Bristol City’s search for new manager is ‘now between’ two final candidates as appointment date set

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Bristol City have reportedly whittled their search for Liam Manning’s successor down to the final two candidates.

Following weeks of speculation after the play-offs, Norwich City hired Liam Manning to become the new Norwich manager for next season.

As such, Bristol City are in search of a new manager, and a handful of candidates have been linked with the Robins role.

Widespread reports link Rob Edwards with the Bristol City job, and he is thought to be keen on the Ashton Gate post, but is also under consideration for the Middlesbrough head coach role after Boro sacked Michael Carrick.

In the latest update, the Bristol City hierarchy have reportedly landed on the two final candidates to become Manning’s successor.

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Bristol City manager search down to final two candidates

Boro have Edwards on their final shortlist, alongside former Leicester City boss Steve Cooper and current Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl.

Middlesbrough fans have named the manager they want to replace Carrick as Rohl, but face competition from the Foxes and clubs in Germany for the Owls boss’ signature amid Sheffield Wednesday’s crisis.

Regarding the Robins, former Luton Town boss Edwards is reportedly among the final two candidates for the Bristol City job, alongside former Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber, who was recently sacked by Bundesliga Two side FC Koln.

ITV reporter Ross Arnott said on X: “I understand final interviews have taken place today for the Bristol City job.

“Now between Austrian Gerhard Struber and former Luton boss Rob Edwards.

“Edwards though is also liked by Middlesbrough. Decision and appointment expected early next week.”

When comparing the managerial exploits of Edwards and Struber, there is one clear candidate that the Bristol City hierarchy should appoint as Manning’s successor.

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Rob Edwards and Gerhard Struber’s Championship records compared

Both Edwards and Struber have managed in the Championship, with Luton and Barnsley respectively, with varying degrees of success.

Struber arrived at Barnsley in November 2019, with The Tykes bottom of the Championship table, but the Austrian would mastermind the club’s great escape to safety from League One relegation.

After 11 months in charge at Barnsley, Struber left his post to take over at MLS outfit New York Red Bulls.

Edwards infamously guided Luton to Premier League promotion in his first season in charge at Kenilworth Road, but his side were relegated the season after, and the Hatters would suffer demotion again this term following his departure in January.

Aside from having the better Championship record, Edwards also has vast experience in League One and the Premier League under his belt, and as such, would be the most sensible appointment for Bristol City to make ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.