Manning 'the perfect choice' - ex-Norwich player Forbes

Former Norwich City midfielder Adrian Forbes believes the choice of Liam Manning as head coach ahead of the new season is a "fantastic appointment".

Forbes, now sporting director of US club Texoma FC, knows Manning from coaching courses they both attended and games in which they were in charge of opposing age-group sides.

"It has to be a certain person that they employ to run that club, a person that understands Norfolk, that understands Norwich and understands the importance of managing Norwich City in a certain way and I think 100% on this appointment, they've done that," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"You can take away the sentiment of him being a Norfolk boy, which he is - if you're looking at someone who has the right key values and skills to manage the club in the right way, Liam's your perfect choice.

"His knowledge, his coaching detail, the way he sets his teams up, he's someone that I've watched closely...and I would like to emulate myself with what he's managed to achieve and the trajectory he's had."

Forbes added: "One thing everyone will see is Liam's management of the Norwich City players will be exceptional, and that will hopefully be transferred onto the pitch and performances as well.

"I believe 100% that this time, Norwich City have a manager that will not just bring success, but will bring a team spirit, a camaraderie and an understanding of Norfolk and Norwich that will will hopefully lead to success on the pitch."

Forbes began his career at Norwich, scoring eight goals in 121 appearances before moving to Luton Town in the summer of 2001.

Forbes played for Norwich between 1996 and 2001