Norwich City have appointed David Wagner as their new Head Coach on a 12-month rolling contract.
Wagner’s arrival comes nearly 10 months after he was last in management, having been in charge of Switzerland’s BSC Young Boys for nine months, and sees him replace Dean Smith following Smith’s sacking over the festive period.
This opportunity also sees Wagner returns to English Football after a near four-year absence following his departure from Huddersfield in January 2019, having guided the Terriers to the Premier League in summer 2017 then survival 12 months later in two seasons of top-flight struggle.
Wagner has signed a rolling 12-month contract which will be renewed on a yearly basis depending on the club’s performances each season.
Speaking to canaries.co.uk about his decision to join Norwich and return to England, Wagner commented: “This is a very special and proud moment for me. To be here, back in England, as the head coach of Norwich City is a huge honour.
“I’ve very pleased with what I have seen so far. The facilities at the Lotus Training Centre are top class. We now have to look forward and work extremely hard.”
Norwich currently sit 11th in Sky Bet Championship but only six points off third-placed Blackburn Rovers in a tight battle for the Play-Offs.
Wagner therefore has admitted that the second-half of the season will be competitive and has urged unity, as he continued: “This is a new challenge for us all. Will it be easy? No. We have to leave what has happened in the past behind.
“If we want success, we have to be together. Together as a group of players, backroom staff and supporters.”
Norwich Sporting Director, Stuart Webber added that he is “delighted” to welcome Wagner and his coaching team to the club.
Webber added that Wagner was the “outstanding candidate” and proceeded to explain that Wagner’s “knowledge of our squad, vision, idea around football and working style is something that clearly aligns with our short, medium and long-term goals.”
On what is needed to move forward up the league table quickly, Webber added: “We know we need to get to work and produce some positive performances. As always, results will follow if the performances are there.”
Wagner will take charge of Norwich’s Third Round tie against Blackburn at Carrow Road in this season’s FA Cup on Sunday 8 January, following completion of all necessary paperwork.
Acknowledging the work undertaken to get the paperwork completed quickly, Webber placed on record his thanks to the FA for “prompt assistance in providing the relevant Governing Body Endorsements,” plus the Home Office for their quick procession of the work permits.
Wagner will be joined by his assistant head coach, Christoph Bühler and Andrew Hughes as first-team coach.
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