Bristol City eyeing shock move for Hodgson replacement who just won Manager of the Season

Bristol City are considering a move for an “unbelievable” manager, with the Championship side still searching for a Roy Hodgson replacement.

Latest on Bristol City’s search for new manager

Following the appointment of a new sporting director, CEO Charlie Boss has issued an update on the search for a new manager, saying: “I would like to update you on the progress we have made over the past two weeks, as we look to appoint Roy’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.”

The Robins have been planning their next appointment ever since Hodgson arrived in an interim capacity, with former Southampton manager Russell Martin one of the other names under consideration.

Martin could be an exciting option, having guided the Saints to promotion to the Premier League in the 2023-24 season, but his record at Rangers last season leaves a lot to be desired.

Russell Martin’s record as Rangers manager

• 17 matches
• 5 wins
• 6 draws
• 6 defeats
• 1.24 points per game
• Sacked at the beginning of October

Bristol City set sights on Russell Martin alternative

An alternative option has also now entered the frame, according to a report from Sports Boom, which states Bristol City are eyeing a shock move for Derek McInnes, whose Hearts side missed out on the Scottish Premiership title in heartbreaking fashion this season.

The Jam Tarts’ 3-1 defeat at Parkhead on the final day ensured the hosts won the league for the fifth season on the spin, but a second-place finish is still Hearts’ highest since 1988, and they are set to take part in Champions League qualification.

McInnes, who has won three trophies as a manager, is keen to test himself in England at some point, but he is happy at Hearts, so it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.

Of course, the 54-year-old, who prefers to use a 4-4-2 system, has already had one stint at Ashton Gate, being dismissed in January 2013, at which point his side were bottom of the Championship.

However, the Scot, who won the Scottish Premiership’s Manager of the Season award, has clearly developed as a manager since then, and he has been lauded for the “unbelievable” job he’s done at Tynecastle by former Celtic striker Chris Sutton.

As a result, McInnes returning to Ashton Gate this summer, over 13 years after being dismissed, could make a great deal of sense.

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