Jack Wilshere Takes the Reins at Norwich Amid Turmoil
So, here we are — big news coming out of Carrow Road. Norwich City have officially parted ways with head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, and in a pretty unexpected twist, Jack Wilshere has been named as interim manager for the final two games of the season. Yeah, that Jack Wilshere — former Arsenal and England midfielder, now making his first steps into senior management.
Now, to give you some context, Thorup was appointed last May with a long-term vision in mind. The club had just come off a disappointing play-off exit under David Wagner, and they were looking for a fresh start. Thorup, who previously managed FC Nordsjaelland, came in with high hopes and new ideas. But sadly, it hasn’t panned out the way the club had hoped. Norwich have managed just 14 wins in 47 matches under him. Most recently, they've suffered a rough patch — losing six of their last eight games, including conceding eight goals over the Easter weekend alone against Portsmouth and Millwall.
Sporting director Ben Knapper put it diplomatically, saying the decision to let Thorup go was based on performance, despite their long-term strategic intentions. It’s never easy to make these decisions, especially when you know a coach is trying to implement a broader vision. But football is a results business, and right now, Norwich are languishing mid-table, well outside the playoff picture.
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So, Wilshere steps in — and it’s going to be fascinating to see how he handles this. He joined the coaching staff last October after a stint managing Arsenal’s under-18s, where he showed real promise. But this is a different level. It's senior football. It's pressure-packed. It’s the Championship.
He’ll be supported by Tony Roberts and Nick Stanley as he takes charge for the games against Middlesbrough away and Cardiff at home. That Cardiff match? Even more intriguing, because Wilshere’s old Arsenal teammate, Aaron Ramsey, is now caretaker boss for the Welsh side. That’s a bit of a subplot right there.
Norwich have been an enigma this season. On one hand, they’ve scored the second-highest number of goals in the league, behind only Leeds. On the other, their defense has been incredibly leaky — conceding 66 goals. That’s a problem Wilshere will need to patch up immediately if he’s to inspire any kind of late-season spark.
There's also the bigger picture to consider. With new American ownership under Mark Attanasio, there’s a real sense that the club wants to turn a corner — possibly rebuild, refocus, and push back toward the Premier League in the next few years. Thorup visited Attanasio in the U.S. just a month ago, trying to align visions. But clearly, the performances on the pitch forced the club’s hand.
So, Wilshere’s got the wheel now. It’s temporary, but it could be defining. For the club, for the fans, and especially for Wilshere himself. Is this just a stopgap move, or could it be the start of a new chapter in his coaching journey? Either way, Norwich City are at a crossroads — and all eyes will be on how the next two matches play out.
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