Bristol City explain Liam Manning appointment after landing ‘first choice’ option

Bristol City have revealed why they appointed Liam Manning as their new first-team head coach.

Manning was unveiled as the Robins head coach on Tuesday afternoon, and has been appointed on a three-and-a-half-year deal. He has left Oxford United after just seven months to take the first Championship gig of his career.

He leaves the U’s in second place in League One having transformed them from a relegation-threatened side to a team in a good position for promotion at the near half-way stage of the campaign. His success at MK Dons, as well as his performance at Manchester City owned Lommel SK is what attracted Bristol City to Manning.

“Liam is a great fit for the club and the style of play we want,” said chairman Jon Lansdown to the official club website after playing in an influential role in the search.

“He has a very detailed approach to coaching, improving players and getting the best out of them as his record at MK Dons and Oxford United shows, while he has valuable experience within the (Manchester) City Group and in Belgium.

“As soon as we made the change Liam was our first choice.”

Manning was under contract at the Kassam Stadium, and as a result a six-figure compensation package was paid to the League One side for his services. It was reported by the Bristol Post that he had a clause which meant that City did not need to formally seek permission from Oxford to speak to him.

Numerous mangers had been linked with the post including Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard, but he was never considered a contender. John Eustace and Nathan Jones were other names, but Manning by Lansdown’s admission was the ‘first choice’ as soon as they parted with Pearson.

Lansdown added: “We are grateful to Oxford United for the extremely professional way they have approached the departure of someone who was doing a fantastic job for them.

“We are excited about the arrival of Liam and Chris and fulfilling the ambition we all have for the club with this talented and committed group of players.”