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After weeks of speculation, Liam Manning has finally made the switch to Norfolk to become the new Norwich City manager. But, who will replace him at Bristol City?
The search for Johannes Hoff Thorup’s replacement at Norwich has taken many twists and turns, but Liam Manning is the man they’ve chosen to lead the way at Carrow Road next season.
After his fine work with Bristol City this season, in leading the Robins to the play-offs, it’s no surprise the Canaries were keen.
As we revealed last week, it’s not just location that’s key for Manning (he was born and raised in Norwich), but he also believes Norwich are equipped to push for promotion.
His departure leaves a huge hole at Ashton Gate, though. So, here are five names we think could become the next Bristol City manager.
- READ MORE: Liam Manning to get £41.5m spending limit as Norwich City’s PSR and ‘do-or-die’ dilemma explained
Who could replace Liam Manning at Bristol City?
Rob Edwards
Reports in the last week have suggested that Rob Edwards is keen on the Bristol City role. The former Luton boss has been out of work since the turn of the year, but has a proven track record of success in the Championship.
Edwards would bring a very different system to Bristol City (he prefers a 3-4-2-1, whereas Manning went for a 4-2-3-1), but in many ways he shares a similar ethos to the man he would be replacing. Hard work, togetherness, and a strong mentality are key for Edwards, and would see him slot straight in at Ashton Gate.
Johannes Hoff Thorup
One option for Bristol City is to pick up the scraps of Norwich’s project and hire Johannes Hoff Thorup. It would be a fascinating job swap, and we know that the Danish manager is assessing his options this summer with an interest in staying in England.
Thorup turned down QPR this week, which leaves him with only one option in the Championship now: Bristol City. His desire to develop youth and play expansive football would surely go down well with the Robins fans, and he’s obviously got something to prove after what happened at Norwich.
Gary O’Neil
Gary O’Neil has been in the frame for a number of jobs already this summer as he plots his return to management. He’s been linked with Middlesbrough most prominently, and was also interviewing for the Norwich post, too.
Of course, O’Neil played for Bristol City between 2016-2018, so he knows the club well, and that would go a long way to building a good relationship with the fans. Again, he’d also come in with something to prove, and that’s never a bad thing.
Michael Skubala
If Bristol City don’t mind paying a little bit of compensation, they don’t have to exclusively look at unemployed managers and there’s one man in League One who would be a perfect fit. Michael Skubala has done excellent work with limited resources at Lincoln City, and seems primed for the step-up now.
There are some who would say Skubala has taken the Imps about as far as he can. Indeed, it would be interesting to see what he could do with a bigger club and more money, and the former Leeds man may think it’s time to test himself.
Ruben Selles
One of the most shocking decisions of the summer so far saw Hull City part ways with Ruben Selles in spite of him keeping the Tigers in the division. He’s a very talented manager, a good tactician, and is surely someone that will bounce back into a new job very soon.
In fact, it’s a surprise he’s not been discussed more since his untimely departure from Hull, but he may end up landing on his feet at Bristol City. He’s more attacking than Manning, but the club and the fans may well appreciate that change of pace.