Norwich City have sacked head coach Liam Manning following a seventh successive home defeat, which has left them second bottom of the Championship.
The 40-year-old was appointed in June, having guided Bristol City to the play-offs last season, but lasted just 17 games in charge.
His final match in charge was Saturday’s 2-1 loss against Leicester City. They have not won in 11 and have lost eight in a row at home in league and cup.
“We have tried absolutely everything possible to work through this incredibly challenging period but, unfortunately, given the recent run of results and performances, we have been left with no choice other than to make a change at this stage,” said sporting director Ben Knapper.
“Liam and his staff worked tirelessly to move our football club forward. They are all fundamentally good people and we wish them the very best in whatever comes next.”
There were protests outside Carrow Road following Saturday’s game, with fans also calling for Knapper to leave the club.
Knapper added: “We very much understand the frustration and criticism from our supporters at this stage. So far, results and performances on the pitch haven’t been good enough.
“We accept that responsibility, but it’s now imperative that we start to repair the relationship with our supporters and do everything we can to give them something to get behind.”
Manning leaves Norwich 23rd in the table, the Canaries having lost 10 of their 15 Championship games under him, including a 3-1 defeat at Ipswich, their first loss in an East Anglia derby for 16 years.
Manning was recruited after Norwich decided not to give the job to former England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who was in interim charge for the final two games of last season and is now manager at Luton Town.
Manning was born in Norwich and played in their academy before switching briefly to Ipswich and then dropping into non-league football.
He began his coaching career with Belgian club Lommel and had spells in charge at MK Dons and Oxford United before joining Bristol City in November 2023.
The Norwich squad was transformed by 12 signings during the summer transfer window, but the club sold Borja Sainz, who supplied 18 goals last season, to Porto for £14.25m, and Marcelino Nunez to rivals Ipswich for £10m.
United States international Josh Sargent scored six goals in five league and cup games at the start of the campaign but has none in the past 11 – and no-one else has managed more than Mathias Kvistgaarden and Jovon Makama’s three.
In his final post-match interview with BBC Radio Norfolk, Manning – who was recently given the public backing of majority shareholder Mark Attanasio – said: “I don’t live my life with regrets, it’s part of my journey.
“I’m learning, I’m hurting, I’m frustrated and I’m hugely disappointed, because this is a club I care deeply about.
“I didn’t come here to be where we are. But we are, so I will do a lot of learning as to why.”
Head coach Shaun Wane says there is “no question” he is the right man to lead England into the 2026 World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea despite his side falling to a 3-0 Ashes Test series defeat.
Wane, 61, took the England job in 2020 after succeeding Wayne Bennett and led them to a World Cup semi-final in 2022 where they suffered an agonising golden-point defeat by Samoa.
Since then, series wins over Tonga and Samoa have followed – the former Wigan boss has won 14 of his 19 matches in charge.
But his position has been scrutinised by sections of the English media and some fans during the course of the Ashes series, with world champions Australia winning at Wembley, Hill Dickinson Stadium and AMT Headingley.
When asked directly whether he should stay at the helm, Wane told BBC Sport: “Absolutely. No question about that.”
In a post-match media conference later, he was asked if he believed he was the right man to take England into the World Cup, and said: “I don’t believe – I know I am. The only people I want [the backing of] are the players and staff and I know I have that.
“Talks aren’t planned yet but they will be planned. We’ll do a report on the series and what we think we need to make it better. We’re all going in the same direction.
“I need to have a conversation with the RFL in the next few weeks about the direction we’re going in. I’ll make recommendations to give us a chance to have these players prepared for a World Cup and we’ll take it from there.”
Wane’s detractors will point to three unforced changes to England’s spine after their first Test defeat by Australia at Wembley and a lack of penetration in attack.
Without Victor Radley, England have lacked a ball-playing 13 – and while performances did improve once they reverted to a halves combination of Harry Smith and George Williams, and Morgan Smithies was brought in, to some extent Wane began the series in a no-win situation.
His omission of Super League’s Man of Steel winner Jake Connor raised eyebrows before a ball had been kicked and Mikey Lewis’ limited role in the second Test also proved an unwelcome talking point.
However, there is unanimous support for Wane among his players, captain George Williams explained.
“No doubt at all. We all believe in him 100%,” said Williams..
“What we’ve built in this series has been really good and Shaun is definitely the right man. As players, we’re just looking at ourselves really. We really believed we could do something special in this series and it’s 3-0, which is a bit embarrassing.”
