- Manning’s appointment initially sparked hope before results turned poor.
- On-pitch failures created a toxic atmosphere among frustrated supporters.
- Manning’s personal tragedy highlights critical need for mental health support.
It is very rare that a season can be so spectacularly defined into different eras. Painful as it may be, we do have to start by talking about Liam Manning.
Anticipation
People will deny it now, but there was anticipation with Liam Manning coming in as Norwich City boss.
He had stopped just short of getting Bristol City into the play-offs and those excited for his appointment brushed off his detractors as the usual sour grapes whenever someone leaves their club.
Failure
We will get to the context behind Liam Manning’s struggles as a manager. But there is no getting away from the fact that the results spoke for themselves. And the thing was largely “these are the worst results in Norwich City history.”
Unfortunately, it was not just the fact that the team lost but the manner in which it happened.
I saw for myself how the players would start strong, but almost immediately, after half-time, you could feel the energy dip, and that would soon spread across the ground.
While I don’t blame fans for being frustrated it was a horrible atmosphere that was in danger of turning toxic.
Context
An outpouring of anger was understandable. Tickets to attend matches are expensive, getting to games is expensive and life in general is more expensive.
But what can’t be ignored is the fact that Liam Manning lost his son. The fact it had happened some time before he took the Norwich City job is irrelevant in terms of the effect it had on him.
After he was relieved of his Norwich City duties he took on a job at Huddersfield. He would also be let go but in this case it was due to compassionate leave.
It can’t be stressed enough – people can think they can cope and may genuinely believe it. This is why mental health support is so important, so that they can get the help they need without stigma or judgement.
Wake-up call
Liam Manning’s stint as Norwich City manager did serve a purpose. It was a wake up call to the board.
It was a reminder of what the consequence is when you make the wrong call and that support can never be taken for granted. Which was why it was so important that the next decision was handled properly.
And the next decision did indeed turn out to be crucial.
