New Bristol City manager Liam Manning has addressed why he decided to leave high-flying League One club Oxford United to take on a new challenge at Championship side Bristol City.
Manning was announced as the replacement for the departing Nigel Pearson on Tuesday, ending his eight-month spell in charge of the U’s. During his short reign he has managed to leave the club he helped them survive relegation last term, with them now sitting second in the table, with 32 points in their opening 15 games this season.
Speaking in his first press conference since joining Bristol, and reported in the Oxford Mail, he said: “I was speaking with my wife, who I’ve dragged around the world in the last five or six years, I’ve got some good people around me and spoke to a few people in the game, whose opinions I really trust and respect.”
“I got that feedback and then informed the club at Oxford on my decision, that I wanted to move on and join Bristol City.” he added.
The 38-year-old also talked about his short time at Oxford, and how he would only leave the club for the right job “I had a short time at Oxford, but it was a good time in terms of the progress we made. We left the club in a better position than when we joined.
“I wouldn’t have left for any club, that was quite important. There were so many things in terms of alignment with the playing group here, how I see the game and how I want teams to play.” added the Norwich born man.
Writer’s view
It was a surprise to see Liam Manning leaving Oxford United considering he has got them in to such a strong position since taking charge eight month ago. It has left fans of Oxford unhappy but there is no doubt that he has left the club in a better position than when he took over.
In terms of Bristol City, they’ve been a mid-table side in the Championship for a last few seasons and are a club that will be hoping Manning is the man to take them towards promotion aspirations. Time will tell whether he can replicate his success with his new club, but is sure to get the time to show he can improve the club.
