Bristol City in advanced talks for ex-Arsenal man - Sheffield Wednesday were keen | OneFootball

James Ellis is in advanced talks to become Bristol City's new sporting director after previous links with Sheffield Wednesday

Bristol City are looking to finish the 2025/26 Championship season on a high, with their place in the second tier confirmed for next season, with neither relegation nor promotion a possibility for the Robins at this stage.

Having broken a 17-year wait to get back into the Championship play-offs last season under Liam Manning, Bristol City were hoping to replicate that feat once again, but this time under the guidance of former Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber, as Manning left for Norwich City in the summer.

As it went, the Robins never truly challenged for the top six under Struber, and after a run of just one win in nine, he was dismissed and replaced by the veteran that is Roy Hodgson until the end of the season, as the club looks for a new permanent boss.

However, it's not just a new manager that they are after, with a search for a new sporting director currently in the pipeline, as Bristol City look to be closing in on a new appointment just days after the interview process, much to the dismay of a Championship rival.

James Ellis is in advanced talks to become Bristol City's new sporting director amid previous Sheffield Wednesday links

As Bristol City prepare for the upcoming campaign, the dominoes are slowly falling into place, as FootballInsider have reported that they are in advanced negotiations with former Arsenal sporting director, James Ellis, about taking over a similar role at Ashton Gate to that of what he had with the Gunners.

This comes at a time when it was exclusively revealed by Football League World that Sheffield Wednesday were also reportedly keen to bring Ellis to Hillsborough.

Ellis only left his role at Arsenal just last month, having previously spent five years at the north London club, working his way up from a scouting role to technical director, a role he only held for just seven months.

The Englishman also previously worked as Arsenal's head of recruitment, overseeing major incomings and outgoings during his time with the club, as Arsenal look to close in on the Premier League title despite a recent dip in form.

Bristol City's chief executive, Charlie Boss, revealed three weeks ago that he wanted to make an appointment in this role by the end of the season, and has seemingly delivered on that statement, with Ellis set to sign on the dotted line imminently.

Boss told BBC Radio Bristol: "I'm now going through a process of making sure we get the best possible person in; the aim is to do that as quickly as possible while still making sure we get that best person.

"The aim is to have someone here in the club ready to be in place for the summer transfer window and to really lead that recruitment process for a new head coach."

Getting this deal over the line quickly was imperative for Bristol City, not just so they could begin plans for summer recruitment, but to avoid any lingering competition from Sheffield Wednesday.

As for the Owls, they must turn their attentions elsewhere, as with their takeover still far from being completed, everything remains up in the air when it comes to the hierarchy at Hillsborough.

Bristol City supporters will be hoping for a positive impact following the appointment of James Ellis

With Ellis' appointment on the verge of being confirmed, Bristol City supporters can eagerly anticipate the summer ahead.

A new permanent head coach still needs to be decided upon, and Ellis will likely have some say in that process, as he, alongside Boss and the prospective new head coach, will work together when it comes to recruitment.

The Robins are well-placed to attack the top six heading into next season, and with one appointment decided upon, another big one must be made soon.