"Would be stupid not to" - Bristol City concern issued over Liam Manning, Leicester City talk | OneFootball

FLW's Bristol City fan pundit has given his reaction to reports linking head coach Liam Manning with a move to Leicester City.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Bristol City head coach Liam Manning is reportedly under consideration by Leicester City as they prepare for life back in the Championship.

It has been a nightmare campaign for Leicester in the Premier League, and after their relegation from the top flight was confirmed, Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett claimed that it is looking "increasingly likely" manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will not be in charge next season.

Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium in November, but he has won just four of his 24 games at the helm so far, drawing two and losing 18, and it seems the Foxes are weighing up alternative options ahead of the summer.

Lee Carsley, Russell Martin and Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl were all said to be on Leicester's shortlist of potential candidates should they decide to part company with van Nistelrooy, but a new name has now emerged in the frame, with journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that Manning is another manager who has admirers at the club.

Manning has been in charge of Bristol City since November 2023, and after leading them to a sixth-placed finish in the Championship this season, he is currently preparing his side to face Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals.

Liam Manning urged to remain at Bristol City amid Leicester City speculation

When asked if he believes Manning would be tempted by a potential move to Leicester, FLW's Bristol City fan pundit Tom Rawle said that he is hopeful the 39-year-old would remain at Ashton Gate, although he admitted that he should at least consider making the switch to the King Power Stadium if the Foxes were to make an approach.

"I think any manager probably would be tempted to jump ship if you're at a club the size of Bristol City in the Championship, especially if a club the size of Leicester City came calling with the money and infrastructure available to them," Tom told FLW.

"They've got a world-class training ground, so I think any manager would be stupid not to consider a move there if I'm brutally honest.

"Do I think he would move? I wouldn't like to think so, no.

"Other than MK Dons where he got sacked, he went to Oxford and started a project there, got halfway through that and came to Bristol City.

"He's started a project here, he's got us in the play-offs, and we could be in a higher division than Leicester next season.

"I guess it will be a case of waiting to see what happens in the summer.

"Given what happened in Liam Manning's personal life as well, I would like to think that he will have a bit of affection towards the club.

"I'm not saying that he would have to stay because of the tragic incident that happened in his personal life, but I'd like to think that he does owe Bristol City loyalty to a certain extent and probably would like to hang around, not just because of how we've treated him, but his family as well."

Liam Manning must be cautious over potential Bristol City, Leicester City swap

Manning has done an outstanding job at Bristol City this season, guiding them to the Championship play-offs for the first time since 2008, and interest in him is inevitable this summer after his impressive work.

As a talented young coach, it is easy to see why Leicester believe that Manning could potentially be the right man to rebuild them in the Championship, but it would be a risky move for him to take over at the King Power Stadium, particularly given the likely mass exodus that will take place at the club following relegation, as well as the instability at board level.

Manning has formed a special connection with Robins supporters over the past 18 months, and it feels like there is plenty more for him to achieve at Ashton Gate, so he should be incredibly cautious about walking away from the club too soon.