Liam Manning explains reasons behind Norwich City switch after Bristol City confirm boss' exit | Bristol Live

Liam Manning has left Bristol City to join the Robins' Championship rivals Norwich City as their new head coach

Liam Manning has explained that the "vision and strategy" in place to help move Norwich City forward impressed him after the Canaries named the Bristol City boss as their new head coach.

The Robins announced on Tuesday evening that Manning would be departing Ashton Gate with immediate effect to make the move to Carrow Road, where he has put pen to paper on a four-year contract until the summer of 2029.

City supporters have had time to come to terms with the 39-year-old's exit, with news of the Canaries' interest in the head coach emerging quickly after the Reds' play-off campaign came to a record-breaking end against Sheffield United. However, there remains a slight element of surprise amongst fans that Manning has chosen to leave BS3 after securing the Robins' first top six finish in 17 years.

While it seemed as though the foundations were in place for Manning and his squad to kick on and go a step further next season, the alignment, identity and plan for the future in place at Carrow Road was enough to entice the former Oxford United boss away from the West Country.

"I’m privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to work for this fantastic football club," Manning said in an official statement shared to the Canaries' website. "It’s a wonderful club with a big history and tradition.

"When I spoke to Ben [Knapper] and the owners about the opportunity here, I was really impressed by their vision and strategy for moving the club forward. I felt a clear alignment in how they want to play and develop players – that is something I was really excited to be a part of.

"It’s clear, there has already been a lot of valuable groundwork laid in recent seasons – it’s now important we build further on that and move the club forward.

"I’m really excited to meet the supporters and will do everything possible to give them a club they can be proud of."

Manning's assistant head coach Chris Hogg, who also worked alongside the former City boss at both Oxford United and MK Dons, and first-team coach and analyst James Krause are both yet to depart BS3.

While the Canaries are understood to be keen to bring both members of the Reds' backroom team to Carrow Road, Bristol Live understands they are yet to meet the release clauses in either coach's contract and therefore such a move is yet to be completed. City intend on providing an update on the future of both in due course.

Last season, under the management of Johannes Hoff Thorup, Norwich finished 13th in the Championship, 11 points adrift of the Reds and the play-offs. With two games remaining of the campaign, the decision was taken to part ways with the Dane and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere took charge for the final weeks of the season.

Wilshere has since departed the club with Canaries sporting director Ben Knapper keen to appoint a head coach experienced in the Championship.

"We’re all thrilled to welcome Liam and his family to Norwich City," Knapper explained. "This is an exciting appointment, and we are so happy to get it over the line and have him on board.

"It quickly became clear that Liam’s ambitions match our own and we are all committed to driving this club forward towards our targets. Liam knows the league, has consistently demonstrated an ability to outperform resources and his approach aligns with our footballing ideas and strategy.

"He is an exceptionally bright coach who will push himself, and everyone around him, to develop and improve. We are so excited to have him as a key part of our club."