Major Bristol City head coach update as appointment confirmed in next ‘48 hours’

Bristol City look set to unveil Liam Manning as their new head coach, according to various reports.

The Robins' have been on the search for a replacement for Nigel Pearson after parting ways with the 60-year-old nine days ago, and now the hunt looks to be over. Various outlets have said that a breakthrough has been made.

Sky Sports senior reporter Rob Dorsett expects Manning to be in place at Ashton Gate by Wednesday. He said in a tweet: "Liam Manning expected to be confirmed as new #BristolCIty head coach in the next 48hrs, I'm told.

Manning's #oufc are 2nd in Lg1, but Bristol City job too tempting for him. Agreement now between the two clubs over compensation. Fits BC's bill of a young, progressive head coach."

It is backed up by the Bristol Post, and they have revealed that because there is a buy-out clause in his contract, they do not need to seek formal permission with Oxford to speak to Manning. His compensation fee is reported to be six figures, and he looks set to leave the Kassam Stadium having only been appointed as head coach of the U's in March.

Manning has already had the experience of managing at Ashton Gate this season, having been in the away dugout for the 5-1 defeat in the Carbao Cup back in August. He also managed against them in pre-season, with City winning 4-1 at the High Performance Centre.

Manning refused to be drawn on speculation linking him to the job at Bristol City when asked on Saturday. He guided Oxford to a 2-0 win over Maidenhead United in the FA Cup, and at the time of his potential departure his side are second in the League One standings. He has overseen 29 games at Oxford, and has won 14 of them, drawing seven and losing eight giving him a win percentage of 48.28%.

Should all go to plan, Manning could take charge of his first game at the weekend. Bristol City are away against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, and he will then have the international period to forge new relationships with the players.