Next Bristol City manager: Big shift in betting as new clear favourite emerges and Premier League man enters field with Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and Lincoln City men touted for Ashton Gate
The betting picture over the next Bristol City manager is changing today - with new names in the frame for the Ashton Gate job.
England under-21 boss Lee Carsley has emerged as the clear bookies’ favourite to become the new Bristol City boss.
And Bournemouth assistant manager, Tommy Elphick, has joined the front-runners being touted for the Ashton Gate hot-seat with the oddsmakers.
Carsley came into contention over the weekend at 4/1 with Bet Victor, who are running a market on the man to permanently succeed temporary boss Roy Hodgson.
The 52-year-old then became even-money favourite, ahead of Pompey boss John Mousinho who also remains high up the betting field. At the time of publication Carsley is clear 8/11 favourite for the job after drifting slightly from 4/9.
Carsley remains with the FA overseeing the England under-21 squad in a position he’s held for five years with a stint as interim head coach of the senior group two years ago.
Another new name has flown into betting contention, too, in the shape of Elphick - who is Andoni Iraola’s No2 at Dean Court.
The 38-year-old has been in that position for four years when previously working under former Pompey man Gary O’Neil.
Now the former defender is attracting bets - this afternoon overtaking Mousinho as second favourite at 2/1.
The Blues boss is drifting today, but is still a relatively short-priced third favourite at 3/1.
Lincoln boss Michael Skubala is fourth on the betting list at 16/1, with Crystal Palace assistant Paddy McCarthy manager drifting to 20/1 after coming into the fray last week.
McCarthy is joined by Russell Martin at the same price with Steven Gerrard at seventh 25/1. All other contenders are 33/1.
Bristol City are continuing with their managerial search, with The News reporting on Saturday it’s believed they’ve activated a number of clauses in contracts of those they wanted to speak to.
They’ve also today announced the appointment of James Ellis as their new sporting directors, with chief executive Charlie Boss updating on their managerial search,
He told the club’s website: ‘I am delighted to be able to tell you that James Ellis – the former technical director of Arsenal – will join us as our new sporting director ahead of the 2026-27 season.
‘I can also confirm he has already been advising on candidates for the head Coach role. He has done some excellent groundwork in identifying and meeting with those candidates.
‘Once the 2026-27 campaign is underway, he will oversee coaching, recruitment, performance, medical and the Academy.
‘In the meantime, his focus will be entirely on both the appointment of a new head coach and in shaping our business over the transfer window.
‘Please have a safe and enjoyable summer and we will update you as soon as we have news on our new head coach.’