Michael Reeves
When the news broke earlier today that Norwich City had sacked Dean Smith it was always going to be the name of Russell Martin that was near to the top of potential replacements given his recent links with Carrow Road.
The Canaries have won just three of their last thirteen Championship matches as they bid for a return to the Premier League and that is a run of form that clearly they felt was not sustainable with a club statement reading “As the club continues to work towards its on-field objectives this season, the board believe that it is the right time to make this transition.
“The club will now work to identify and appoint a new head coach that is able to deliver both the level of performances required to challenge at the top end of the league whilst implementing a consistent style of play.”
Early betting saw former Fulham and Bournemouth manager Scott Parker at the top at 4/1 with Swans boss Martin second at 5/1.
Sean Dyche, Chris Wilder and Mark Robins all came in at 61 with nobody else better than 161 in the first set of odds set shortly after the sacking of Smith.
Scott Parker – 4/1
Russell Martin – 5/1
Sean Dyche – 6/1
Chris Wilder – 6/1
Mark Robins – 6/1
It was speculated before the World Cup break that Martin would be high up the list of possible replacements although the links were not universally popular with one fan on the Pink ‘Un stating it “Would be worst appointment ever. A lot of fans hated him as a player.”
It is difficult to know at this stage how strong the links really are or whether this is just a lazy link given Martin’s time playing at the club. The one thing though we could probably assume is that Martin would be interested in a discussion if it did prove to be a possibility although right now I would say the names of Parker, Dyche or Wilder would be more appealing to Norwich fans who would love to back on the top table next season.
Time will – as ever- tell.