Earlier in the week, Hull KR hooker Jez Litten said he “loved” playing under Wane, while St Helens prop Matty Lees also gave him a firm endorsement.
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‘A lifetime of fighting the odds’ – analysis
Matt Newsum
BBC Sport Rugby League journalist
Shaun Wane’s defiance about his position as England head coach comes from a lifetime of fighting against the odds – whether turning his life around as a troubled teen to become a professional rugby league player or now battling to stay in an England job which has always been his ultimate goal.
That steely determination has made him a success at most things he has turned his hand to – whether winning all the major honours with Wigan, leading England to Test series victories over Tonga and Samoa, or public speaking to corporate audiences away from the sport.
So a 3-0 loss to Australia is unfamiliar territory. His side carried all the hallmarks of a Wane team – tough, spirited and full of heart. But they were unable to execute effectively against the world’s number one international side.
He found England a new gear and motivation after they got their World Cup semi-final against Samoa wrong three years ago, putting the loss to one side with back-to-back series wins.
Wane would back himself to do so again, but falling short in three games against Australia requires an immediate response with a World Cup on the horizon.
His critics will point to a stubbornness around selection. Where was Jake Connor? Why was Mikey Lewis used so sparingly?
Is Wane to blame for a lack of creativity after a total of two tries in the series? Is that a gameplan issue, or a wider Super League problem relating to breaking down the best defences?
In response, he can point to players who have shown their mettle at the elite level, given England went into this series unbeaten in five Tests.
Wane also pertinently points out that, before the players were released to him for this series, he had no on-field sessions with them in 2025. That is a league scheduling issue.
Those involved in Wane’s squad have spoken glowingly of his camps, the preparation and his nurturing of the players. Despite the losses, they feel progress has been made under the head coach.
And there was tangible game-by-game improvement through the series, despite the three defeats. So England clearly benefited from facing the best.
Australia sharpen their tools throughout the year with State of Origin and high-intensity NRL fixtures. Super League’s need for longer seasons to fulfil broadcaster requirements and generate club incomes comes at a cost to wider quality. More blowouts, fewer intense games and bigger workloads in terms of minutes.
Wane said before the third Test that he had not had conversations about his future yet. He will submit a report into the series, highlighting concerns over preparation and game time for his squad.
Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell was on the receiving end of some cruel criticism when she and Stefan Dennis were forced to pull out of the BBC dance competition
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Dianne Buswell was hit with cruel criticism over her stint on Strictly this year(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
Strictly Come Dancing fans have had much to talk about this series, but one thing that seems to have received unnecessary noise is Dianne Buswell’s pregnancy.
The 36 year old professional dancer announced shortly before this year’s series began that she and her boyfriend Joe Sugg are expecting their first child together. The couple shared the exciting news on Instagram with a sweet video of them creating a painting together as YouTuber Joe, 34, gushed in the caption: “Our little baby boy we cannot wait to meet you”.
And while Dianne and Joe were initially met with excited messages of congratulations, some cruel Strictly fans couldn’t help but speculate over Dianne’s ability to compete in this year’s series. Dianne was then paired with Neighbours star Stefan Dennis and the pair got off to a storming start.
But, sadly, the actor falling ill meant the duo had to skip a live show one weekend – and what ensued was ignorant questions surrounding Dianne and her pregnancy, claiming there was a ‘cover-up’ going on, as some incorrectly concluded that Dianne’s pregnancy was the real reason the pair had to take a break.
This cruel speculation wasn’t helped when Dianne and Stefan had to pull out of the competition completely after Stefan suffered a painful injury. Dianne was forced to issue a statement to deny speculation that her pregnancy played a part in the pair’s departure from the competition.
One fan wrote in response to Dianne and Stefan’s exit news: “To be honest I saw this coming, Diane couldn’t really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her. She’s a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourites sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe, just my thought.”
Dianne took to her Instagram Stories and said, in response: “I sound like a broken record but I’m seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually why should I.
“I will speak up… I would love nothing more than to keep dancing this week next week the week after that so so on and so forth. In fact I have more energy this year than I did this time last year.”
Now, the Mirror has spoken a pre and post natal fitness expert and a midwife to clear up any speculation around pregnancy and exericse.
Grace Strang, Pre and Post Natal specialist PT & Fat Loss coach. and Founder of Mooch Maternity Fitness Classes, told us: “Exercising during pregnancy has been proven time and again to only be beneficial to the mother and child, and as such is recommended to stay active during pregnancy by NHS England. As women now participate in more sports at a higher level (women’s football for example) it is safe and healthy for these individuals to continue to train at this level. The advice is to not undertake strenuous or high levels of physical activity when pregnant if you are not already doing so (but that’s not to say you can’t start at all! I’ve coached pregnant women who never exercises before, we just start at a lower intensity level).”
