Norwich bring forward Knapper start date after dire run
Knapper will arrive at the Lotus Training Centre a fortnight earlier than planned
Written by Training Ground Guru — November 7, 2023
NORWICH CITY have brought forward the arrival of new Sporting Director Ben Knapper by a fortnight following four league defeats in a row.
Knapper, who was Arsenal’s Loans Manager, had been due to join on November 27th after a family holiday. Now the Canaries have seen the need to bring the start date forward to Monday following a run of four straight defeats that leaves them 17th in the Championship.
Predecessor Stuart Webber, who had been due to remain for a brief handover period, will now leave following Saturday’s away trip to Cardiff City.
Webber has been the dominant football figure at the club during seven years at the helm. He oversaw two promotions to the Premier League but has come in for heavy criticism from some sections of the fanbase in recent seasons.
The decision to bring Knapper in early was made following a meeting of the club’s Board. In a statement, Norwich said: “The Board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Stuart for his hard work and dedication to the club over the last seven years, a period during which he oversaw two EFL Championship titles and promotions to the Premier League, as well as a transformation of the club’s facilities at the Lotus Training Centre.
“Continued progress on and off the pitch is what everyone at Norwich City wants and expects. The Board acknowledges the frustration and concern in the club’s recent on-field performances, but it remains together in its commitment to supporting its players and staff through this challenging period.”
