Bristol Live understands the Robins are hopeful of appointing Liam Manning’s successor late next week with a shortlist in place in BS3.

It comes after Liam Manning’s departure to Norwich City, who activated his contract’s release clause.

Manning’s assistants, Chris Hogg and James Krause, are expected to join him at Norwich, though their release clauses are yet to be met.

The club is actively working on a shortlist of candidates at their High Performance Centre, with the appointment process set to intensify next week.

Bristol Live understands #BristolCity are hopeful of appointing Liam Manning’s successor late next week with a shortlist in place in BS3 🔴⚪️

Read here 👇https://t.co/2m50KqpOxw

— Bristol City Live (@bristolcitylive) June 6, 2025

Rumours of Rob Edwards being offered the role are inaccurate, Gerhard Struber is now the new bookmakers’ favorite alongside names like Edwards, Richie Wellens, Dave Challinor, and John Mousinho being reported and up for debate on social media.

The new head coach will be Bristol City’s third in under two years, following Manning’s tenure, which included a play-off finish last season but ended with a heavy semi-final loss to Sheffield United.

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW BRISTOL CITY MANAGER:

BetVictor – 7 June
Gerhard Struber – 6/4
Rob Edwards – 3/1
Richie Wellens – 4/1
Dave Challinor – 8/1
Steven Gerrard – 12/1
Michael Carrick – 12/1
Steve Cooper – 16/1
Luke Williams – 16/1
John Mousinho – 16/1
Marti Cifuentes – 16/1

LIAM MANNING STATEMENT:

Manning has chosen to pen a statement to Bristol City supporters via the League Managers Association: “As I reflect on the past 18 months, I find it very difficult not to mix the personal and professional emotions.

“Losing Theo was the hardest thing my family and I have ever been through, but the amazing response and support from the fans — as well as the wonderful people of the city of Bristol — was incredibly heartfelt, and I could not be more grateful.

“The game has a wonderful way of bringing people together, and collectively we were able to experience some great moments. From the games against West Ham in the FA Cup last year to reaching the play-offs this season — the support just showed how much this club means to its fans.

“The players are consummate professionals and a great group of people, and I am extremely proud of the progress we made over the last year-and-a-half. They always gave absolutely everything and it was a pleasure to work alongside them all.

“There is also a wonderful collection of individuals driving a positive culture behind the scenes that allows the players to perform. To the board, Brian Tinnion and staff — I thank you all for your input, involvement and contribution. Your work never went unnoticed.

“As is often the case in football, things evolve and change. It was a difficult decision to depart, but an exciting opportunity for me to continue my management career in a new environment has presented itself.

“Finally, to the supporters. I leave having met some terrific people with whom I’ve shared so many positive memories. I will be forever grateful for your love and support throughout and, for that, thank every single one of you. I wish nothing but success for everybody associated with Bristol City Football Club.”

: I’ll admit was probably a little gung ho regarding Rob Edwards earlier in the week… I just wanted the club to move quickly. But Struber certainly looks like a great pick as well and arguably more suited to do more with the squad we have currently #BristolCity

: Can’t claim to know a lot about how he’s done abroad but from what I’ve read it’s certainly something very different. Thought his Barnsley side played really well against us when he played a few seasons ago #BristolCity

: I’ve always felt the current Bristol City squad is built to play a 4231. Our full backs bar McCrorie arent good enough going forward to play wing backs and we have multiple players who can play at the 10 too. If Struber prefers the 4231… seems a smart move. I’m Edwards or Struber now – either of em would make me excited… we just can’t go backwards with this appointment

: None of our centre halves suit a 4 imo. There’s a reason Manning had to go back to it every time.

: Absolute quality move from Bristol City. A good gaffer for this level as shown from Barnsley and the way his team played. Since been successful at Salzburg and FC Koln. His current 4-2-3-1 system I believe would suit the squad very well. #BristolCity

: All aboard the Bristol Derby in 2026/27

: Why’s there so much negativity around this? Overqualified if anything

: Played some of the best football I’ve seen from us ever in the champ, unreal gaffer truly

: I know it’s hard to judge based on odds but it’s very strange how he’s come out of nowhere. Thoughts on this potential appointment?

: Lansdown get your struber out #bristolcity

@bs3tom: Genuinely the only one that proper excites me is Mousinho, and let’s be honest we have no chance. and now gerhard struber is in the mix – bring. #BristolCity