'Totally ready': Philippe Clement returns to management after Rangers axe as clear values win new boss over

Clement has been out of work since February following his dismissal at Ibrox. However, he has beaten the likes of Gary O’Neil and Jon Dahl Tomasson to the Carrow Road hotseat and has agreed a deal until the summer of 2029.

Clement replaces Liam Manning, who left Norwich ahead of the international break with the Canaries second bottom of the Sky Bet Championship. Former Bristol City boss Manning had only been given the job during the summer, but lasted just 17 games – his side having lost all of their home matches so far this season.

Norwich were reported to have spoken to both ex-Wolves boss O’Neill, who had a spell as a player with the Canaries, as well as former Sweden and Blackburn manager Tomasson before settling on Clement.

Although the Belgian’s time at Ibrox ended following a disappointing run – with Rangers well adrift of rivals Celtic in the league – Clement did win the 2024 Premier Sports Cup and had previously guided Club Brugge to their domestic title twice before a spell at Monaco.

Clement, 51, has signed a contract through to the summer of 2029 and will be joined at Carrow Road by coach Stephan van der Heyden, who also worked with him at Rangers. Their first game in charge will be away at Birmingham on Saturday.

“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,” Clement said on the Norwich club website.

“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.”

Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper added: “Philippe is an incredibly experienced and prominent head coach, with clear values and beliefs that align with ours.

“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.”