Norwich fans baffled by one aspect of Philippe Clement’s contract

Image: Norwich City

Norwich City have appointed former Rangers boss Philippe Clement as their new manager, 10 days after terminating Liam Manning’s tumultuous 17 game spell in the dugout, which has left the Canaries 23rd in the Championship table.

Although the announcement has been met with a warm reception by the majority of the club’s supporters on X , many fans are baffled as to why Clement’s contract is until 2029, given the club’s recent history of short managerial spells.

One fan wrote: “Another 4 year deal? Do we ever learn from our mistakes or .. nah.”

While another added: “2029? This appointment really needs to work then.”

Norwich’s recent history with short managerial appointments

The criticism over the contract length comes after the club gave out long-term contracts to the two previous managers, Johannes Hoff Thorup and Liam Manning, only for them not to last long.

Manager	Date of appointment	Contract length	Date of sacking	Duration
Johannes Hoff Thorup	30th May 2024	Three years	22nd April 2025	10 months and 23 days
Liam Manning	3rd June 2025	Four years	8th November 2025	5 months and 5 days

Both appointments were made by the club’s current Sporting Director, Ben Knapper, who has faced heavy criticism from the supporters since he took the job in November 2023. And those feelings were echoed following the decision to give Clement a four year deal.

User @Estefphven commented: “2029, well played Phillipe. Knapper done like a kipper.”

And @domjf6 added: 2029??????? “Jesus Christ lads let’s hope knapper is gone in the summer.”

Is Clement the right appointment for Norwich?

The Belgian has a strong reputation in his homeland after winning three consecutive titles with Genk and Club Brugge between the 2018/19 and 2020/21 seasons, but he hasn’t had a job since being sacked by Rangers in February after 16 months in charge.

Norwich fans will be hoping for something similar to his 16-match unbeaten run he achieved as soon as he went to Ibrox in order to kick-start a torrid campaign where they are in the middle of an 11-match winless streak and haven’t won at Carrow Road all season.

Clement’s first game is on Saturday when the Canaries travel to St Andrew’s to face Birmingham City.