This is who could replace Bristol City boss Liam Manning if he joins Norwich City according to AI
Liam Manning has been heavily linked with a move away from Bristol City this summer
Championship promotion hopefuls Norwich City are making an official approach to try and prise Liam Manning away from Bristol City this summer.
The former Oxford United boss has been in the Ashton Gate hotseat for 18 months since replacing Nigel Pearson in November 2023 and is credited with leading Robins to their best league finish since 2008 after finishing sixth in the league. However, it’s widely reported that after his side’s play-off defeat to Sheffield United, Manning is considering a new challenge with a Canaries side that finished seven places below them in the league table.
Norwich finished last season in 13th position and picked up 11 points less than Bristol City over the course of the 46-game season and have since parted company with Johannes Hoff Thorup as they search for a successor that can lead the club back into the top-flight. It’s widely reported, by outlets including the Telegraph, that an official approach to try and hire Norwich-born Manning is imminent and it’s understood that the Carrow Road outfit are willing to pay the coaches release clause, with his current contract not due to expire until 2027.
While talk of Manning potentially leaving will be of huge concern to City fans, there’s still plenty for fans to be optimistic about after their best league campaign in 17 years with an exciting group of players still on the books. But what does the future hold for Bristol City if Manning was to leave? We asked AI - and this was its intriguing response.
Could Richie Wellens become Bristol City’s next manager?
Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens suffered Wembley heartbreak when his side were beaten 1-0 by Charlton Athletic in the League One play-off final but it may not necessarily stop the former Leicester City midfielder from taking another leap up in his managerial career.
AI expects Bristol City to target Wellens if Manning departs due to his ability to transform teams and make them stronger in a short period of time.
Wellens has twice won promotion from League Two - the first came with Swindon in 2019/20 and the second came with Leyton Orient in 2022/23. His stock in terms of management has never been higher after leading Orient to the play-off final in just his second season in the third tier.
Or will Marti Cifuentes be the next Robins boss?
Queens Park Rangers boss Marti Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave at the end of April and is almost certain to leave Loftus Road in the summer as speculation surrounding his future continues to intensify.
The Spaniard is credited with inspiring The Hoops to a great escape last season and a commendable 15th place finish in the Championship this season despite operating on a tighter budget than many of his competitors.
He’s proven at this level and according to AI, could be a perfect fit for Bristol City due to his reputation for tactical discipline and his knowledge of the division.
Ruben Selles could be among Bristol City’s next manager targets
Ex-Reading boss Ruben Selles is credited with leading Hull City to safety after arriving mid-season, but that still wasn’t enough to keep him at the MKM Stadium next term.
The Spanish coach has often had to deal with problems behind the scenes at board level in his roles but was credited with keeping Reading in League One before steering the Royals into a surprise top six place by the half way mark of the season.
He also achieved his goal of keeping Hull in the division despite being dismissed by the hierarchy in the summer. AI states that Selles is known for developing youngsters and has an ability to improve teams quickly despite often operating on a smaller budget to teams around him.