Stuart Webber will remain Norwich City’s sporting director beyond the end of his current deal, with the announcement of a new contract expected during the upcoming international break.
MyFootballWriter understands that the Welshman has agreed to stay at the club beyond the summer of 2022 on a rolling basis, after signing a three-year contract with the Canaries in 2019.
Webber had previously been clear about his desire to depart Carrow Road at the end of his current deal, but it is understood that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with other factors, has set this date back.
The ex-Huddersfield chief’s plans to work abroad in the future have been placed on hold, and a sizeable chunk of City’s football budget has disappeared because of the impact of the global crisis.
Webber revealed in recent interviews that he expected his own future to be dealt with during this international break, saying: “It should be sorted very soon, within the next month. We’ve got an international break in November. All I’d say to people at the minute is it’s not an issue internally.”
It is understood that the announcement will play a key role in the agenda of City’s upcoming annual general meeting, where Webber will surely face questions over his next head coach.
The future of the club had looked unfamiliar following the sacking of previous head coach Daniel Farke on Saturday, but Webber’s new deal will bring some consistency as he continues his role in charge of football operations.
Former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was touted as a potential replacement for Farke, but the 43-year-old has agreed to become Newcastle United’s new boss, while reports that Frank Lampard had opened talks with the club were understood to be wide of the mark.
Names ranging from Lucien Favre to Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen have been linked since the German’s departure, with an appointment expected in time for Norwich’s next game, at home against Southampton on 20 November.
Since arriving at Carrow Road in 2017, Webber has masterminded two promotions and overseen a huge overhaul in finances at City, helping the club recover from huge financial danger to ensure success on the pitch on a shoestring budget.
Whether the 37-year-old can use his expertise to keep the Canaries in the Premier League remains to be seen, but he’ll be given more time to attempt to do so.
Cheaper to get rid of and easier for both sides to end – does not scream commitment but given this summers transfer window he was not going to walk into his dream big club job.
Fact is, if he was responsible for the incoming transfers in the last window, he should hang his head in shame.
He admitted in the last PL adventure he sold Daniel short. This time he has done it again, loaded him with quantity rather than quality. Clearly in the hope that some may come good in due course, and as soon as they can sell them for millions. In 60 years of going to Carrow Road, I have never seen such a load of dross in one window. Can’t ever see us making money in future from any of them. Guess some will be sold at a huge loss.only Normann, who we don’t own has performed to PL standards. Daniel performed miracles, with poor financial support.
Little thought given to buying the experience to keep up up.
Need to keep Webber,without him we would be in a dire situation.
Yeah there may have been some mistakes in players but it also comes down to managing those players and that’s not happened.
I don’t for one minute believe all the players were brought in without any discussions with Farke
If Webber goes we will go backwards
He’s going. He’s said he’s going from day one.
We need stability and this isn’t it.
Why would we give him a new contract ? He clearly has no idea what makes a Premier league footballer.
How are Huddersfield doing now?