Is Ex-Rangers Boss Clement the Right Choice for Norwich's New Head Coach?

Norwich City has appointed Philippe Clement as their new head coach on a three-and-a-half-year contract, following a disappointing start to the season that has left the club second from bottom in the Championship. Clement, who previously managed Rangers and Monaco, replaces Liam Manning after his sacking on 8 November 2023. The new head coach aims to revive the Canaries' fortunes and instil belief within the team, with immediate challenges ahead as they seek crucial points to avoid relegation.

Last updated: 14 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Philippe Clement’s appointment comes as Norwich City grapples with a challenging situation in the Championship. The Canaries have only secured nine points from their first 15 games, making it imperative for Clement to address the immediate issues affecting team performance. His first match in charge will be against Birmingham City on 18 November, a crucial fixture for a side that has struggled significantly at home, losing all eight home matches this season.

Key takeaways

Philippe Clement has been appointed as Norwich's new head coach on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The club is currently second from bottom in the Championship, facing a relegation battle.
Clement replaces Liam Manning, who was sacked after a poor run of results.
Norwich has lost all of their home fixtures this season across league and cup competitions.
The new head coach aims to restore belief and improve performance rapidly.

Timeline: how we got here

The events leading to Clement's appointment have unfolded rapidly over recent weeks:

8 November 2023: Liam Manning is sacked after a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City.
14 November 2023: Philippe Clement is officially appointed as head coach.
18 November 2023: Norwich faces Birmingham City in Clement's first match.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Philippe Clement's appointment marks a significant shift in Norwich's strategy as they aim to escape the relegation zone. His experience in managing high-profile clubs in Europe is expected to bring a fresh approach to the team’s tactics and morale.

What was already established

Prior to Clement's arrival, Norwich City had been struggling under Manning's management. With only three points from the last 11 league matches, the team faced increasing pressure from fans and stakeholders alike. Clement now steps into a role that requires immediate results to stave off fears of dropping into League One.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For local fans and households in Norwich, Clement’s appointment brings a glimmer of hope as they seek a turnaround in the team's performance. The club's current predicament raises concerns about season ticket value and overall engagement with the fanbase. A successful revival could boost attendance and local support in the coming matches.

Businesses and jobs

Norwich City’s struggles can also affect local businesses reliant on matchday revenue. An upturn in results could potentially increase footfall in the area surrounding Carrow Road, benefiting pubs, restaurants, and retailers. Stability within the club is crucial for maintaining local employment linked to matchday activities.

Policy and regulation

From a regulatory perspective, Clement's appointment will be monitored closely by the EFL and club stakeholders, particularly regarding financial management and performance expectations. The club may also need to consider potential investment during the January transfer window to bolster the squad and improve results.

Numbers that matter

9: Points accumulated by Norwich City from 15 Championship games this season.
8: Consecutive home matches lost in league and cup competitions.
3: Points taken from the last 11 league matches under Liam Manning.
51: Age of Philippe Clement, who brings considerable managerial experience.
64%: Clement's win record during his tenure at Rangers.

Definitions and jargon buster

Championship: The second tier of professional football in England, below the Premier League.
EFL: English Football League, governing body for the professional football leagues in England.
Season ticket: A ticket that allows entry to all home matches for a season.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Clement will need to assess the squad quickly and implement his strategies ahead of crucial fixtures. Success in the upcoming matches, particularly against Birmingham and Oxford, is essential to rebuilding confidence and momentum.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, Clement must focus on improving the team's overall performance and ensuring they remain competitive in the Championship. Strategic player acquisitions during the January transfer window will be vital for bolstering the squad.

Signals to watch

Performance against Birmingham City on 18 November.
Results from home matches against Oxford and QPR.
Any potential player signings in the January transfer window.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the club's community initiatives to build a positive atmosphere.
Attend matches to show support for the players and coaching staff.
Follow team developments closely through official channels.

Don’t

Lose faith in the team; support during tough times is crucial.
Criticise individual players openly; constructive feedback is more beneficial.
Neglect to attend matches; every fan's presence can impact morale.

Checklist

Review upcoming fixtures and plan attendance accordingly.
Stay updated on player fitness and squad changes.
Engage positively on social media regarding team progress.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Clement’s experience is promising, there remains uncertainty regarding how quickly he can implement his vision and improve results. The club’s recent poor form may take time to reverse, and fan expectations will need to be managed carefully. Additionally, any potential disruptions in player recruitment during the upcoming transfer window could impact the squad's depth and performance.

Bottom line

Philippe Clement’s appointment as head coach of Norwich City presents both challenges and opportunities. With immediate results needed to avoid relegation, his extensive experience in coaching prestigious clubs could help rejuvenate the team. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the Canaries can turn their fortunes around in the Championship.

FAQs

Who is Philippe Clement?

Philippe Clement is a Belgian football manager with extensive experience, having previously coached clubs like Rangers and Monaco. He has been recently appointed as Norwich City’s head coach.

What challenges does Norwich City face this season?

Norwich City is currently second from bottom in the Championship, with significant struggles at home and a need to improve performances to avoid relegation.

What can fans expect from Clement's management style?

Fans can expect a methodical and analytical approach from Clement, focusing on improving team morale and performance, as well as strategic adjustments to the squad.