Bristol City have switched their attention to former Millwall boss Gary Rowett as they step up their search for a new manager, according to Football Insider.
The Robins parted company with Nigel Pearson earlier this week after losing five of their last seven fixtures, with the 2-0 defeat against Cardiff City last weekend proving to be the final nail in the coffin. As a result, they have now slipped to 15th in the Championship and chairman Jon Lansdown reiterated his ambition to see the club playing in the Premier League upon the announcement.
A number of names have been linked to the position, with former Birmingham City manager John Eustace among the early frontrunners. However, it was reported yesterday that Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard is in the running as he hopes to rebuild his managerial career.
The 45-year-old could look to drop down to the Championship after disastrous spells with Everton and former club Chelsea, and he has pedigree in the division after guiding Derby County to the play-offs in 2019. City are not prepared to put all their eggs in one basket though, and are now said to be considering approaching Gary Rowett, who is a free agent after leaving league rivals Millwall last month.
The 49-year-old spent four years at The Den and was widely praised for the work he did on the pitch with a limited budget. According to Football Insider’s report, the former Stoke City boss is considered a leading candidate due to his current availability and Championship experience.
Assistant manager Curtis Fleming will take charge of tomorrow’s visit of basement club Sheffield Wednesday, who will be full of confidence after recording their first win of the season last week.
Writer’s View
Lampard heavily remains the bookies’ favourite and it is easy to see why following the media coverage that Birmingham City received following the appointment of Wayne Rooney last month. However, Bristol City harbour genuine ambitions of playing in the Premier League and there must be question marks as to whether the former midfielder would be the right man to deliver it.
Rowett maybe doesn’t have a promotion on his C.V., although his experience with a limited budget could prove pivotal. There is money to play with following the big money departure of Alex Scott in the summer and it would be interesting to see if he has learnt from his mistakes during his brief spell in charge of Stoke City between 2018 and 2019.
