Leicester Eye EFL Manager With Promotion Potential

Liam Manning is under consideration to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester manager.

The Foxes are expected to part company with their current manager at the end of the season following relegation from the top-flight.

Van Nistelrooy has won just three of his 22 Premier League matches since taking over in December.

The Dutchman revealed last week that he hopes to remain in charge in the Championship next season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s win over Southampton, he explained: “(I am) still hoping to find out. The quicker the better, in the best interest of the club.

“We’re all hoping to find out soon. There’s 70 people working at the training ground who want to evaluate the season (and start) looking forward to the next.”

Despite signing a deal through to 2027, Van Nistelrooy could now be replaced by Manning in the summer.

The Bristol City boss is fresh from guiding the Robins into the Championship play-offs for the first time in 17 years.

City secured a sixth place finish in Manning’s first full season in charge on Saturday.

His side came from 2-0 down to draw at home to Preston on the final day of the season.

Victory over the Blades would set up a play-off final clash with either Sunderland or Coventry at Wembley Stadium on May 24.

After securing their place in the play-offs, Manning told BBC Radio Bristol: “I have no idea how I am feeling, to be honest. Exhausted, stressed, happy, over the moon, proud – what an afternoon.”

He added: “There’s no expectation or pressure on us so we have got to go and be brave and enjoy it. You see today the lads give everything for the shirt.”

City’s top six finish is their first in the second tier since 2008 after ending the campaign on 68 points.

The figure represents the club’s second highest points tally since returning to the Championship in 2015.

Victory in the play-offs would see the club achieve promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

City have not appeared in the top-flight of English football since a four-year stay between 1976 and 1980.

Manning has been in charge at Ashton Gate since replacing Nigel Pearson in November 2023.

The 39-year-old’s managerial career also includes previous spells in charge of MK Dons and Oxford.

Talksport.com