Exclusive: Lee Hendrie tells Norwich City to forget reunion with 39-year-old - Leicester City mentioned | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie told FLW that he doubts Russell Martin would be open to returning to Norwich City as their head coach.

Lee Hendrie believes that Russell Martin will be aiming higher than Norwich City as he eyes a return to management.

The Canaries are on the lookout for a new head coach after Johannes Hoff Thorup was dismissed following an underwhelming season that saw Norwich finish in the bottom half as they failed to sustain a push for the top six.

Jack Wilshere took charge for the final few games, but he won’t be landing the job permanently, and the search is on for a new boss.

Lee Hendrie doesn’t expect Russell Martin to return to Carrow Road

As you would expect, a host of names have been linked with the vacancy, and some have suggested that Martin could be a contender, although reports from the PinkUn last week did say he wasn't in the frame and MailSport are now reporting he's set for Leicester.

The 39-year-old would appear to be an ideal fit for a number of reasons, not least because he has won promotion from this level in the past with Southampton, which will be the aim for Norwich next season.

Furthermore, Martin is a firm favourite at Carrow Road from his playing days, as he made over 300 appearances for the club, many as captain, as Norwich went from League One to the Premier League.

Yet, speaking exclusively to FLW, Hendrie explained how he feels Martin wouldn't be too keen on joining Norwich, as he backed him to take a job at a club with parachute payments if he is to return to the Championship.

“I actually don’t think so. I think he has made that step up, winning promotion with Southampton, but that didn’t play out long-term the way he wanted.

“I feel he could step into a club that has been relegated, a Leicester or a club on a promotion push. So, I’m not sure whether Norwich would tick his box to be honest. I think he would be looking further afield.”

Norwich City must get this appointment right

There is a lot of pressure on the hierarchy at Norwich this summer, as they spoke about a long-term project with Thorup, which they have abandoned after less than one season.

And, it’s not like things will get any easier, as you would expect at least one of Borja Sainz or Josh Sargent to leave, and whilst that will bring in decent money, Norwich will be losing quality.

So, it’s pivotal that they get the right manager in, and Martin would have been a shrewd appointment, even if he is a divisive figure in football due to the way he insists on his team playing.

With Leicester and Rangers also linked with Martin, he may not be a realistic option for Norwich, as Hendrie says, but the fans of the Norfolk outfit will expect a positive appointment after enduring a tough season.