Bristol City are searching for a new manager after Liam Manning’s departure to Norwich City
Promotion hopefuls Bristol City are believed to be considering a number of names with Championship experience to replace Liam Manning after his move to Norwich City.
The 39-year-old left Oxford United to take charge of the Robins in November 2023 and in his first full season was credited with guiding Bristol City to a play-off place finish for the first time in 17 years. However, he’ll now depart to Carrow Road to take charge of the team he supported as a child after a release clause in his contract was activated ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Manning said: “I’m privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to work for this fantastic football club. It’s a wonderful club with a big history and tradition.”
Meanwhile, a statement from the Bristol City board said:“We are disappointed to lose Liam after such a successful campaign. I would like to place on record my thanks to Liam for his hard work and commitment over the past 18 months and the memories we have made together and wish him and his family all the best for the future. We are assessing all options as we look to replace Liam.”
Ex-Watford boss emerges as strong front-runner for Bristol City job
Former Wolves defender Edwards started his managerial career as under-18s coach at Molineux before being named manager of National League North side Telford. He left by mutual contest after 49 matches to return to Wolves as Under-23 coach, where he’s credited with leading the youngsters to Premier League 2 Division 1, the highest level of youth football, for the first time in their history. He gained experience as coach of England’s Under-20s and also became manager of the Under-16s before pursuing a career in football league management with Forest Green Rovers, who were crowned champions of League Two in 2020/21.
A brief 11-match stint at Watford followed at the start of the 2022/23 campaign before he was sacked, but he’d ultimately enjoy the best season of his managerial career when he led Luton Town to promotion via the play-offs, ending a 31-year-wait for top-flight football.
Edwards’ Luton won plaudits in the Premier League despite relegation but started life in the Championship in poor fashion. The 42-year-old has been out of work since January when he was dismissed from Luton with the club 20th in the Championship and just two points clear of safety.
Former Wolves and Southampton managers remain in the mix
Rob Edwards is widely thought to be the most likely candidate for the Ashton Gate vacancy but other names including former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil and ex-Southampton boss Ruben Selles are being strongly considered. O’Neil, who played for the Robins between 2016 and 2018, started his managerial career at Bournemouth after a spell as a coach, and was able to lead the Cherries to safety after a shaky start under Scott Parker.
He was dismissed from Bournemouth at the end of the 2022/23 season but quickly found another top-flight job as he led Wolves to a 14th place finish. However, results unravelled last season and he was sacked in December with the team 19th in the league table. Meanwhile, Selles started at Southampton as interim boss and had two separate spells in the dugout during a turbulent 2022/23 season, which saw both Ralph Hassenhuttl and Nathan Jones get the sack.
He joined a Reading side in League One that were heavily affected by issues at boardroom level and was able to steer the club away from the drop zone while mounting a play-off push during his second season in charge. Selles joined Hull City in December 2024 and was successfully able to steer the Tigers to safety before being sacked at the end of last season.
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