Norwich City Eyes Jon Dahl Tomasson Amid Managerial Crisis

Norwich City is actively seeking a new manager following the dismissal of Liam Manning, who was let go after a string of disappointing performances, including a recent defeat to Leicester City. Reports indicate that the club has interviewed Jon Dahl Tomasson, the former manager of Blackburn Rovers and the Swedish national team, as a potential candidate for the role.

During his tenure at Blackburn, which lasted approximately a year and a half, Tomasson achieved a winning percentage of 46% across 90 matches, leading the team to an impressive eighth-place finish in the 2022/23 season. However, his time at Ewood Park ended on a contentious note, following public calls for investment in the squad ahead of the January transfer window. He departed by mutual consent in February 2024.

Despite his initial successes, Tomasson’s management style has raised concerns among fans. Simon Middlehurst, a fan pundit for Blackburn Rovers, expressed reservations about Tomasson potentially taking charge at Norwich City. He highlighted what he described as “red flags” associated with the Danish manager.

“Firstly, if he doesn’t get what he wants, he looks to move on, and that was well known at Blackburn after the first year,” Middlehurst explained. “Additionally, he doesn’t get involved in transfers whatsoever; he just tells recruitment what players he’s after position-wise and leaves it to them.”

This latter point could be particularly troubling for Norwich supporters, as the club’s recruitment strategy has faced criticism under sporting director Ben Knapper. Recent signings, including players like Ante Crnac and Matej Jurasek, have not met expectations, contributing to the team’s current struggle against relegation. Norwich currently sits four points from safety.

Tomasson’s approach has also been scrutinized for its rigidity. Middlehurst noted, “He doesn’t have a plan B.” This inability to adapt during matches became evident during Tomasson’s first season at Blackburn, which featured a pattern of inconsistent results.

As Norwich City navigates a difficult period, the decision on their next manager carries significant weight. Knapper’s first major decision as sporting director was to dismiss David Wagner, who had guided the team to the playoffs the previous season. After a lackluster year and a half, fans are looking for a more effective strategy moving forward.

Despite calls for Knapper to resign, the club has decided to keep him in his position to facilitate the search for a new manager. With the threat of relegation looming—something that could see Norwich drop to the third tier for the first time since 2009—the urgency to make the right appointment is paramount.

A decision is expected before Norwich’s next match against Birmingham City on November 22, 2023. If Middlehurst’s assessment of Tomasson is accurate, fans may hope the club explores other options to secure their future in the Championship.