When Ben Knapper became Norwich’s sporting director in November 2023, he arrived with high expectations.
As Arsenal’s former loans and performance analyst, he promised structure, clarity, and long-term direction for a club too often adrift in the Championship.
Nearly two seasons later, the warning signs are hard to ignore.
Since March 1, Norwich have been labelled “statistically the worst team in the Championship.”
Winless runs, defensive issues, and a lack of clear identity have left fans and pundits questioning whether Knapper’s plan fits the reality of the league.
The most visible sign of tension came in April 2025, when Knapper sacked head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Norwich had won only two of their previous 14 matches and dropped to 14th in the table.
Knapper defended the decision as necessary, citing poor performances and a team that had lost direction.
Jack Wilshere stepped in as interim manager, but his appointment was a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution.
Recruitment has also raised questions.
Knapper’s signing of Jacob Wright from Manchester City offered promise: in 15 appearances, Wright produced four assists and an 85% pass accuracy rate.
Yet isolated successes have not outweighed a pattern of signings who failed to influence results or reflect a consistent playing style.
He now faces scrutiny over his choice of head coach.
Knapper appointed Liam Manning to lead the rebuild, but the results have been underwhelming.
Norwich have struggled to find rhythm under his management, with inconsistency and defensive lapses costing vital points.
The Canaries dropped into the relegation zone this week following their defeat against Derby County.
The team still looks uncertain in possession and short of confidence, and supporters are starting to question whether Knapper’s faith in Manning was misplaced.
If Knapper wants to restore belief, he must back his vision with action.
Better recruitment, more decisive leadership, and a unified playing style are essential.
Norwich’s next season will define his tenure – and decide whether his project can stop the slide or confirm that the Canaries have lost their way.
Latest from The Sporting News:
