Former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards leads the next Bristol City manager odds as The Robins swoop to replace Liam Manning.
Manning’s departure from Ashton Gate came as somewhat of a shock, given he guided the team to their first Championship play-offs for 17 years.
Since his appointment in November 2023, the former MK Dons and Oxford United gaffer has transformed Bristol City’s fortunes from a mid-table stalwart into a West Country juggernaut.
But success has come at a price for City fans, with Manning opting to take a four-year deal at Norwich City instead of building on his success in Bristol.
The move has sparked what could be an interesting managerial merry-go-round in the Championship, with Rob Edwards the early front runner to take over the reins and cross the Suspension Bridge for the dugout.
Latest Bristol City Next Manager Odds
| Next Bristol City Manager | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Edwards | 1/3 | BetVictor |
| Gary O’Neil | 6/1 | BetVictor |
| Ruben Selles | 6/1 | BetVictor |
| John Mousinho | 10/1 | BetVictor |
| Marti Cifuentes | 12/1 | BetVictor |
Rob-in Charge? Edwards Perched as Robins’ Favourite
The markets have opened with the odds on favourite Rob Edwards to take charge at Ashton Gate.
He’s currently out of work since departing Luton Town in January 2025 after sealing a promotion to the Premier League just 18 months prior.
Edwards’ proven track record makes him an attractive candidate for owner Steve Landsdown, who will now have his sights firmly set on promotion to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season following defeat in the play-offs to Sheffield United.
What was most impressive about his tenure at Kenilworth Road was the high-intensity press, a trait that carried over from his promotion-winning season with Forest Green.
It was no shame that his team ultimately failed to retain their Premier League status, but as stars such as Chiedoze Ogbene (Ipswich), Ross Barkley (Aston Villa) and Ryan Giles (Hull City) departed, the core of the team was removed, resulting in a tough start to the Championship season. Four straight defeats through December and January would ultimately cost Edwards his job.
Finding managers with a track record of success in the Championship won’t come cheap, however, which could prove to be a stumbling block in the deal should Edwards show interest in the job.
Next Bristol City manager odds of 1/3 seem short, but there’s often no smoke without fire, and Edwards could soon be the big cheese in a land known for its cheddar.
Gary to Gate Crash as O’Neil Hoping to Sneak in at Ashton
Gary O’Neil is one of several interested parties who would add much-needed Premier League experience to the gate.
His two stints at Bournemouth and Wolves have been solid, even if the latter ended sourly as they struggled in the second season under his guidance.
But his stock is high enough that O’Neil would still be an excellent choice at Ashton Gate. His favoured 3-4-2-1 formation would align with the successful system that Liam Manning has curated, building on what is now a solid Championship platform.
Next Bristol City manager odds of 6/1 suggest that this is still an outside pick, but his ties to the club (35 appearances as a player) and the fact he’s got the skillset to progress The Robins into a Premier League staple, create a good chunk of value in the markets.
Robins Keep Selles in Their Songbook
Ruben Selles has only been out of work for a matter of weeks since departing Hull City in May, but his success at the MKM Stadium has caught the attention of the powers that be in Bristol.
He’s a more diverse manager than both O’Neil and Edwards, with stints in Greece, Russia and Denmark, along with a fleeting time in the Premier League with Southampton.
His master’s degree in Sports and Physiology and graduation from UEFA’s Pro License programme at just 25 highlights a keen eye for detail in the tactical battle for success that the Championship now demands.
Concerns about relatively short periods in charge have raised eyebrows with fans, and it’s suggested that a more stable, long-term project would be preferable.
Odds of 6/1 with BetVictor to become the next Bristol City manager look more speculative than anything else, especially given the pedigree that both Edwards and O’Neil possess in terms of promotion and relative success in the Premier League.