Clement choice 'boom or bust' for Knapper

New head coach Philippe Clement has to be a success at Norwich City or the position of sporting director Ben Knapper could become untenable, according to Chris Reeve, co-host of BBC Radio Norfolk's The Scrimmage.

Clement was appointed on a three-and-a-half-year contract and now has the task of trying to lift the Canaries out of the Championship's relegation places.

Knapper, who joined Norwich in 2023, has been the subject of significant fan protest with the dismissal of Liam Manning doing little to change perceptions around his position in the eyes of supporters.

"There was lots of talk prior to the appointment of Clement as to whether Ben would even be responsible for making that hire," said Reeve.

"It seems (majority shareholders) Norfolk Holdings Group have shown him more faith and allowed him to make this call but I would go as strong as to say it is boom or bust for Ben Knapper at Norwich City now.

"This appointment has to work and he's put a lot on the line. Has Philippe Clement been given more of a say over who we bring in during the January window given how poor the recruitment has been prior to this season starting?"

Reeve said Clement's experiences in charge at Scottish club Rangers showed he was a man "used to getting clubs out of bad situations".

"I would predict and suspect that now Norwich City fans have had their voices heard with regard to Liam Manning, their attention will turn more towards the board and even the ownership as well, they'll be making it loud and clear that if things aren't working we need to spend some money in January," he added.

Clement's first game in charge will be away to Birmingham City on Saturday, to be followed by home fixtures against Oxford United and QPR - with the team yet to pick up a single point at Carrow Road this season.

"It's going to be a really tense time. I really hope they get it right from the off," Reeve added.

"The big one is next Tuesday, the 25th, against Oxford at home. If Norwich City lose that game against Oxford, I think we might go down."