Norwich City have confirmed that David Wagner has been appointed as the club's new head coach on a 12-month rolling contract.
During the closing days of 2022, the Canaries board made the decision to part ways with Dean Smith, despite the club challenging for the Championship playoffs.
However, having started the season as favourites for the title, nine defeats had come in 26 league fixtures, and the Englishman was sacked a day after the 2-1 loss at Luton Town.
Since then, Norwich have collected just one point from home fixtures against Reading and Watford, leaving the club down in 11th position in the standings.
Time to get this show on road... 🇩🇪
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) January 6, 2023
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The East Anglian side have now announced that Wagner has been chosen as the replacement for Smith, the German having experience in the Championship with Huddersfield Town.
During 2016-17, Wagner guided the Terriers to a surprise promotion to the Premier League and then kept the minnows of the following Premier League campaign in the top flight.
The 51-year-old has since held roles at Schalke 04 and Young Boys, losing his job at the latter in March with the club having failed to retain their Swiss title.
Nevertheless, after 10 months out of the dugout, Wagner now returns to English football tasked with lifting a team which has won just three of their most recent 15 league matches.
© Reuters
Speaking on his appointment, Wagner said: "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.
"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."
Wagner's first game in charge will come in the FA Cup third round with Norwich playing host to Blackburn Rovers on January 8.
Darren Plant
