Here are three potential managers Bristol City should consider to succeed Roy Hodgson upon his departure.

Bristol City preparing for life after Roy Hodgson

Bristol City are expected to remain in the EFL Championship next season, but uncertainty surrounds who will be in charge at Ashton Gate when the new campaign begins.

After reaching the play-off positions for the first time in 17 years under Liam Manning last season, there was optimism that the club could build on that progress. However, that momentum was disrupted when Manning left to join Norwich City.

In response, the club turned to Gerhard Struber as his successor, but his tenure in the South West did not last the full season. Results and performances failed to meet expectations, leading to another managerial change before the campaign concluded.

Veteran coach Roy Hodgson was then brought in on a short-term basis to steady the ship. He made an immediate impact, winning his first two matches in charge, but has already made it clear that he will not remain beyond the end of the season. Hodgson has emphasized that his role is purely temporary, leaving Bristol City searching for a long-term appointment ahead of next year.

With that in mind, attention has turned to potential candidates who could take on the job and lead the Robins forward. Below are three managers who could be strong options for the club to consider.

Will Still – A young coach eager to prove himself

Will Still is a name that has gained widespread recognition among football followers, particularly in England, although his reputation was built outside the country.

He first rose to prominence during his time managing in Belgium and France, most notably with Stade de Reims. During his spell there, he oversaw an impressive 19-match unbeaten run, a streak that drew global attention — not least because of the unusual situation where the club was fined £22,000 for each game he managed due to licensing technicalities.

Still later moved to Southampton, marking his first senior managerial role in England. However, his time at St Mary’s proved challenging. He managed just four wins in 16 matches before being dismissed, leaving him without a job since his departure.

At 33, Still remains one of the more exciting young coaches available. His experience abroad, combined with his tactical flexibility, makes him an intriguing option for Bristol City. He is known for his ability to adapt formations and systems based on the players at his disposal, which could be particularly beneficial at Ashton Gate, where a complete squad overhaul is unlikely.

Taking charge of Bristol City could offer Still the perfect opportunity to re-establish himself in English football. Having learned from his struggles at Southampton, he would likely approach a new role with greater experience and perspective. Additionally, the chance to return to the Championship — a league where his brother, Edward Still, is currently involved with Watford — could provide extra motivation.

Overall, Still represents a forward-thinking choice, a manager with potential who may thrive if given the right environment to develop.

Marti Cifuentes – A coach with Championship experience

Another option Bristol City could consider is Marti Cifuentes. While his spell at Leicester City did not go as planned, it would be unfair to judge his abilities solely on that period.

Cifuentes struggled to impose consistency on a Leicester side that has faced deeper structural and cultural issues. The club has remained embroiled in a relegation battle, suggesting that the problems extend far beyond the head coach.

Prior to his time at Leicester, the Spaniard had a more encouraging spell with Queens Park Rangers. At QPR, he worked under difficult circumstances yet still managed to deliver respectable performances. His ability to stabilize a team without significant resources highlighted his strengths as a coach.

With over 100 Championship matches under his belt, Cifuentes brings valuable experience at this level. He understands the demands of the league and has shown that he can operate effectively even when working with limited budgets.

Bristol City may not offer unlimited financial backing, but the resources available at Ashton Gate could still represent an upgrade compared to what Cifuentes has previously worked with. This could allow him more flexibility in shaping the squad and implementing his ideas.

Despite his setback at Leicester, he remains a well-regarded figure within the game. His experiences, both positive and negative, are likely to have contributed to his development as a manager. For Bristol City, he could be a steady and knowledgeable option capable of building a competitive side.

Russell Martin – A bold stylistic approach

Russell Martin is another candidate who could come under consideration, though he is a figure who tends to divide opinion among supporters.

During his time with MK Dons and later Swansea City, Martin developed a reputation for his possession-based style of play. His teams often dominated the ball and built attacks from the back, earning praise for their approach. However, this philosophy also attracted criticism, particularly when results did not match performances.

Martin achieved a major success when he guided Southampton to promotion in 2024, defeating Leeds United in the play-off final. His side impressed with their style during that campaign, but questions remained about whether his approach would translate effectively to the Premier League.

Those concerns proved valid, as Southampton struggled in the top flight. Martin managed just one win in 16 games before being dismissed, with his commitment to a high-risk, possession-heavy system failing to produce consistent results at that level.

A subsequent spell with Rangers also failed to meet expectations. Despite having a transfer window to shape the squad, he won only five of his 17 matches in charge and suffered a heavy defeat to Club Brugge during Champions League qualification. He has been out of work since his departure in October.

Even so, Martin’s track record in the Championship suggests he could still be a viable option. Given time to implement his ideas and a squad willing to embrace his philosophy, he has previously shown that he can deliver promotion.

For Bristol City, appointing Martin would represent a bold move. His style could elevate the team’s level of play, but it would require patience and full commitment from both players and supporters. While opinions may be split, his potential upside means he cannot be overlooked.

A crucial decision for the Robins

As Bristol City look ahead to the next season, the choice of their next manager will be pivotal. Each of the candidates discussed offers something different — from Still’s youthful energy and adaptability, to Cifuentes’ experience and resilience, and Martin’s distinct tactical philosophy.

The decision will ultimately depend on the direction the club wishes to take. Whether they prioritize long-term development, stability, or a clear stylistic identity, the next appointment will shape their ambitions moving forward.