Norwich City have decided to part ways with manager Chris Hughton, with just five games remaining in the 2013/14 season. They've also released both of Houghton's top assistants, and have installed U18 coach Neil Adams to manage the stretch run. While this should have very little impact on Chelsea's season, the Blues still have a home date with Norwich in the season's penultimate game.
Frankly, this strikes me as an absolutely insane decision, even given the relegation fighting side's struggles of late. What exactly are they expecting Adams to change in a month that will alter the course of their season? More importantly, with a five point gap between themselves and the final relegation place, why are they risking further destabilizing the squad and potentially see them relegated?
Norwich have a very winnable game next weekend against Fulham, which could potentially leave them all but mathematically safe. They then have a very difficult conclusion to the season, with games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal as they close out the campaign. If they drop points against Fulham, there's a good chance we're facing a side who desperately need a draw to survive when we face them on May 3rd. Unfortunately, Adams will likely be auditioning for a job when we face them anyway, so we may see a team desperate for a result regardless of their need. Fun times...