Norwich City were among many people’s promotion candidates this season, considering their form at the close of last season, but Philippe Clement’s side could not have fared worse.

The Canaries’ latest folly, a 1-0 home loss to Portsmouth, moves them only one point above the relegation zone, ahead of Burnley, who have been chastised for their terrible start to the season.

Clement’s men have now lost their previous six games in all competitions, and while some of those losses might be excused considering the level of some of their opponents, losing to Pompey at home is inexcusable.

Pressure is already rising on the Belgian, and if the Norfolk club decides to break ways with their head coach, they have five intriguing options to consider.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard has been connected with Championship roles on numerous occasions, and his track record should not be overlooked if Norwich decide to break ways with Clement.

Since departing Saudi club Al-Ettifaq in January 2025, the former England international has been a regular analyst and co-commentator without a coaching position.

Gerrard’s first management term was a resounding success, as he led Rangers to the Scottish championship, ending Celtic’s nine-year winning streak.

His move to Aston Villa felt rushed and destroyed what had been a promising management career, but he could be the motivator the Canaries need right now.

The 46-year-old has recently been linked with the Wrexham position, but it appears Phil Parkinson will be given more time to propel the Red Dragons up the table.

Scott Parker

Scott Parker may not appeal to everyone, but he would be a wonderful match at Carrow Road.

Parker has gained promotion with every Championship club he has managed, including Bournemouth, Fulham, and Burnley, and while he has yet to show himself in the Premier League, Norwich fans need not be concerned.

Parker’s Championship Promotion Record

Season

Club

League finish

Points

2019/20

Fulham finished fourth with 81 points in 2021/22, Bournemouth second with 88 points in 2024/25, and Burnley second with 100 points.

The 46-year-old prefers a structured, possession-based style of football and achieved his most recent success at Turf Moor with a tenacious defence that rarely conceded.

Given that only Preston North End has conceded more than the Canaries this season, they could benefit from Parker’s exceptional defensive record at this level.

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards may be the logical choice for Norwich should Clement quit Carrow Road, given that he is out of employment, has been in the media, and was supposedly lined up to replace Southampton manager Tonda Eckert.

Like Parker, the Welshman has an encouraging record at this level, having led Luton Town to the Premier League, and he could have done the same at Middlesbrough if he had stayed.

Of course, there are legitimate concerns about his long-term intentions, given that he left Borough extremely early to join his former club Wolves.

However, it would be difficult to find a man better suited to turning things around at Carrow Road.

Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper is another alternative without a club and looking to establish himself, however his recent stints with Leicester City and Brondby IF may raise some concerns.

The Welshman lasted only 15 games as Foxes manager in 2024, which may be a bit harsh given that he was charged with succeeding Enzo Maresca with a team anticipated to struggle in the Premier League.

Cooper’s tenure in Denmark was better, but it ended cruelly, with a string of defeats and dropped points jeopardising their bid for European qualification.

However, the 46-year-old has thrived in the Championship, leading Swansea City to consecutive play-off finishes and Nottingham Forest to promotion.

Jon Dahl Tomasson

If the Canaries want a more unconventional choice, they may go to former Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.

The Dane enjoyed early managerial success with Swedish club Malmö, winning back-to-back league titles in 2020 and 2021 and leading them to the Champions League.

His time at Blackburn was mixed; he led the team to an amazing seventh-place finish in 2022/23, and he will be disappointed that he missed out on the play-offs, but Rovers dropped to 18th the following season.

Tomasson prefers furious, attacking football, trying to control possession and press fiercely without the ball, but how long will it take him to implement such a strategy?

His appointment would be more of a wildcard, especially at this stage of the season when Norwich sorely needs results.