Norwich City's new era will need to jump inevitable hurdles

The reset button has been pressed. A new era is in motion, and given the way the last two seasons have unfolded and the supporter's emotions throughout, the overwhelming response is positive. 

It isn't necessarily even about Thorup, but it's about what he represents: freshness, connectivity, and the return to a clear identity. 

Nobody can claim to be an expert on him as a coach or how his teams play, but the fact that the core elements of his Nordsjaelland side were attractive football, the development of youth, and a clear process will come as a welcome sign for those of a yellow and green persuasion. 

There has been a yearning for a more defined project. Norwich fans have wanted to be taken on a journey and given something to believe in - that is how connection is achieved. 

The unknown is also exciting. When a coach pops up without that base level of knowledge or unwanted preconceptions, it is enticing. 

That wave of optimism that has greeted the appointment and fresh feeling around the club is uplifting. It does feel like a page has been turned, and the feeling of joy has returned - that will only intensify as changes to the squad begin, hopefully starting this week with the arrival of left-sided centre-back Jose Cordoba. 

Of course, this is the easy bit. Everything is shiny and new. A ball hasn't been kicked in anger. It isn't hard to muster belief in a project. Every word spoken by Thorup or even Knapper is fresh and refreshing. In terms of buy-in, this is the easy bit. 

Norwich's journey in the last few seasons can be defined as a pursuit of the outcome, which saw them act in the short term; it constantly felt like they were chasing results, losing connection with fans and, as a result, a grip on the process. 

At stages last season, even the high points were met with shrugged shoulders. There was widespread apathy. That made David Wagner's task near on impossible. Given the circumstances, he performed well not just to stabilise the ship but to get it upwardly mobile and into the playoffs. 

But it does feel like Norwich fans are ready for something fresh. A new idea. A new way. Even new characters.

They will enter this new Championship campaign with a different head coach, sporting director, head of football development and even a different joint majority shareholder than was the case this time last summer. 

Daniel Farke and Stuart Webber were pioneers of the last big Norwich City project. (Image: Newsquest Library)

If it provokes emotions of 2017, then that is because there are striking similarities. 

But even though Norwich have a better base to build upon, patience will be required given the scale of change that has taken place in the last six months—just as it was at the start of that process.

Thorup is going to be building a new playing style amid plenty of squad turnover - you only have to delve into the history books and see how long it took Daniel Farke to do something similar in 2017-18. 

Knapper is trying to alter the squad, change the culture and pivot to a more data-driven approach. He needs to rebuild a pathway to the academy, which in itself requires a degree of TLC again. 

He has to lower the age group and unpick some of the damage that done by decision-making in the previous 12 months - but the fact he has reached for the scalpel instead of another sticking plaster is welcome. 

Throw in the backdrop of parachute payments ending and the likelihood of at least one, possibly two and maybe even three major sales from a group containing Gabriel Sara, Jon Rowe, Josh Sargent and Angus Gunn - and you come to realise there will be hurdles ahead. 

That isn't delivered to dampen the optimism or soak up the joy that is beginning to infect the fanbase, but it is a hard fact - just as it was for Farke and Stuart Webber at the start of their adventure.  

It was only a small window into a relationship that has been quietly building behind the scenes, over the phone and on video calls, but similar messages were delivered in a short exchange about the importance of integrating young players in a YouTube video of Thorup's first visit to Colney. 

Ben Knapper has plenty to fix and build at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Those messages were then reiterated in his first formal club interview - that alignment extended to playing style, and the Dane's enthusiasm and communication style offered encouragement. 

Norwich are going to lose games. It's possible this season doesn't end in a top-six finish, but supporters will want to see improvement in playing style and youth development and feel a connection to their club again. 

Thorup will be given time to build. It is possible that everything gets moving quickly, but that isn't a guarantee. 

It is in those low moments where the strength of this project will be tested, and the importance of communicating effectively will be integral. Very few footballing projects are plain sailing, but the successful ones retain the belief of those internal and external. 

Just ask Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Daniel Farke back in 2017, or Russell Martin at Southampton. Norwich needs a long-term fix, and that means overcoming the inevitable hurdles that will await them by building something - not seeking short-term fixes. 

Norwich City supporters will have a role to play next season. (Image: PA)

Thorup is experiencing his first coaching gig outside of Denmark - there will be a period of adaptation for all concerned. 

Knapper is expected to be active this summer in terms of spreading his messaging in fans forum and via media. Thorup's unveiling press conference at the end of the month is also an important first moment. 

There will be adversities, challenges and tough moments ahead of City and their new era - but if they can ride them out, then this optimism and excitement can be exchanged for success.