The Impact of Hughes’ Move to Leicester on Norwich

Jacob Sorensen’s goal, sneaking past George Long to equalize for Norwich City against Millwall, marked a turning point for Allan Russell. The Canaries’ set-piece coach had struggled to leave his mark under Dean Smith in the first half of the season. His brief stint as interim manager ended with David Wagner’s permanent appointment.

However, as Sorensen confidently executed Gabriel Sara’s corner kick into the net, it seemed Russell was beginning to fulfill the expectations set when he was appointed in 2022. Another clever set-piece routine led to an own goal by Tom Bradshaw, further highlighting Russell’s impact. Yet, amidst the celebrations, Onel Hernandez headed straight for first-team coach Andy Hughes, who had stepped up following Wagner’s appointment and was now the focal point of the players’ jubilation.

Despite the fans and reporters searching for Russell in the midst of the celebration, he was conspicuously absent. Wagner, questioned about Russell’s absence post-match, declined to comment, and within a week, Wagner himself departed from the club.

The irony of Russell being replaced just before Hughes, handling multiple roles, orchestrated two crucial goals from set-pieces was not lost. Hughes’ influence extended far beyond occasional quirky routines, transforming Norwich into a team known for their set-piece prowess and defensive solidity.

Under Hughes’ guidance, players were signed and trained to excel in set-piece situations, leading to consistent improvement. Shane Duffy’s powerful header against Leeds, Sorensen’s deft touch against Rotherham, and Kenny McLean’s precise finish against QPR contributed to Norwich scoring 18 set-piece goals in the league last season, the third highest in the Championship.

The impact was evident even against Premier League sides like Leicester, where Sara’s near-post finish gave Norwich an unexpected lead at the King Power Stadium. Steve Cooper’s backing of Hughes’ appointment added further credibility to his methods, although Norwich now face the challenge of replacing his expertise.

Hughes’ departure to the East Midlands marks a deserved promotion to the Premier League, leaving Norwich to find a successor capable of replicating his achievements. Sporting director Ben Knapper faces the daunting task of replacing the 18 set-piece goals and managing other crucial aspects of Hughes’ role.

Knapper acknowledged the need to swiftly address the vacancy, armed with compensation received from Hughes’ departure. While Johannes Hoff Thorup’s unveiling suggested potential options, Knapper hinted at exploring alternatives to fill the void left by Hughes.

As Norwich navigates this transitional period, uncertainties linger both on and off the pitch. Despite the challenges ahead, the club remains determined to find solutions and build on their recent successes. However, the task of finding someone to match Hughes’ impact won’t be straightforward, adding to the club’s already extensive agenda.