Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown may regret January decision - It could be why Liam Manning is set for Norwich City | OneFootball

Liam Manning's switch from Bristol City to Norwich could be self-inflicted by the Robins

Bristol City should be looking forward to a summer filled with optimism and hope for the future, after defying the odds and reaching the Championship play-offs.

For a club that has so often been resigned to mediocrity and fruitless ends to their labours, the 2024/25 campaign brought something different, something new, something to get excited about.

A young, determined coach in Liam Manning, a talented squad brimming with potential, and a dedicated fanbase roaring their side on every week.

It seemed like this project could snowball and turn into one that may develop into regular promotion challengers in years to come.

However, one key component of the Robins’ revolution may already have decided to pursue pastures new – and it could be all Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown’s fault.

Steve Lansdown might have made Liam Manning blunder

When the January transfer window came around, it became clear that Bristol City were enjoying a much more competitive season than usual.

As deadline day approached, the Robins sat ninth in the table and just two points outside the top six.

A few smart additions in the winter can be the difference between success and failure come May, giving you a slight edge over your competitors during the run-in.

For a club in Bristol City’s position, this was the perfect time to take a gamble. Roll the dice, and hope the reward was promotion come the end of the season.

However, the Robins decided to play it conservatively and stick with what they had.

In fact, the only transfer activity at Ashton Gate was in the form of outgoings. Rob Atkinson, Fally Mayulu, Kal Naismith also exited the club on loan deals, but there were no new faces to replace them.

Although he didn’t state it at the time, Manning naturally would’ve appreciated any sort of extra backing in the January window.

The 39-year-old managed the Robins to a sixth-place finish but were ultimately bested by Sheffield United during the play-offs in dominant fashion.

Manning’s side were decimated 6-0 over two legs, and although the gulf between the two sides’ quality and resources is vast, a lack of business in January certainly didn’t help the Robins’ cause.

On the whole, Manning and Bristol City enjoyed a hugely successful season, but one filled with decisions that may have left the boss questioning his Ashton Gate future.

As reported by Nick Mashiter of the BBC, Norwich will approach Bristol City for the 39-year-old, with The Telegraph's John Percy revealing that the compensation figure for his services will be around the £800,000 mark.

This is a devastating loss for the Robins, but they may have themselves to blame. If they had backed Manning in January, it may have signalled enough intent to keep the manager at the club this summer.

Manning would thrive in the Carrow Road dugout

Although Bristol City finished 11 points and seven places above Norwich City this season, moving to Carrow Road may prove a better move for Manning in the long term.

The Canaries are a highly ambitious club that will be aiming to fight for promotion next term and will back their manager handsomely to help aid that task.

Furthermore, potential exits for Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent could also free up a healthy budget to spend this summer.

If the Canaries are to get their man, then the £800k could prove to be a bargain for someone who is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the EFL at the moment.

Manning has worked his way up through the divisions, and although Norwich appears to be something of a sideways move for him at present, he will surely back himself to have them in the play-off picture next term.