to work with the players before Saturday’s game against Birmingham City.
Tomasson and the other contenders have spoken with majority shareholder Mark Attanasio, who has been conducting interviews virtually from the United States – indicating that the recruitment process has advanced.
Norwich are presently 23rd in the Championship, creating genuine concerns among fans about the prospect of relegation to League One for the first time since 2009. Those engaged in the decision emphasize that the club is focusing on a long-term solution rather than a short-term cure.
Liam Manning was fired after a 2-1 loss to Leicester last weekend, only five months after returning to lead his local club. His tenure included an 11-game winless streak, giving him the shortest reign of any permanent Norwich manager and the club’s worst home start in a season.
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