Official NCFC SMS news in...

(Official site)

Norwich City can confirm that sporting director Stuart Webber is to leave the club.

Webber informed the club’s joint majority shareholders, Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones, of his decision at the turn of the year.

An external recruitment process, led by the club’s board of directors, to appoint a replacement is already underway.

During the upcoming period, Webber will remain in post and continue to work his notice period to ensure a thorough transition and handover.

As part of this process Neil Adams will move into the newly-created position of technical director, continuing his work alongside key football departments at the Lotus Training Centre.

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.

“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.”

Webber joined Norwich City from Huddersfield Town in April 2017. He has since helped guide the club to two Sky Bet Championship league titles.

After appointing the club’s first non-domestic head coach, Daniel Farke, in the summer of 2017, Norwich upset the odds in winning the Championship title in the 2018/19 campaign.

After a season in the top flight, Norwich bounced back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, navigating the challenging COVID-19 period and claiming their second Championship league title in the 2020/21 season.

During Webber’s time with the club the acquisitions of the likes of Tim Krul, Teemu Pukki, Gabriel Sara and Emi Buendia, who would eventually depart for a club record fee, combined with 19 first-team debuts for academy graduates, would play a key role in City’s success and stability.

Off the pitch, Webber has also been instrumental in building infrastructures and facilities across the club, particularly at the Lotus Training Centre and academy.

Any further updates on the process of appointing a replacement will follow in due course.

Posted By: DrDublin, Jun 13, 12:00:20