How Bristol City really feel about replacing Roy Hodgson with Lincoln's Michael Skubala | OneFootball

Bristol City have identified more options on their managerial shortlist, with leading contenders emerging from Portsmouth and Lincoln City...

Bristol City are one of a number of Championship clubs in need of a new manager this summer, with 78-year-old Roy Hodgson taking charge of the final game against Stoke City and leaving the club.

Following Gerhard Struber's dismissal, Roy Hodgson took charge of the Robins for the second time in his managerial career. In the end, he won three, drew two, and lost two in his seven league games as Bristol City manager.

Bristol City will soon learn the other clubs joining them in next season's Championship, but 2026/27 is going to be just as exciting and competitive as ever. That is why they need to appoint the right individual and hit the ground running.

Cardiff City have been promoted, while Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been relegated. There will be three play-off losers, one of West Ham United or Tottenham Hotspur appears to be very likely, and then there will also be a play-off winner from League One.

John Mousinho joined by Lincoln's Michael Skubala on Bristol City shortlist

One team that Bristol City have not faced in a league setting since 1986 have also joined the Championship, which is Michael Skubala's Lincoln City. But there could also be some drama involving the two clubs unfolding already.

In their search to replace Struber and Hodgson long-term, it has emerged that Steven Gerrard is a target for both Bristol City and Burnley. However, that list of options is growing all the time.

John Mousinho and Steve Cooper have emerged on Bristol City's wishlist as well, with the former currently the manager of Portsmouth after winning League One back in 2024 and stabilising Pompey in the second tier.

The winners of League One this year were Lincoln with 103 points and they ended the campaign on a 29-game unbeaten run. However, it appears both managers continue to be of interest.

Mousinho is a leading contender to succeed Hodgson, per journalist Pete O'Rourke. However, Skubala of Lincoln has also emerged as an option in the latest update on the Bristol City search for a manager.

Bristol City will be eyeing long-term managers as successor's to Hodgson and FLW exclusively revealed Russell Martin is one potential option being considered already. However, there is plenty of time for them.

That said, the talk is heating up ahead of what could be a critical summer for Bristol City. Last season, they finished sixth. However, this season, they ended up in 12th — and they need to kick on again.

A big decision awaits Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala if Bristol City circle

The case for staying at Lincoln for Skubala is that he has already built something special. Staying could strengthen his long-term reputation even further. Promotion-winning momentum is also difficult to create, but continuity often matters just as much in the Championship.

Another season could allow him to establish the club in the second tier, develop players further, and prove his methods are sustainable at a higher level. Leaving too early risks stepping into a less stable environment where patience is thinner due to expectations being far harsher.

However, there is a case for leaving while his stock is high. It is not a given that Skubala ever has a better opportunity to jump into a bigger Championship job. Football moves quickly and managerial reputations can change within months if results dip.

Winning the League One title has placed him among the brightest young coaches in the EFL, making him an attractive option for clubs with larger budgets. Bristol City are that for him, given they are much more established already.

Joining a more established side now could accelerate his career trajectory significantly, while also giving him better resources to implement his ideas and compete for a club closer to the top end of the division immediately.