Tommy Elphick emerges on Bristol City manager radar | OneFootball

Bristol City are closing in on the potential appointment of a new head coach

Bristol City are searching for a new manager after Roy Hodgson’s time back at the club came to an end with the conclusion of the season.

The Robins endured a disappointing campaign after they were unable to sustain another promotion push.

The club competed in the play-offs 12 months ago under Liam Manning after earning a sixth-place finish in the Championship table, losing to Sheffield United in the semi-finals.

But Manning’s departure led to Gerhard Struber arriving as manager, and he was dismissed during the March international break.

Hodgson returned to Ashton Gate, having previously managed the club 44 years ago, leading the team to a 12th place finish.

Bristol City will be hoping the next head coach will be able to bring the side back into promotion contention next season, as they look to end their long wait for top flight football.

Bristol City target Bournemouth appointment

It has been reported by The Telegraph that Bristol City are targeting the appointment of Tommy Elphick as their next head coach.

The 38-year-old is under consideration following his work as Andoni Iraola’s assistant at Bournemouth.

The former defender took on a role with the Cherries in September 2021, and worked under the likes of Gary O’Neil and Iraola.

He was initially a coach of the development squad, but he stepped up to the first team role when O’Neil took over as manager.

Bournemouth have enjoyed a strong campaign under the Spaniard, who is set to depart at the end of the campaign.

Elphick has never held a managerial role in his career, but has earned a reputation as a promising young coach as part of Iraola’s backroom staff.

The Cherries have earned qualification for the Europa League this season, and could yet qualify for the Champions League if Aston Villa win their Europa League final on Wednesday evening and fall to fifth on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

Bournemouth are sixth, and lead Brighton in seventh by three points, meaning a point or better against Nottingham Forest on Sunday could be enough to secure a place in the Champions League, depending on results elsewhere.

Bristol City have recently appointed James Ellis to a sporting director role, and he will be heavily involved in the choosing of a new head coach.

It’s understood that the club are impressed by Elphick, and he is now a leading contender to take over for next season.

Tommy Elphick appointment would be a risky pick for Bristol City

Bournemouth have been exceptional this season, and they showcased this by helping Arsenal clinch the Premier League title on Tuesday by drawing 1-1 with Manchester City.

Elphick has played his part in transforming the Cherries in the last few years, but it’s difficult to know whether he’s ready for the step-up to main management.

It would be a left-field appointment, but it could prove a very shrewd move if he can replicate the kind of football Bournemouth play under Iraola at Bristol City.

It would be a very risky decision from Ellis to immediately appoint a head coach with no managerial experience, but it could pay massive dividends if it works out.