Stuart Webber resigns from role as Norwich sporting director

Publish date: 2024-05-28

Stuart Webber has resigned as Norwich City sporting director after six years with the club.

The 39-year-old arrived at Carrow Road in April 2017 and oversaw two Championship titles with the help of his head coach appointment, Daniel Farke.

The club also suffered immediate Premier League relegation twice, finishing bottom on 21 and 22 points respectively.

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Last season saw Webber sack head coach Dean Smith just after Christmas and appoint David Wagner, who had previous promotion success with Huddersfield Town. Norwich went on to finish 13th in the Championship.

An interview given to The Athletic last month saw Webber state he was still hoping to see the finish of certain things, including the latest redevelopments at Colney Training Centre that were due to be completed by the autumn, before his eventual exit.

However, the club has now stated Webber handed in his notice at the turn of the year, ahead of completing his notice period “to ensure a thorough transition and handover” come March 2024. It also remains possible he could leave sooner.

The club have also confirmed Neil Adams will now move into the newly-created position of technical director.

Webber said: “I’d like to thank Delia, Michael and the rest of the board for their understanding in making this decision.

“The support I’ve had from all the board, past and present, throughout my time at the club has been outstanding. Delia and Michael are two of the most special people that I’ve met. They care so much about Norwich City, its staff and supporters.

“I’ve worked with some incredible staff, from my direct reports to the executive committee and wider staff across both the football club and Community Sports Foundation. I’ve seen so many staff grow and develop, and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication.

“Nobody will ever be able to take away our two title wins, the growth of the Lotus Training Centre and academy, and the connection our football areas now have with the wider business. Together, we have enjoyed some really special moments and we should be incredibly proud of the foundation we have managed to build to ensure future success at this club.

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“To the players I’ve worked with, I’ve learned so much and they have done some incredible things over the past six years. They will go down in history at this football club.

“I look forward to the next chapter and helping as much or as little in this transition over the coming months. The board know they have my unwavering support.

“Thank you to every board and staff member, player and supporter that I’ve met. I wish the club the very best and I look forward to supporting from afar.”

Norwich had completed the signing of three free agents this summer in former Burnley striker Ashley Barnes, Bournemouth full-back Jack Stacey and Fulham centre-back Shane Duffy.

In his May interview, Webber also trailed the likely summer departures from Norwich of England Under-21 right-back Max Aarons and 20-year-old Republic of Ireland defender Andrew Omobamidele.

Webber is one of the names being discussed by Leeds United as they look for a replacement for Victor Orta.

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(Photo: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

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