Bristol City boss linked with shock move to relegated Premier League club to replace ex-Man United favourite

Bristol City manager Liam Manning is “under consideration” for another managerial role, according to a new report – just days after the Robins head coach secured a place in the Championship play-offs.

As Bristol City prepare to take on Sheffield United for the chance to play at Wembley, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Manning is being looked at by Leicester City, who are expected to sack head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy following their relegation from the Premier League.

While the Foxes endured a disappointing return to the top flight, their financial strength could make them an appealing option for managers of rival clubs – and Manning’s impressive work at Ashton Gate this summer seems to have ensured that he is starting to be added to some managerial shortlists.

Bristol City’s play-off fate could decide Liam Manning’s future

While not discussed by Jacobs in his reporting, it seems likely that Manning would only seriously consider such a move if the Robins failed to reach the Premier League at the end of the current campaign. Having scraped into the final play-off place on the final day of the Championship season following a nervy 2-2 draw with Preston North End, Bristol City now face Sheffield United over two legs for a place in the play-off final at Wembley on 24 May.

The first leg of the two sides’ showdown takes place at Ashton Gate on Thursday 8 May, with the visit to Bramall Lane following on Monday 12 May. Having finished in the top six for the first time since promotion to the second tier a decade ago, the mastermind behind the Robins’ impressive performance seems to be turning heads just 18 months after taking charge of the club.

Following successful spells with Oxford United, Milton Keynes Dons and Belgian outfit Lommel, the 39-year-old Manning has thrived in the Championship with Bristol City, and with Leicester likely looking for a replacement for Van Nistelrooy following a disastrous season, Manning appears to have caught their eye.

With Manning under contract at Ashton Gate until 2027, the club’s board would have to grant permission for talks should Leicester make an approach, and would be eligible for compensation if he were to leave for another post.

Leicester City looking for new manager after awful season

Despite earning promotion as second-tier champions last season, Leicester have struggled badly in the Premier League and having already sacked Steve Cooper, the Foxes are widely expected to dispense with the services of current head coach Van Nistelrooy.

The former Manchester United and Netherlands striker has won just four of his 24 matches in charge of the club and is unlikely to continue as their manager following their relegation back to the Championship, although no formal announcement concerning his future has yet been made. With Leicester hoping to bounce back quickly, it would be no surprise if Manning, who has a strong track record in the EFL, would find his name on their shortlist to take over.

Leicester’s relatively high spending may help to lure managers to the King Power Stadium – Bristol City, by comparison, operate on a much tighter budget and the board decided against adding any new players in January despite their play-off push in order to ensure the club’s financial health. As it stands, no formal approach has been made for Manning and if the report of Leicester’s interest proves to be true, then it is unlikely that there will be any movement until after the Premier League season and Championship play-offs have concluded.

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