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Daniel Farke was relieved of his duties as Norwich manager at the weekend despite helping his side secure their first Premier League victory of the season against Brentford.
The Canaries sit bottom of the Premier League table with five points, level with Newcastle.
It came as a shock when the East Anglians announced the German’s departure, with the club reportedly having decided on Farke’s future prior to Saturday’s clash.
With time now of the essence in the relegation battle, Norwich are on the hunt for a new manager — below we take a look at five frontrunners.
Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard has been out of a job since his sacking by Chelsea in January 2021.
The former Blues and Derby boss played a key role in helping his side progress through the Champions League group stage before Thomas Tuchel led them to glory in May.
The three-time Premier League winner also has experience managing at a lower level after a season at Derby — successfully navigating the Rams into the Championship play-offs before ultimately falling short.
What is more, his experience in the second tier means he would offer some relevant experience should Norwich eventually fail to beat the drop
The ex-England international and Champions League winner is an appealing option that the struggling Canaries could turn to.
Steve Bruce
Although Steve Bruce was never a popular figure at Newcastle, he managed to keep the Magpies in the Premier League during his two-year stint on Tyneside.
Bruce has an impressive CV when it comes to managing top-flight clubs too, having spent time at the likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland, Hull and Wigan.
The 60-year-old seemed doomed to fail at his boyhood club but could be given the opportunity to redeem himself with Norwich as they seek to avoid having the worst ever Premier League season.
Bruce also enjoyed a playing stint with Norwich, spending four seasons at the Canaries and registering 141 appearances for the club before his famous switch to Manchester United materialised.
Despite Bruce saying he would like a break from management, he could be tempted by the Norwich post.
Lucien Favre
Lucien Favre would be a high-profile signing for Norwich should they pull it off.
The former Swiss international has managed some of the top German sides, including Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and Hertha BSC.
The 64-year-old was previously linked to the Spurs job over the summer and his name has been thrown into the hat as a potential replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.
Favre is an attacking coach and likes to implement fast-paced football and maintain possession — something that Farke also tried to implement, although he was largely unsuccessful at the top level.
This appointment does seem unlikely but Norwich will surely be keen to explore the option, if it becomes available.
Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce is undoubtedly the best manager for a struggling Premier League side.
Despite his failure to keep West Brom from relegation last season, Allardyce has steered the likes of Sunderland and Crystal Palace away from the drop and gained promotions with Bolton and West Ham.
Norwich may not have been too keen on a manager like Allardyce due to his direct playing style but as it stands, they are on course to replace Derby as the worst ever Premier League team.
Allardyce would be looking to maintain a good record of keeping his relegation-threatened teams up and Norwich have the players at hand to provide the former England boss with the tools for success.
With only five points from 11 games, owner Delia Smith may have to take the plunge in an effort to keep the Canaries from falling straight back down into the Championship.
Kjetil Knutsen
The appointment of Kjetil Knutsen would be a gamble — but the Norwegian has already led his Bodo/Glimt side to victory over Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the Europa Conference League this season.
His team also romped to a maiden Eliteserien title last year by playing a high press and suffocating their Scandinavian opponents, winning plaudits from observers around the globe.
Knutsen’s side currently sit at the summit of the elite tier of Norwegian football once again, five points ahead of Molde and within touching distance of defending their title.
Despite being an outsider for the Norwich job, Knutsen has proved his worth and tactical adaptability — he attacks with intent but is aware of the need to set up behind the ball against superior opposition.
He could be a candidate that could get the best out of the likes of Todd Cantwell and Teemu Pukki, should Norwich approach him.
