Exclusive: Don Goodman discusses "natural" Norwich City, Liam Manning links | OneFootball

The Norwich-born man features high on the odds to take over at Carrow Road

Don Goodman believes that Liam Manning's standing on the odds of becoming Norwich City head coach is "natural" at this moment in time.

The Canaries had an extremely underwhelming 2024/25 Championship campaign after finishing sixth last season prior to their play-off semi-final defeat to Leeds United, ending the season well adrift of a play-off berth, which was earned by Manning's current employers, Bristol City, on the final day of the season.

The Robins secured sixth spot with a 2-2 draw on the final day of the regular season, seven places and 11 points ahead of Norwich who parted company with Johannes Hoff Thorup on April 22nd, despite the fact the Dane was handed a three-year contract just 12 months ago.

Naturally, speculation over his successor at Carrow Road is rife at present heading into the off-season, and it has recently been confirmed by sporting director, Ben Knapper, that the highly-rated former Arsenal midfielder, Jack Wilshere, will not be handed the vacancy on a full-time basis after overseeing the final two games of the season against Middlesbrough and Cardiff City.

And, after his current employers were defeated 6-0 on aggregate by Sheffield United over two legs in the play-off semi-finals, Manning, who has already attracted concrete interest from elsewhere, is one of many names high on the bookmakers' list of potential candidates alongside the likes of Ralph Hasenhuttl, Russell Martin and Gary O'Neil.

Don Goodman issues verdict on potential Norwich City pursuit of Liam Manning

Despite never making a professional appearance for the East Anglian side, Manning, who also hails from Norwich, was part of the club's academy setup between 1999 and 2002, before switching to bitter rivals, Ipswich Town, where he also failed to make a senior debut before featuring for Icelandic side, Selfoss and various non-league outfits.

Of course, his managerial career is a different story, having gained plenty of credit for his work at Lommel, MK Dons and Oxford United prior to his appointment at Ashton Gate in November 2023, where he is under contract for a further two seasons.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman understands why links are emerging between Norwich and the former West Ham Under-23's head coach, but has stated that the club have to nail their next appointment after a dismal end to the season.

"It seems to me like Norwich and Ben Knapper are going to take their time," he began. "The only thing they've said with any certainty is that it will not be Jack Wilshere and that the process has begun, but it won't be a process that ends anytime soon.

"So, it would be natural for somebody like Liam Manning, who has done brilliantly for Bristol City (to be linked). It's just a natural link," Goodman explained.

"It doesn't surprise me, nor would it surprise me if Norwich City try and tempt him. Because, one thing's for sure, Norwich City have to get this appointment right," the Sky Sports pundit stated.

Liam Manning would be a smart appointment for Norwich City

As well as having pre-established connections to the city, the appointment of Manning would be a smart move for Norwich, regardless of whether they lose their two big stars in Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent, who have and will continue to attract plenty of transfer interest.

It was viewed as an overachievement by many that his current side broke into the play-offs when considering the strength-in-depth and financial muscle at Ashton Gate in comparison to the likes of Norwich, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion, who were all among the early-season favourites for a play-off bid but fell short, or in the Canaries' case, miles off.

The 39-year-old has forged a strong bond with supporters in BS3 and was the subject of continued praise from Chris Wilder for how he set up his high-pressing and sturdy side against the Blades in the semi-finals and over the course of the season, and has recently been linked as a potential replacement for Ruud Van Nistelrooy at Leicester City.

Therefore, Norwich representatives aren't the only ones in this potential managerial saga with plenty of big decisions to make, and it remains to be seen whether Manning will be swayed by a move elsewhere or if he wants to continue progressing the Robins forward after their first post-season campaign at this level for 17 years.