Liam Manning has joined Bristol City as their new head coach on a three and a half-year deal.
Now former Oxford United boss Liam Manning was unveiled this afternoon as Bristol City’s new head coach and successor to Nigel Pearson following his controversial departure just 9 days ago. The Robins have agreed a three and a half year deal with Manning, keeping him under contract in the West Country until June 2027 where he will be joined by his assistant Chris Hogg.
Manning’s Oxford side have enjoyed a great start to their campaign as they sit 2nd in League One with 32 points after 15 games. Similar to Pearson, Manning tends to adopt a high tempo, pressing and possession based style of play which will suit Bristol City players and fans alike.
The Bristol City faithful seem to be slightly divided on this appointment with some coining it the “cheap option” despite the fact City had to pay a rumoured £600,000 in compensation to Oxford United to release Manning from his contract with The U’s. However, the majority of City fans can see that Manning is one of the most best managerial prospects in the EFL right now and fits the bill of “young and exciting coach” that many were after following Pearson’s reign.
Manning’s other coaching experiences entails spells with West Ham’s U23’s, Lommel SK and Milton Keynes Dons where he has enjoyed relative success during his time with each club. City’s visit to Loftus Road on Saturday will be played in front of a backdrop of new managers as Queens Park Rangers’ manager Marti Cifuentes will be hoping for a win in his first home game in charge, meanwhile Liam Manning will be hopeful he can win City fans over immediately with a dominant performance and win over a relegation threatened QPR side ahead of the international break.