'A bit left-field' - Bristol City managerial candidate assessed by EFL pundit

Bristol City remain in the search for a new head coach ahead of next season. They are currently weighing up their options. Liam Manning left Ashton Gate for fellow Championship side Norwich City.

The Robins reached the play-offs in the last campaign. However, they were beaten at the semi-finals stage over two legs by Sheffield United. They now have the chance to bring in some new signings over the coming months.

Don Goodman delivers Gerhard Struber verdict amid Bristol City links

Gehard Struber has emerged as a contender for the Bristol City job. He managed Barnsley back in 2019 and won 36% of matches during his days at Oakwell. The 48-year-old is available at the moment after his recent exit from FC Koln and may replace Manning (below).

Pundit Don Goodman has delivered his verdict on his links to the Robins, as per a report by Football League World: "It didn't really go well at Barnsley for Gerhard Struber, so it would be an interesting scenario were he to end up at Bristol City. Since then, he's been out in the MLS with the New York Red Bulls, and then he's been over at Salzburg and Cologne, so he's been around a bit.

"When you analyse his career, it's only really Barnsley where he's suffered. I think Bristol City are probably going to find it more difficult next season, I don't particularly see them pushing for a top six spot. I feel that the Championship is maybe going to be harder and better quality, with more depth to it. Gerhard Struber to Bristol City is a bit left-field if you ask me."

Who is Bristol City-linked Gerhard Struber?

Struber spent his playing days as a midfielder for the likes of SV Austria Salzburg and LASK. He then hung up his boots in 2019. The former Austria youth international then delved into the managerial world.

The Kuchl-born man was handed his first number one role in the game by Wolfsberger in 2019 before Barnsley came calling a year later. He replaced Daniel Stendel and they were bottom of the second tier when he went in, seven points from safety. He then managed to keep them up, although he was helped by Wigan Athletic’s point deduction.

After joining the Tykes, he said at the time: "I am extremely happy and proud that everything has worked out and I would like to thank the board for giving me this opportunity. Now is a time for everyone to pull together, the board, the management team, the squad, the wider club staff and of course our passionate supporters. If we can do this together, we can keep this club in this league. I can't wait to start working for this club and town, and especially to meet you all at the game this weekend."

Struber was then appointed by New York Red Bulls and subsequently left South Yorkshire. He has since gone on to manage Red Bull Salzburg and FC Koln. The latter turned to him last year and despite winning the Bundesliga.2 title, he was dismissed last month.