How Jon Lansdown reacted to Liam Manning leaving Bristol City for Norwich City | OneFootball

Liam Manning has made the switch from Bristol City to Norwich City.

Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown has claimed Liam Manning’s departure from the club is disappointing.

The club have confirmed that the manager has opted to depart the Robins following their play-off defeat to Sheffield United.

The 39-year-old has made the switch to Championship rivals Norwich City, becoming the permanent replacement for Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Manning arrived at Ashton Gate in November 2023, and led Bristol City to a sixth-placed finish in the second tier last season.

Jon Lansdown’s reaction to Liam Manning exit

Lansdown has thanked Manning for the work he did during his time as manager of the club, but revealed his disappointment in his departure.

He wished the coach the best ahead of his move to Norwich, suggesting they are now considering coaches to take charge of the team for next season.

“We are disappointed to lose Liam after such a successful campaign,” wrote Lansdown, via the club’s official website.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Liam for his hard work and commitment over the past 18 months and the memories we have made together and wish him and his family all the best for the future.

“We are assessing all options as we look to replace Liam.”

Liam Manning’s Bristol City record

Manning took charge of Bristol City in November 2023, replacing Nigel Pearson, overseeing 85 games prior to his move to Carrow Road.

The 39-year-old led the team to an 11th-placed finish in the Championship during his first campaign in charge, with the team missing out on a top six place by 11 points in 2023/24.

However, he was able to bridge that gap in his first full season in the dugout this past term, leading the Robins to a sixth-placed finish and the club's first taste of second tier play-off action since their promotion to the division back in 2015.

This was their best league result since coming fourth in the Championship in the 2007/08 season, but a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals ended their hopes of promotion to the Premier League.

Manning's departure is a huge loss for Bristol City

Manning did an excellent job with Bristol City, guiding them to their first top six finish in the Championship in 17 years.

However, the loss to Sheffield United showed the limitations of this squad, and just how far away they are from being properly in the mix for a place in the top flight.

This has led to Manning’s departure, with a move to Norwich potentially giving him the greater chance at promotion to the Premier League in the long run.

This is a huge blow for the Robins, who were building something quite exciting under Manning, but they will now have to reset this summer under a new coach.