We hear the first words from Philippe Clement on becoming the new head coach of Norwich City, as replacement for Liam Manning.
The Canaries appoint Philippe on a contract until summer 2029, who says he is excited by the club’s potential despite current struggles, aims to turn the form around and fulfil ambitious plans set by the owner.
Sporting director Ben Knapper praised Clement’s experience, leadership, and analytical approach, committing full support to boost performances ahead of Saturday’s match against Birmingham City.
Welcome to Norwich City, Philippe Clement 🔰
The Belgian has agreed to become our new head coach on a deal until 2029 ✍️
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 18, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Norwich City are pleased to announce the appointment of Philippe Clement as the club’s new head coach.
The 51-year-old Belgian has signed a contract through to the summer of 2029.
He will be joined by coach Stephan Van Der Heyden, with further additions to Philippe’s backroom staff to be confirmed in due course.
Clement told canaries.co.uk: “I’m really excited by this story and opportunity. I’ve known of this club for a long time and, whilst we are not in a good moment at this time, we are excited to work together with the players and staff to turn things around.
“Meeting with the owners and hearing some of their ambitions for the club, it really convinced me that this is the best move. They have big plans for the future but, of course, our job in the short term is to turn around the current situation and get everyone believing again.
“I also see the potential in the club and the group of players, and feel totally ready for the challenge ahead.”
Sporting director Ben Knapper added: “We’re all incredibly excited to welcome Philippe and Stephan to Norwich City.
“As soon as we knew there was a chance to bring them here, there was no hesitation. Philippe is an incredibly experienced and prominent head coach, with clear values and beliefs that align with ours. He will bring a strong leadership presence and an impressive background having coached some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
“Throughout the recruitment process, his methodical approach and detailed analysis of where we currently are, as well as his desire to move things forward, were clear for us all to see.
“We now have an incredible amount of work ahead of us to ensure we improve performances and results, and we will do everything possible to ensure Philippe has our full backing and support.”
Clement played professionally from 1992 to 2011, spending all of his career in Belgium with the exception of a season in the Premier League with Coventry City.
Having spent 10 years of his playing career with Club Brugge, he re-joined the club as an academy coach upon his retirement.
He twice held the interim head coach position with Club Brugge before taking his first head coach role with Waasland-Beveren, followed by a move to the dugout at Genk where he led them to the Belgian Pro League title in 2019.
A return to Club Brugge and two more league titles followed in 2020 and 2021 before he departed for AS Monaco.
Most recently, Clement was head coach of Glasgow Rangers, holding that position for 18 months and winning the Scottish League Cup.
He will now take charge of the Canaries ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Birmingham City.
The appointment of both Philippe and Stephan is subject to approval from The FA and EFL, as well as the acquisition of right to work visas.
Here’s how fans reacted amid the first words from Philippe Clement on becoming the new Norwich City head coach…
@tacomonster_: Best of luck to him. Did well for a spell but ultimately didnt work out at Rangers. Could argue we’d be in a much stronger position under Clement and Koppen than we ended up with Martin and Thelwell. I think he’ll do well at Norwich.
@JackGoodwin2001: Absolutely stunned. I think this is an incredible appointment at the level. Not many championship teams would be able to attract a manager with his record. Expect them to be front footed & get the best out of Sargent & Kvistgaarden. 50/1 for play offs 👀. Clearly, a lot more needs to change. You’d hope that Knapper & his team are taking accountability for the dreadful recruitment over the last couple of seasons. I think this is really a box office appointment. Fair play 👏🏻
@J4GU4R_: Welcome to #ncfc Philippe, you have a yellow army here desperate to believe in the club again. Get the energy and connection right and the journey will be magnificent 💛💚
@parkrunnertom: Let’s stop looking at what he has or hasn’t done elsewhere. Let’s get behind the new manager and the team from now on and give them our full support loud and proud and start pushing up that table. Come on you yellows!
@CJRivett12: Clement is a huge pull for a club in #ncfc’s current situation. Imagine a four-year deal was one of the concessions we had to make. Exciting. He’ll get money to spend in Jan, and not afraid to change up his formation. Certainly an improvement and the best name of those mentioned
@olski7: Good luck Phillipe, we’re all behind you and looking forward to seeing some attacking football again. OTBC 💛💚
@RFCNUFC23: Best of luck Phil. Norwich fans you’ve got yourself a good one here
@domjf6: 2029??????? Jesus Christ lads let’s hope knapper is gone in the summer
@mattjohnson333: Every bit as likely to fail as deliver so im cautious going over board. However, for me thats the style I want to pay to watch, thats the style that will likely be more consistent to win you games. Its fine being defensively sound but if you dont create chances you wont win #ncfc
@kingdomzebedee: 4 year deal?????? Does this club never learn????
@IanGabelli: Clean slate and a new start for everyone now. The players, the club, the board. Time to get this club moving in the right direction 🙌🏼 #ncfc
Good appointment but massive task ahead, we are bottom of the league for a reason, it’s time for club and fans to unite and get behind the new head coach ! Also nowhere to hide for the players now , time to step up and be counted! 💪🏼 #Ncfc https://t.co/XdHqLM2HTn
— Darren Huckerby (@DHucks6) November 18, 2025
