Bristol City head coach Liam Manning is hoping his side can continue their recent good form when they host play-off rivals West Bromwich Albion tonight.
The Robins have been on the fringes of the Championship top six for much of the campaign but finally broke into the play-off positions on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Watford. This saw them leapfrog Coventry City and West Brom, with both teams losing a second successive game.
City are now targeting a place in the top flight for the first time since 1980 and can take a huge step to confirming their place in the end-of-season showdown with another three points at Ashton Gate. Doing so would see them move six points above the Baggies, whilst defeat would move the West Midlanders back above their rivals on goal difference.
“Quite Clear” – Manning Thrilled With Progress
Manning left Oxford United in November 2023 to take the vacant position at Bristol City, helping them eventually secure an 11th-placed finish. He has taken it one step further this season and is looking forward to what the remainder of the campaign brings. Speaking to Bristol Live, he said:
“Too right, enjoy it. It’s been a long while since the club were in that position so again, credit to the players and the staff for the work that’s gone into it.
“It’s been an eventful 18 months right? In terms of everything we’ve gone through but the progress is quite clear over the course of the season and that’s my job, keep the lads focused.
“Of course, around that, you want the fans to be excited, you want them to turn up, show the energy they’ve shown today and enjoy it.
“I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed watching so much of our football this season and long may it continue, starting on Tuesday.”
Writer’s View
Manning arrived at Ashton Gate with a growing reputation and has further enhanced it over the past 17 months or so. It would be a remarkable achievement to earn a place in the Premier League with Bristol City, but there is still a long way to go yet. The race for sixth place in the Championship is a tight one, with as many as seven clubs still in with a shout. A win over West Brom would do wonders for their confidence, especially with tough games against the likes of Sunderland and Leeds United on the horizon.
