There's enough evidence to suggest that a head coach's unveiling means very little in the long run.

In David Wagner's first official press conference at Norwich City he spoke about the importance of keeping the opposition pinned in their own half, while talking up the benefits of working with Stuart Webber.

Within two months Webber had decided to resign as sporting director, and supporters were quickly berating Wagner for his negative style of play.

Chris Hughton's unveiling at Carrow Road included a significant section on the future of Grant Holt, who had handed in a transfer request, and successor Neil Adams revealed his plan to keep the Canaries in the Premier League.

The former saga ended swiftly with a new contract for Holt, and Norwich were relegated a month after Adams' introduction.

Thorup will be the latest in a long line of Carrow Road introductionsThorup will be the latest in a long line of Carrow Road introductions (Image: PA)

But Johannes Hoff Thorup's first meeting with the English press feels different. The Dane heads a new era in East Anglia, one that will require patience and understanding from fans.

Although he'll have the occasional help of Ben Knapper, Webber's replacement, he is the man tasked with delivering that era's message. He'll be addressing those fans once, twice, even four times weekly in his new role.

This is his first opportunity to do that, and there are plenty of concerns he'll be quizzed on.

Transfer policy is right at the top of the list, with only one new signing confirmed and gaping holes still to be filled in the first-team squad. Mapping out that strategy will be Knapper's time to shine, although his colleague's thoughts are undoubtedly important.

Then there's the subject of playing style, a topic whose importance has been underlined by the failed reigns of Wagner and Dean Smith. The signs from Thorup's Nordsjaelland spell are encouraging, but he'll still have to explain how that looks in yellow and green.

Sporting director Ben Knapper will also be at the top tableSporting director Ben Knapper will also be at the top table (Image: Adam Harvey/Newsquest)

Expectation management will also be needed, with the 35-year-old expected to outline his ambitions for the club. 

Although the Premier League is always the long-term aim, this is likely to be a transitional season, and in that sense honesty appears to be the best policy.

Thorup has spoken in the Danish media about the lack of pressure to be promoted next season, and whether he repeats that statement in similarly blunt fashion this afternoon will reveal a lot.

Bracing fans for a bumpy first season was what Daniel Farke, City’s last successful boss, had to do when he arrived, but he managed to make it palatable.

An equally balanced assessment of the future could work wonders for the man who will be sat in his old chair, but getting it wrong could just sound like lacking ambition.

Daniel Farke got the messaging right at NorwichDaniel Farke got the messaging right at Norwich (Image: PA)

There will also be topical questions, with Leicester’s reported interest in Andy Hughes meaning his backroom team will likely be on the agenda, but most of all this is about the bigger picture.

It’s an opportunity for Thorup to get on the front foot with his new public, to ensure they’re on side before the project launches into the hurtling, screaming turbulence of a Championship season.

For too long communication was put on the back burner, a forgotten tenet of bygone success. With a fanbase dying for change and a sporting director now starting to exact it, this is the perfect opportunity to resurrect a side of the club that used to thrive.

Ultimately success on the pitch is the only thing that counts, but success off it this morning could go a long way towards that.

Follow coverage of Johannes Hoff Thorup's first press conference as Norwich City head coach, alongside sporting director Ben Knapper, from 9:30am.