AI predicts where all 24 EFL Championship managers will be in five years | OneFootball

AI has revealed where they think all 24 Championship managers will be in 2030

Football is a business that never sleeps and nobody can predict what will happen from one weekend to the next.

Managers come and go, certain clubs enjoy high peaks before suffering terrible lows, but nothing can be ruled out in terms of what the future may hold.

Job security is usually scarce in the EFL, highlighted by the fact that Preston North End chief Paul Heckingbottom is the sixth-longest serving boss in the Championship, despite the 2025/26 campaign being his first full season with the club.

Curious to see what the future has in store, Football League World has employed AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to predict where all 24 EFL Championship managers will be five years from now.

Chris Davies – Brighton & Hove Albion

Chris Davies has experienced a mixed start to life in the Championship, but ChatGPT believes the future holds top-flight management for Birmingham City’s boss.

AI cites Davies’ tender age and modern tactics as a reason why he would suit the Seagulls, alongside his ability to work with younger players.

Valérien Ismaël – Hamburg

Valérien Ismaël is another boss who hasn’t found the 2025/26 campaign particularly easy, but the AI believes a return to Germany will be on the cards in 2030.

The Frenchman spent a large portion of his playing career in the Bundesliga with clubs such as Bayern Munich and Hannover 96, before coaching 1. FC Nürnberg and Wolfsburg.

Gerhard Struber - FC Midtjylland

Currently, in his first season as Bristol City manager, Gerhard Struber has been predicted to coach out of Denmark in five years.

AI states that FC Midtjylland’s data-led model suited a coach who can integrate youth and shape a system with Struber their ideal candidate.

Nathan Jones – Cardiff City

Nathan Jones hasn’t been shy about his desire to coach Cardiff City in the future and ChatGPT believes that the current Charlton Athletic manager’s dream will become reality by 2030.

The chatbot highlights a Welsh connection as a strong factor in the decision, as well as Jones’ ability to connect with a fanbase.

Frank Lampard – Punditry

Despite being recently linked with potentially taking over the England job from Thomas Tuchel, AI has predicted Frank Lampard to have given up management entirely by 2030.

Instead, they believe his career lies in punditry, something he has previously tried his hand at when out of work.

John Eustace – Birmingham City

John Eustace was previously dismissed by Birmingham City in controversial fashion, but AI believes that will all be water under the bridge five years from now.

ChatGPT lists that his stable nature will keep Blues competitive whilst ensuring they maintain their position in the EFL.

Sergej Jakirović - Dinamo Zagreb

Although Sergej Jakirović has looked comfortable coaching in the English game, AI thinks that a return to Croatia is on the cards.

Jakirović took charge of Dinamo Zagreb previously during the 2023/24 campaign, where he won a league and cup double.

Kieran McKenna – Manchester United

In 2030, Kieran McKenna is predicted to enjoy what is arguably English football’s highest-profile job.

The Northern Irishman previously spent time within Manchester United’s academy setup, before being upgraded to assistant manager alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjær and José Mourinho.

Marti Cifuentes – Sevilla

Marti Cifuentes has spent time in the English game with QPR and Leicester City, but ChatGPT predicts an eventual return to Spain is on the cards.

His astute tactical brain and experience of football abroad make him an ideal manager for Sevilla according to AI, with a strong focus on continental success.

Rob Edwards – Crystal Palace

ChatGPT believes that Rob Edwards has made steady progress throughout his career and thinks his next step will be establishing himself as a top-flight boss.

His ability to marry organisation with attacking intent is a huge plus and something the Eagles are predicted to take a gamble on.