Bristol City manager latest as Jon Lansdown reveals Nigel Pearson successor discussions

Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown has provided an update on their search for a new manager after parting company with Nigel Pearson.

The Robins decided to go separate ways with the 60-year-old and announced the news on Sunday which was met with a passionate reaction from supporters on social media. Several first-team players have also expressed their gratitude to Pearson, such as Andy King, Andi Weimann, Nahki Wells and Tommy Conway.

Fans and players however will have to get used to a new name to lead the club forward, and the criteria of what the club wants in its next manger has been revealed. The City chairman believes the club are capable of challenging for the Premier League this season given the quality of the squad, and that is why they have made the change after 14 games.

“We’re looking for what we want to be as a football club is we want to have a way of playing throughout the club,” said Lansdown.

“Watching us people would have seen that if they watch our games throughout the club recently. For me, it needs to be someone who is progressive, it’s on the front foot and a pressing team. It really helps us focus what we’re looking for in a head coach.”

Interestingly, Lansdown referred to the role as head coach, rather than first-team manager, perhaps outlining a change in structure at the club. A head coach trains and picks the team, whereas as a manager has more of a say in to player purchases and sales.

A report from Sky Sports claimed that John Eustace, Gary Rowett and Nathan Jones are their top three candidates, and that they are hoping for a swift appointment. The application process is still open however, and managers not immediately in their consideration have been invited to apply for the role.

In the meantime, Curtis Fleming will oversee first-team affairs. Bristol City have basement side Sheffield Wednesday at Ashton Gate this Saturday.

Lansdown added: “We’ll have and always do have a list of people we think that would work with us. This is probably the first time we’re making an appointment with a focus on what that looks like.

“It really helps narrow it down. We know people we would like to talk to and we’ll be talking to them now. We’ll have a focused shortlist and obviously the news is only just out there so more names might add to that in the future.”