Five potential candidates to replace Farke at struggling Norwich

Daniel Farke was relieved of his duties as Norwich boss after helping his side secure their first Premier League victory of the season against Brentford.

The Canaries sit bottom of the table with five points, level with Newcastle who have a better goal difference.  

It came as a shock when the East Anglians announced the German's departure, with the club reportedly having decided on his future prior to Saturday's 2-1 victory at the Brentford Community Stadium. 

With time now of the essence in the relegation battle, Norwich are on the hunt for a new manager. 

Read on as we take a look at five potential candidates. 

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard has been out of a job since being sacked by Chelsea in January.

The former England star, 43, played a key role in helping the Blues progress through the Champions League group stage last season before Thomas Tuchel led them to glory in May.

And the three-time Premier League winner also has experience managing at a lower level after a season at Derby — successfully guiding the Rams to the Championship play-offs before ultimately falling short. 

His experience in the second tier could also come in handy should Norwich eventually fail to beat the drop.

And it appears Chelsea's record goalscorer has already held talks about filling the vacancy at Carrow Road. 

Steve Bruce

Although Steve Bruce was never a popular figure at Newcastle, he managed to keep the Magpies in the Premier League during his two-year stint on Tyneside.

Bruce has an impressive CV when it comes to managing top-flight sides, having also spent time at the likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland, Hull and Wigan. 

The 60-year-old seemed doomed to fail at his boyhood club but could be given the opportunity to redeem himself with Norwich as they seek to avoid setting a new record for the lowest Premier League points total. 

Bruce also enjoyed a four-season playing stint with the Canaries, making 141 appearances before his switch to Manchester United.

Despite saying he would like a break from management, the veteran boss could be tempted by the Norwich post.

Lucien Favre

Lucien Favre would be a high-profile signing for Norwich.

The former Swiss international has managed some of the top German sides, including Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and Hertha Berlin.

Favre, 64, was previously linked to the Tottenham job and his name has been thrown into the hat as a potential replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United. 

He is an attack-minded and likes to implement fast-paced football and maintain possession — something Farke also tried before his departure. 

Favre seems an unlikely appointment but Norwich will surely be keen to explore the option should it present itself.

Sam Allardyce

Sam Allardyce is undoubtedly the best manager for a struggling Premier League side.

Despite his failure to save West Brom last season, Allardyce has steered the likes of Sunderland and Crystal Palace away from the drop zone and secured promotion with Bolton and West Ham. 

Norwich may not be too keen on a manager such as Big Sam, 67, due to his direct playing style. 

But as it stands, they are on course to eclipse Derby's miserable 11-point tally from their disastrous 2007-08 campaign. 

Allardyce would be looking to maintain a good record of keeping his relegation-threatened teams up and Norwich have the players at hand to provide the former England boss with the tools for success.

With only five points from 11 games, owner Delia Smith may have to take the plunge in an effort to keep the Canaries from falling straight back down into the Championship.

Kjetil Knutsen

The appointment of Kjetil Knutsen would be a gamble — but the Norwegian has already led Bodo/Glimt to victory over Jose Mourinho's Roma in the Europa Conference League this season. 

His team also romped to a maiden Eliteserien championship last term by playing a high press and suffocating their Scandinavian opponents, winning plaudits from observers around the globe.

Knutsen's side currently sit at the summit of the elite tier of Norwegian football once again, five points ahead of Molde and within touching distance of defending their title.

Despite being an outsider for the Norwich job, 53-year-old Knutsen has proved his worth and tactical adaptability — he attacks with intent but is aware of the need to set up behind the ball against superior opposition.

Should the Canaries approach him, he could be capable of getting the best out of the likes of Todd Cantwell and Teemu Pukki.