As Norwich City begin their search for a new permanent manager, one name is rising fast to the top of the list—and EFL expert Jake Quellin says ignoring him would be “stupid.”
With Johannes Hoff Thorup now gone and Jack Wilshere placed in temporary charge, the Canaries are officially in rebuild mode ahead of the 2025/26 season. While some fans are calling for Wilshere to be given a shot, Quellin believes Norwich must be considering Stockport County boss Dave Challinor—especially if his team fall short of promotion.
“Norwich City are an ambitious club who want to push back to the Premier League,” Quellin said. “They need a manager with the expertise and experience needed to continually push at the highest level.”
Challinor’s stats are nothing short of staggering. Over 14 full seasons across six divisions, he has never finished lower than a play-off spot. That’s a record virtually unmatched in English football.
“If Norwich aren’t at least looking at him they’d be stupid,” Quellin added. “If he doesn’t get Stockport promoted, he’ll be at the top of every Championship club’s shortlist.”
The tweet from Stockport County that caught the attention of many reads:
“In 14 full seasons as a manager, across six different divisions, this man has never finished lower than a play-off spot. A record like no other. #StockportCounty”
Dave Challinor’s Managerial Record (So Far)
- Games Managed: 549
- Wins: 279
- Draws: 127
- Losses: 143
- Goals For: 987
- Goals Against: 652
Major Achievements:
- Stockport County: League Two Champion, National League Promotion
- Hartlepool United: National League Play-Off Winner
- AFC Fylde: National League North Winner, FA Trophy Winner
- Multiple Promotions with Colwyn Bay and Fylde
Oh, and for a bit of fun—he used to hold the world record for the longest throw-in in football, at 46.35 meters.
That combination of promotion pedigree, tactical consistency, and proven leadership might be exactly what a club like Norwich needs right now. With Premier League ambitions still alive in Norfolk, the next appointment is critical—and if Dave Challinor is available, ignoring him might just be a costly mistake.
Could he be the next man in the dugout at Carrow Road? Only time—and the Canaries’ ambition—will tell.
In other news, “He’s the Right Fit” – Lee Hendrie Demands Watford Back Cleverley This Summer After Surpassing Expectations