Mooch Maternity Fitness Classes Founder Grace added that exercise is “safe [throughout] the entirety of pregnancy” but “this depends entirely on the individual”. She explained: “There are certain conditions that if developed during pregnancy (like placenta previa) where exercise is dangerous and NOT advised at all. But these are rare.
“The biggest risk factors, especially in the third trimester are things like overheating, dehydration, over-exhaustion as your body is working much harder with increased blood volume. In Dianne’s case, as her body shape changes and her centre of gravity shifts she may be more likely to falls, also given her sport and the speed its performed (plus dancing with a novice who might trip her up vs a pro!) but this could all be risk assessed before hand.”
Meanwhile, Grace stressed: “Just to add, certain sports or activities are not advised (its just common sense) like boxing, horse riding, or anything where the risk of injury or getting hit is particularly high!”
While Grace said exercise in pregnancy is safe, it can also be beneficial for both mum and baby. She explained: “Improved labour outcomes, it makes your baby fitter (mums who exercised babies are born with more muscle) less chance of developing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, less chance of being overweight, improved cardiovascular fitness, less pelvic floor issues, quicker recovery from both types of birth, less muscle atrophy and therefore improved metabolism.”
And while it does have its benefits, it is also completely OK to slow down if that is what mum decides to do. Midwife Pip – who is an experienced practicing NHS Midwifery Sister, MSc, author of Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth, KGH hypnobirthing diploma, founder of the Midwife Pip Podcast, pelvic health specialist, pre and postnatal trainer and, importantly, a mum – explained: “Every pregnancy is different, and energy levels can fluctuate. Slowing down or modifying activity is perfectly normal and often necessary. The goal is to stay active in a way that feels safe and sustainable rather than pushing to pre-pregnancy intensity at all times.”
So, what are the tips? Midwife Pip said: “It’s important to start any exercise with a proper warm-up and finish with a cool-down to reduce the risk of injury. Try to focus on exercises that strengthen your core, support your pelvic floor, and help maintain good posture. Wearing supportive footwear and comfortable clothing makes a big difference, and don’t forget to stay hydrated and avoid overheating while you move.”
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While Grace added: “My tips would be to not be scared to continue to exercise! As more pregnant exercising women take part in studies, time and time again exercise is proven to be beneficial to health and not harmful to yourself or baby.
“Like I said earlier, my best advice is to remember its not about getting ‘fitter’ as such in this period, but maintaining the fitness you already have. And having a coach or advice on hand to show you how to adapt your exercise or dance routines etc so you can continue to do the exact sports you love in the way you want to.”
Strictly star Vicky Pattison admits that her husband Ercan was delighted that she took on Strictly this year – but confesses that babies are most definitely on the agenda for them in 2026
When she opens up during an exclusive photoshoot for OK! about her Strictly journey, straight-talking Vicky Pattison tells us in no uncertain terms that if she wasn’t getting her sparkle on for the hit BBC show, alongside pro partner Kai Widdington, it could have been nappies and late nights instead.
The TV star and Heart radio host, 37, who married businessman Ercan Ramadan last August, admits, laughing, that her Saturday nights could have been looking very different right now. “At the start of this year, I said to Ercan, I’m either gonna do Strictly, a second series of Honesty Box or we’re going to have a baby. When I got the call for Strictly he was over the moon,” she smiles.
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She admits that though doing Strictly means they have less quality time together, it’s shown the Geordie favourite just how caring Ercan, 32, is – and she’s convinced he’ll make an incredible father, once the time comes. “So yes, kids are definitely on the cards next year. I think he’s looking forward to it now. He probably thinks I’ll be at home a bit more, which he’s thrilled about,” she says.
Opening up fondly on how much he’s been stepping up since she began dancing, Vicky explains, “He’s my anchor and he spoils me rotten. He wakes me up every morning with my electrolytes, my collagen, ready to go to Strictly school! She adds, “He texts about what I want for dinner and he’s being the best dog dad. There’s a real sense of role reversal, in the traditional sense, right now. It’s progressive and it takes a special man to do that.”
The bubbly star, who recently admitted on social media that Sundays at home with hubby are “sacred” to her right now, added, “Going home to Ercan and the dogs, I’m so grateful for that. I can snap out of whatever steps are flying around in my head and be with my family. I need that moment.”
