The long-serving Arsenal man will take over from Stuart Webber on November 27, with the pair to work alongside each other for a handover period before the Welshman steps away from the business.
Knapper will head up City’s January transfer business and lead the footballing strategy in the short, mid and long term.
His appointment ends a lengthy recruitment process that saw Norwich whittle down a shortlist from six.
Knapper impressed at every stage of the process and won the race to become Webber’s successor, ending a 13-year association at Arsenal that has seen him work in the data, analysis and strategy departments.
– Read the reaction to Ben Knapper’s appointment from social media below
Whenever I spoke to people who worked with Ben Knapper – whether that be players or agents – they all spoke glowingly about him. It was always a matter of when, not if, he took up a sporting director role.
Looks like a very smart move by Norwich. He’ll be missed at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/mAjkr7xRjh
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) October 6, 2023
Ben Knapper is leaving his role as Arsenal’s loan manager to take over as Norwich’s sporting director. It’s no surprise he’s moved upwards in his career, his work in north London is widely admired and really aided the development of players such as Smith Rowe and Balogun.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) October 6, 2023
#NCFC With regards to the Ben Knapper news, it makes sense and could be a real coup.
He specialises in youth and with our young players having talent he will have a clear plan on how to develop them.
With signings no one knows but he must have a long list of contacts.
— Stuart (@Soulfrost00) October 6, 2023
Norwich’s appointment of Ben Knapper as sporting director is the smartest move they’ve made in some time.
— Nick Ames (@NickAmes82) October 6, 2023
Arsenal always seem a well run club from the outside looking in, so I’m happy with this. Couldn’t let the Webber situation rumble on until March, which I feared. Another step (slowly) into a new era . Looking forward to hearing what his short/long term plans are #NCFC
— Bangkok Canary (@BangkokCanary) October 6, 2023
I’m waiting for the usual #NCFC faithful to come out and act like they know everything about the new SD… 😭🤣
Glad it’s put to bed. Webber hangover was setting in and stagnating.
Looks promising. Not gonna pretend I know who he is though, unlike some! 🤣
— Cam (@ncfc_cam_) October 6, 2023
News out of left field, but welcome news and finally some stability around the Sporting Director position.
Don’t know much about Knapper, but seems to have been in high regard at Arsenal, holding multiple key positions over the years there. Hopefully a good sign 🤞🏻👍🏻 #ncfc 💚💛 https://t.co/yL4m4AVGUn
— The Norfolk Sonic 💛💚 (@Ginger_Canary) October 6, 2023
I know nothing about Knapper, but having someone come in with fresh eyes and fresh opinions can only be a good thing.
Glad we’ve got someone new instead of a re-tread. Glad it’s someone from outside the #ncfc structure. 👍🏻
— Steve (@SteNCFC) October 6, 2023
I wondered if we’d see Norwich go the route of some other clubs and divide the Sporting Director role into several different jobs. Knapper is someone with good experience in several areas so probably means a single Sporting Director model will be maintained.
— Bethnal Y and G (@BethnalYG) October 6, 2023
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