Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick had been understood to be the front runner to become Bristol City boss
20:18, 27 May 2026
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Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick had been the front runner to become Bristol City boss(Image: Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Tommy Elphick has reportedly "turned down" the chance to become Bristol City's next head coach, with Bournemouth said to be keen to keep their assistant at the Vitality Stadium this summer.
According to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, Cherries assistant Elphick - who Bristol Live understood to be the front runner for the vacancy at Ashton Gate - has declined the opportunity to succeed Roy Hodgson in south Bristol following the 78-year-old's interim spell.
Elphick had been reported to be one of the final two candidates in the running to become the Reds' next manager, alongside Lincoln City's Michael Skubala. However, Bournemouth want the 38-year-old to be a part of new boss Marco Rose's staff on the south coast.
When asked about the reports that emerged on Wednesday evening by Bristol Live, Bristol City declined the opportunity to comment.
Elphick stepped into coaching in 2021 with Bournemouth's development squad following a 16-year playing career that saw him turn out for the likes of the Cherries, Brighton and Hove Albion, Aston Villa and Huddersfield Town across the EFL and Premier League.
The 38-year-old remained in that position until he stepped up into an interim first-team role following the sacking of Scott Parker in 2022. Later that same year, his position was made permanent when former Reds midfielder Gary O'Neil was named as the Cherries' new manager.
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While O'Neil departed the Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2023, Elphick kept his position under Andoni Iraola. This term, the Spaniard, his coaching staff, and players were able to guide the south coast club to a spot in the Europa League for the first time in their history.
With Iraola departing Bournemouth this summer, however, upon the expiry of his contract, it seemed like a natural point for Elphick to begin his own management career at Ashton Gate. Now, though, such a sequence of events appears unlikely to occur.
Where Wednesday night's developments leave the Robins in their search for Gerhard Struber's permanent successor - the Austrian was sacked and replaced by Hodgson on an interim basis two months ago - is not yet clear.
Skubala, the other manager reported to be among the final candidates, is said to have agreed a new contract with Lincoln City, having guided the Imps to the League One title and promotion to the Championship last term. While that new deal has not yet been confirmed, it would likely see him extend his stay at the LNER Stadium if signed.
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Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has been another popular suggestion amongst fans, bookmakers and journalists alike. Talk around the Pompey head coach has gone quiet in recent weeks, with Stoke City said to be interested in his services as well.
With the Championship season now concluded following last Saturday's play-off final, attention is beginning to turn to the summer transfer window. Though the Reds published their retained list on Friday, it confirmed that discussions with first-team players out of contract would continue following the appointment of a new manager.
That would suggest that until a new face is in the City dugout, no decisions can be taken surrounding Mark Sykes, Sam Bell, Sam Morsy and Harry Cornick.
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