'Earned the right' - Bristol City urged to appoint 45-year-old as new manager

Bristol City are weighing up their options as they search for a new manager. They have seen Liam Manning head out the exit door recently. He has joined fellow Championship side Norwich City.

The Robins finished in the play-offs last season but were beaten at the semi-finals stage over two legs by Sheffield United. They now have the chance to bring in some new signings this summer. Players could also head out the exit door over the next couple of months.

Bristol City urged to replace Liam Manning with Richie Wellens

Bristol City have been urged to move for Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens by pundit Don Goodman. The Robins will be considering their next move. The 45-year-old has caught the eye in League One and the O’s could face a battle to keep hold of him down the line.

Goodman has said, as per a report by Football League World: "I think Richie has earned the right for sure - to be linked and considered by Bristol City, he’s just off the back of probably his best ever season as a manager stroke head coach. Took Leyton Orient all the way to the play-off final and came out the wrong side of a very very tight game with massive fine margins but he put together a really good team.

"Only Birmingham City scored more goals than them, so front-footed, solid defensively and 78 points for Leyton Orient in League One was an excellent achievement so I'm not surprised at all that he would be linked. I think he’s earned that right, his career seems to be going from strength to strength."

Will Bristol City move for Richie Wellens?

It remains to be seen at this stage whether Wellens is on Bristol City’s radar. They have been linked with a few different names over recent days. The club’s hierarchy will be carefully looking at potential candidates as they look for the right fit.

Wellens spent his playing days as a midfielder with the likes of Manchester United, Blackpool and Leicester City, among others. He made 698 appearances in all competitions and scored 48 goals. The Mancunian hung up his boots in 2017 after a final spell at Macclesfield Town.

He has since delved into the managerial world and worked at Oldham Athletic, Swindon Town, Salford City and Doncaster Rovers before Leyton Orient came calling in 2022. The O’s won promotion from League Two under his guidance back in 2023. They then reached the play-off final this past term but were beaten at Wembley by Charlton Athletic.

Speaking after their defeat to the Addicks, he said: "It's really difficult for me, it's heart-breaking to be honest, it is hard.

"The end of that [first] season, I lost two or three of my best players. Next season, we got promoted, I lost a few more. It's the same every season. Potentially we're going to lose six or seven now. I am gutted for the supporters but I'm also heartbroken this is the last time I will ever manage this set of players as a collective."