She also confessed that when Ercan recently flew to see his family in Cyprus for a week – the only time he’s missed seeing her perform live – it hit her hard. “I told him to go. I said, ‘All I’m doing is coming home and whining that I’m tired, then I go to bed.’ But the minute he left, I realised how much I missed him and needed him.”
Back in March, Vicky – who has been very open about her journey towards freezing her eggs at 35, told the Mirror she definitely wanted to start trying for children in the next year or two.
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“My mam had me at 30, geriatric back in her day… So if I can get one in before 40, I’ll be over the moon!”, she confessed. “Everyone thought we’d try for kids quite quickly – so did we! But we wanted to enjoy being married, for at least a year.”
She also admitted sweetly that Ercan, whose family is Turkish-Cypriot, is one of four boys, and has confessed he would love a “football team” of sons, while she, coming from “a long line of women who have women”, imagines herself having a daughter first.
Alan Sheehan insisted he is the right man to lead Swansea City despite seeing his side’s difficult run continue as they were thumped 4-1 at home by Ipswich Town.
Swansea trailed 1-0 at the break after an abject first-half display before Goncalo Franco levelled as Sheehan’s team rallied early in the second period.
But two second-half own goals from Ipswich old boy Cameron Burgess and a header from Ivon Azon completed a miserable afternoon for Swansea, who were booed off at half-time and full-time.
Sheehan was then booed by a section of supporters as he walked over to acknowledge those in the East Stand, while there was a chant from some calling for the Irishman’s departure.
Swansea are down to 18th in the Championship having lost five of their past eight games in all competitions, while they have only won two league matches since August.
Sheehan, who signed a three-year deal in April after an impressive spell as interim boss, added: “I think that nothing good comes easy. I think where we are within football, every manager goes through spells where they don’t win consistently.
“You need to be very strong. You need to be confident and believe in what you do, and I do believe that.
“I think we get so many plaudits from opposition managers and staff about what we do, but we need to turn some of those performances and what we do into wins.”
This is the most difficult spell of Sheehan’s brief managerial career.
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But while Sheehan’s Swansea have largely been competitive, they have not won enough games thanks in no small part to attacking deficiencies.
Their defensive standards slipped too against Ipswich, who romped to only a second away win of the season.
Sheehan appeared to accept the criticism aimed in his direction by fans, saying: “I understand it’s emotional and I understand it’s disappointing and I can understand the frustration.
Sheehan, who is in his first job as a head coach, says his lack of experience in the dugout may lead to fans doubting his ability to revive a Swansea side who are now seven points above the bottom three and adrift of the top six.
“I understand the fans’ frustration in terms of this is my first time in management so I’ve got no experience of turning things around and this is the first time as a manager when we haven’t been winning regularly,” he said.
“So there’s no actual proven methodology if you want to say that ‘he’s going to definitely turn around he’s done it before’.
Rodrigo Paz has been sworn in as Bolivia’s president, ushering in a new era for the South American nation after nearly 20 years of governance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.
Paz, the 58-year-old son of a former president, and a pro-business conservative, drew applause at the swearing-in ceremony on Saturday at the Bolivian seat of congress.
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“God, family and country: yes, I take the oath of office,” said Paz, who won a run-off election last month.
In his inauguration speech, he later said Bolivia would now be open to the world after two decades of left-wing governance.
The Movement Toward Socialism party, founded by charismatic former President Evo Morales, had its heyday during the commodities boom of the early 2000s, but natural gas exports have sputtered, and its statist economic model of generous subsidies and a fixed exchange rate has collapsed.
Bolivian President-elect Rodrigo Paz reacts and Vice President-elect Edmand Lara raise their arms at Paz’s swearing-in ceremony at the Plurinational Legislative Assembly in La Paz, Bolivia, November 8, 2025 [Luis Gandarillas/Pool via Reuters]
Paz will have to address Bolivia’s worst economic crisis in 40 years, with year-on-year inflation at more than 20 percent and a chronic shortage of fuel and dollars.
The outgoing government of Luis Arce exhausted almost all of Bolivia’s hard currency reserves to prop up a policy of petrol and diesel subsidies.
On the campaign trail, the Christian Democrat Paz promised a “capitalism for all” approach to economic reform, with decentralisation, lower taxes and fiscal discipline mixed with continued social spending.
He also promised to maintain social programmes while stabilising the economy, but economists have said the two things are not possible at the same time.
Paz has promised to restore ties with the United States.
“Never again an isolated Bolivia, bound by failed ideologies, or a Bolivia with its back turned to the world,” Paz said during a ceremony attended by delegations from more than 70 countries and local VIPs.
