Norwich City owner Mark Attanasio has finally found his man—and he’s not shy about letting the world know. The American businessman is singing the praises of manager Philippe Clement, calling him a "special manager" after a stunning turnaround that has Canaries fans dreaming of a Premier League return.
When Clement took the helm last November, Norwich was languishing near the bottom of the Championship table. Fast forward to now, and the club has clawed its way to a ninth-place finish, racking up 19 wins under the Belgian’s guidance. It’s the kind of story that makes you believe in second chances—and smart appointments.
"You need some good fortune in sport, and we had good fortune to connect with Philippe," Attanasio told BBC Radio Norfolk’s Canary Call. And he’s right—sometimes the right manager at the right moment can flip a season on its head. Clement, who previously spent 16 months at Scottish giants Rangers, signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, and the club is already setting its sights higher than just a playoff scrap.
"Our goal is more than just the play-offs," Attanasio said, with a cautious nod to superstition. "When we talk internally, our focus is how to get the team into the top two next year." That’s a bold ambition for a squad that was staring at the bottom of the table just months ago, but the owner isn’t backing down. He acknowledges the challenge—especially with Premier League teams potentially dropping down—but insists the club will "devote everything we can towards getting back to the Premier League."
Attanasio also gave a shoutout to sporting director Ben Knapper, who faced calls for his dismissal during the rough patch that ultimately cost Clement’s predecessor, Liam Manning, his job. Now, with Clement and Knapper working hand-in-hand, the chemistry is clicking. "He and Ben, and the recruitment team, have been working for weeks now, looking forward to the summer," Attanasio noted. "We’ve got really good chemistry here."
Since Clement’s arrival, Norwich has been among the top two or three teams in points—a stat that speaks volumes about the turnaround. With a clear vision, a united front, and a manager who’s already proven he can rally a squad, the Canaries are flying high. For fans and apparel lovers alike, this is a club worth watching—and maybe even wearing.