Johannes Hoff Thorup is set to become Norwich’s first Danish team boss, but there have been seven players from Denmark who have worn the Canaries colours over the years…
Henrik Mortensen
(1989-91, 23 appearances in total, two goals)
Age: 56
Striker who joined City from Aarhus, signed by Dave Stringer for £350,000. Scored with a bicycle kick in a run-out for the reserves, then on his debut against Brighton in the Zenith Data Systems Cup. Also scored in an FA Cup tie, but he didn’t hit any dizzying heights and a pelvic injury forced him to quit the English game, although he did return to play for Aarhus.
Jan Molby
(1995-96, five appearances, one goal)
Age: 60
Joined City on loan from Liverpool at the age of 32. Accumulated plenty of silverware at Ajax and Anfield, but was clearly coming to the end of his career when Gary Megson took him on at a difficult time, following Martin O’Neill’s departure. Scored once, in a 2-1 loss at Birmingham in the League Cup, and not long after became player-manager at Swansea. Took Kidderminster into the Football League then had a short but not very sweet spell at Hull. Went back to Kidderminster but it didn’t go well and Molby vowed never to return to management. Punditry is his game nowadays.
Steen Nedergaard
(2000-03, 97 appearances, five goals)
Age: 54
Popular player, a right back by trade, who was signed from Odense by Bryan Hamilton. After an injury-troubled start to life in Norfolk he eventually became a regular under Nigel Worthington. Helped City to the 2002 Championship play-off final against Birmingham, but missed the game because of injury. Returned to previous club Odense when his contract expired, making a tearful farewell in a lap of honour at Carrow Road. No one will forget his long-range thunderbolt against Coventry.
David Nielsen
(2001-03, 66 appearances, 14 goals)
Age: 47
Joined City from Wimbledon, and quickly became a fans’ favourite – he wore his heart on his sleeve. Nielsen scored five goals in the first five games of a loan spell, so it was inevitable the move would be made permanent. But when it did, in January 2002, he added just three more as City made the play-off final, a game he started but did not finish, replaced by Iwan Roberts who went on to score in extra-time and the penalty shoot-out. Returned to play for a number of teams in Denmark, where he has also managed quite a few as well. It’s not all been plain sailing – has made headlines for gambling issues and attacking a team-mate.
Thomas Helveg
(2004-05, 23 apps, no goals)
Age: 52
A big name signing by Nigel Worthington - with a little help from Helveg’s former team-mate Steen Nedergaard. Helveg had played for Udinese and AC Milan in Italy, winning the Champions League and Coppa Italia in 2003, having won the Serie A title in 1999. He was 33 when he came to Norwich, but didn’t show the qualities that had helped fill his trophy cabinet. Was a right back who Worthington often played in midfield – it didn’t suit. Remember the final day 6-0 thrashing at Fulham in 2005? Helveg was subbed at half-time. Joined Borussia Monchengladbach after relegation for £170,000.
Jens Berthel Askou
(2009-11, 33 appearances, three goals)
Age: 41
Signed by Bryan Gunn in the summer of 2009, and enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Gary Doherty when Paul Lambert took over. A foot injury halted that and Askou was never able to reclaim his place. Had a very short loan spell with Millwall but when City made it to the Premier League he was off-loaded. Could head the ball further than most people go no holidays. Returned to play and manage in Denmark but is now manager at Swedish side IFK Gothenberg.
Jacob Sorensen
(July 2020-present, 82 appearances, four goals)
Age: 26
One of the few Daniel Farke signings left in the squad. Been at City for four years but has started just 46 league games, mainly due to injury problems – he missed the first half of last season because of pelvic problems. Earlier this month he signed a new 12-month contract with an option for a further year. Been moved from pillar to post positionally – started at left back but has played in central defence and midfield, the area of the pitch with which he is most familiar. Still, a good age for the incoming head coach – but needs to be injury free to see what he can do over a good long run of games.
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