Major twist in Bristol City managerial hunt with Portsmouth, Bournemouth & ex-Coventry City men in frame
The picture has once again changed in Bristol City’s managerial hunt - with Pompey boss John Mousinho one of the names touted for the vacancy.
Betting on who will become Bristol City’s new manager has been suspended.
The picture surrounding the Ashton Gate vacancy has taken a fresh twist in the past 12 hours, with bookmakers removing all odds for the role.
And it’s the strongest indication yet that a new appointment could be on the horizon.
Pompey boss John Mousinho has been heavily linked with the position in recent weeks after he guided the Blues to Championship survival for a second successive campaign.
Reports earlier this month suggested the highly-rated head coach had held talks with the Robins, although Andy Cullen confirmed to The News last week that the Blues had received no approach from their second-tier rivals.
While the 40-year-old is said to be in the running for the vacancy, England under-21 boss Lee Carsley had emerged as a clear frontrunner with the bookmakers before the odds were removed.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth coach Tommy Elphick became a new name in the betting market and was priced at 2/1 - overtaking Mousinho in the process.
Indeed, the Pompey boss dropped to 3/1, with Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala at 16/1 and Crystal Palace coach Paddy McCarthy valued at 20/1.
A betting market’s suspension typically indicates an appointment is close, which could involve one of the names in the frame.
The former Arsenal man has orchestrated the Robins’ search for Gerhard Struber’s permanent successor, ‘identifying and meeting’ potential candidates in recent weeks.
New Bristol City chief ‘identifying and meeting’ managerial candidates
In a statement on the club website, CEO Charlie Boss said: ‘I would like to update you on the progress we have made over the past two weeks, as we look to appoint Roy (Hodgson’s) successor.
‘I am delighted to be able to tell you that James Ellis – the former technical director of Arsenal – will join us as our new sporting director ahead of the 2026-27 season.
‘I can also confirm he has already been advising on candidates for the Head Coach role. He has done some excellent groundwork in identifying and meeting with those candidates.
‘Once the 2026-27 campaign is underway, he will oversee coaching, recruitment, performance, medical and the Academy.
‘In the meantime, his focus will be entirely on both the appointment of a new head coach and in shaping our business over the transfer window.
‘Please have a safe and enjoyable summer and we will update you as soon as we have news on our new head coach.’
Mousinho is in the frame for the Ashton Gate vacancy and does also have interest from a fellow unnamed Championship club.
Although the 40-year-old’s future remains under the microscope, the head coach has been continuing his work and preparations for the new season at Pompey’s Hilsea training base.
The Blues boss still has two years to run on his current Fratton Park terms, with still no approaches made for his services.
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