Portsmouth's John Mousinho and Lincoln's Michael Skubala named as 'leading contenders' for vacant Bristol City manager's job

Bristol City’s search for a new manager has seen John Mousinho and another EFL manager named as the ‘leading contenders’ for the job at Ashton Gate.

The Robins’ admiration for the Pompey boss is well-documented. The 40-year-old was named as a person of interest of the Championship side last month, after helping the Blues secure their second-tier status for another year. That’s after being linked twice previously to a move to City.

Fratton Park chief executive Andy Cullen told The News earlier this week he had received no approaches for Mousinho.

However, his words haven’t stopped speculation regarding the Pompey head coach’s future, On Friday, transfer guru Pete O’Rourke reported that Mousinho was a leading candidate for the job left vacant by Gerhard Struber in March alongside Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala.

Like Mousinho, his stock is on the rise after guiding the Imps to the League One title this season. Lincoln smashed the 100-points barrier to secure promotion to the Championship with a 12-point gap over nearest challengers Cardiff. They also finished 26 points clear of third-placed Stockport County, with 31 victories secured over the 46-game campaign.

Next term will be the first time in 65 years that the Imps will have competed in the second tier of English football. However, doubts now exist on whether 43-year-old Skubala will remain at Sincil Bank to see them kick off an exciting new era for the club.

Skubala has been in charge of Lincolin since November 2023, after previously working as Leeds United’s under-21 head coach. He has a 49.7-per cent win percentage during his time with the Imps.

Mousinho’s win percentage at Pompey, following his January 2023 appointment, is currently 40.9.

The news has seen Skubala move above Mousinho in the latest betting. He’s currently the 4/5 favourite for the Robins job, according to BetVictor. Mousinho is 5/4, with former Southampton and Rangers boss Russell Martin at 4/1.

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