Bristol City will be aiming to bounce back stronger in the 2025/26 season after falling short in the Championship play-offs. The Robins impressed by securing a top-six finish, but their promotion hopes were dashed by Sheffield United.
City were dominated both legs of the semi-final with consecutive 3-0 losses, sealing a 6-0 aggregate defeat. Despite that, the Blades will remain in the Championship alongside Bristol City after losing to Sunderland in the play-off final.
Bristol City captain Jason Knight
Image courtesy of: IAN WALTON/REUTERS.
However, changes could be on the horizon at Ashton Gate, with head coach Liam Manning a target for the vacant Norwich City job. Bristol City are set to be dealt another blow with one of their young talents off to the Premier League.
Wolves have had an offer accepted by the Robins for 16-year-old Ashton Williams, according to Football Insider. Several clubs have been keen on Williams, but Wolves have swooped in first.
He is yet to make a first-team appearance at Ashton Gate despite being held in such high regard.
Lack of trust in youth?
Under Manning, Bristol City have not put much trust in their youth players over the course of the season. The only members of their squad who are from the academy setup are Sam Bell, Max O’Leary and Cam Pring.
Only one of those three, O’Leary, has been a regular across the whole season. It would be intriguing to see whether the fairly limited senior opportunities for such players has directly contributed towards youngsters moving on.
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bristol city, Wolves see bid accepted for Bristol City starlet
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
It is something that Bristol City should really be looking to rectify after Manning’s departure. Their next boss should have more faith in youth to avoid another Williams esque departure.
Bad start to the summer at Bristol City
Losing a highly-rated youngster as well as their boss in the first couple of weeks of summer isn’t an ideal start to the summer. It is a huge few months ahead for Bristol City, who have just had an excellent season.
The Robins also have lots of interest in some of their key players, including Jason Knight. Losing any more of their key figures could be damaging for the club.
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Once Manning’s situation is clarified and confirmed, perhaps then the focus can turn towards building for next season.