Opinion: Why Russell Martin is the right man to restore Norwich City in the Premier League

Even the fallback of Norwich City experiencing a "transitional" season was not enough to save Johannes Hoff Thorup his job.

The Canaries opted to part company with the Danish head coach following a run of six defeats in eight matches which saw the club plummet from play-off contention to mid-table obscurity.

Despite Norwich's abhorrent form, there was an expectation Thorup would be given the summer to refine his squad for the 2025/26 season until the club's hierarchy decided a split was best for both parties.

Norwich's sporting director Ben Knapper said in a statement: "Whilst we made this appointment with a long-term focus and in line with our wider club strategy and direction, unfortunately recent results and performances have deemed it necessary for us make a change."

It's clear Norwich have no intention of deviating from their long-term strategy in search of a short-term reward.

So what exactly are they looking for?

A coach with a possession-based philosophy and a good track record of developing players is essential. What about the added sprinkling of a promotion to the Premier League on his CV and a close affinity to the club from his playing career?

I think I know the man.

Russell Martin spent nine seasons at Carrow Road and was a key figure in their ascent from League One to the Premier League from 2009 to 2012.

Captaining Norwich in their Championship play-off final success over Middlesbrough in 2015, Martin tallied over 300 appearances in yellow and green before departing as a club legend in 2018.

I've always had the underlying feeling that, since Martin commenced his journey into management with MK Dons in 2019, his pathway would cross Norwich's at some stage.

Martin's philosophy is centred around controlling matches with possession and that is exactly the type of managerial profile Norwich are currently searching for.

However, there's no denying Martin is a polarising figure.

Whether you have supported a team he's managed or not, Martin has been equally commended and criticised for the style of play he implements and his unwillingness to tweak his approach, even against superior opposition.

Despite playing some incredibly attractive football, Martin's inability to steer neither MK Dons or Swansea City to a top-half finish had drawn condemnation.

When Southampton came calling in 2023, it was an opportunity for the former central defender to prove there was substance to his style.

He inherited a team who were low on confidence and not accustomed to dominating the ball. Prominent figures such as James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Tella departed. A difficult start followed.

It would have been easy for Martin to sacrifice his principles in pursuit of a safer, more conventional approach. In the face of adversity, the Brighton-born tactician stuck to his guns and Southampton reaped the rewards.

The Saints embarked on a club record unbeaten run, scored goals with exhilarating ease and despite narrowly missing out on automatic promotion, Martin demonstrated his tactical acumen and excellent man-management skills to galvanise his squad as Southampton toppled Leeds United in the play-off final.

What's to say that if Norwich recruit appropriately over the summer - and we're all aware of the club's ability to unearth gems - Martin isn't able to replicate that feat? If not in the 2025/26 season, then certainly the next.

A pivotal transfer window lies ahead

The worry for any manager who inherits the managerial gig at Carrow Road is the growing interest in their star players.

Josh Sargent and Borja Sainz have contributed over 30 goals between them and losing both will be to a significant detriment of Norwich's ambitions. Somehow manage to retain one and the foundations are present for a genuine assault at the top-six.

While many of the players were responsible for Thorup's demise, Martin does have a strong track record of connecting with his players and creating unity within his camp. In terms of confidence, there are similarities you can draw from the Southampton side Martin inherited and the current pool of Norwich players.

Getting the buy-in from the players was a vital factor in the 42-year-old turning the tide at St Mary's. Forging a clear identity and reiterating his faith in certain individuals despite several mistakes, Martin's methods eventually bore fruit.

Yes, there have been many instances where appointing a club icon has been an unmitigated disaster. Except in those circumstances, the legend in question was not of Martin's managerial calibre.

He understands Norwich and knows what is required to orchestrate a push for promotion.

It feels like a match made in heaven.

Jaquob Crooke

• Championship
• • 
  •