Webber to lead Norwich hunt for Farke successor
Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber will spearhead the search for Daniel Farke’s replacement, after agreeing to commit his future to the Premier League club.
Farke was dismissed less than two hours after Norwich’s 2-1 victory at Brentford on Saturday – their first win of the league season – as the club took action for the poor start to the campaign.
Though the decision generated some surprise with the timing,
Norwich have taken a longer view after Farke’s run of 20 top-flight matches without a win. Last season’s Championship winners invested more than £50million on transfers during the summer, in an attempt to end their unwanted status as a perennial yo-yo club.
Webber told Farke the news in the dressing room at Brentford’s Community Stadium before an announcement was made at 7.30pm on Saturday evening.
It is understood that the decision to end Farke’s 4½-year tenure was made on Saturday morning, regardless of the result in west London hours later.
Webber’s deal runs out at the end of the season but he has agreed to sign a new contract after talks with owners Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-jones.
His influence at Norwich is significant and he has transformed the club since his appointment in April 2017, after spells with Liverpool, Wolves and Huddersfield Town.
Norwich do not have a new head coach lined up, but will seek a progressive, modern appointment who can work within the club’s infrastructure.
Russell Martin, a former Norwich player and the Swansea head coach, could emerge as a contender, though Webber is expected also to look at coaches operating outside England.
Experienced managers such as Sam Allardyce and Steve Bruce, who are both out of work, will not be considered as they do not fit the Norwich model.
Farke leaves Carrow Road after delivering two Championship titles and an exciting brand of football, and bringing through youngsters Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey and Todd Cantwell. Appointed in May 2017, he signed a new contract with Norwich in July after securing promotion back to the Premier League.
Though Norwich’s football was exhilarating in the Championship, the step up to the Premier League has proven difficult and the win at Brentford was Norwich’s first at the top level since February 2020.
Webber said in a statement: “I know how determined Daniel and his staff were to succeed at this level, but we feel now is the right time for a change to give ourselves the best opportunity of retaining our Premier League status.”