Philip Clement: Norwich appoint former Rangers boss as head coach

Former Sweden boss John Dahl Tomasson, former Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neill and one of Clement’s successors at Rangers, Russell Martin, have all been linked with the vacant position at Carrow Road over the past few days.

But the Canaries’ recruitment team, led by sporting director Ben Napper – himself the target of criticism from fans after the club’s poor start to the season – instead gave Clement the task of ensuring the team were not relegated to League One for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

“Philip is an outstanding and experienced coach with clear values ​​and beliefs that align with ours,” Napper said.

“He will bring a strong leadership presence and an impressive background having coached some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

“Throughout the recruitment process, his methodical approach and detailed analysis of where we currently stand, as well as his desire to move things forward, was clear for all of us to see.

“We now have an incredible amount of work to do to ensure improved performance and results, and we will do everything we can to ensure Philip has our full backing and support.”

Clement is the third manager to be appointed since Naber replaced Stuart Webber as sporting director and the fifth since the departure of Daniel Farke – now in charge at Leeds United – in November 2021, having twice guided the Canaries to promotion to the Premier League.

Money is likely to be provided by owners Norfolk FB Holdings to bolster the squad in January after what some fans believe was a disappointing summer transfer window when 12 players were brought in.

Norwich have taken just three points from their last 11 league games of Manning’s reign and are desperate for a positive result when they return to action on Saturday after the international break against Birmingham City at St Andrews.