Bristol City have set their sights on Portsmouth‘s John Mousinho and Lincoln City‘s Michael Skubala as they ramp up their search for a new permanent manager.
After reaching the play-offs under the guidance of Liam Manning in 2025, optimism was high that the Robins could go one step further this season. However, the-year-old opted to depart last summer in an ill-fated move to Norwich City, with Gerhard Struber named as his successor in June.
A decent start to the campaign saw City in and around the play-off positions for much of the opening few months. Despite that, they faltered from Christmas and a run of two wins in 10 games between January and March saw Struber dismissed.
This led to the shock appointment of ex-England boss Roy Hodgson, who had previously been in the dugout at Ashton Gate in the early stages of his managerial career in 1982. That was only ever designed to be temporary though, and an permanent appointment is expected to be made before the start of next season.
Mousinho & Skubala Attract Interest
Former Swansea City and Rangers boss Russell Martin has been heavily linked with the vacant position over the past few weeks, alongside Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has also been rumoured as an option after keeping Pompey in the Championship since winning the League One title in 2024. According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, another third tier champion is now high up City’s list of targets.
Lincoln boss Michael Skubala and Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho have emerged as the leading contenders to succeed Roy Hodgson as the new Bristol City manager. #BristolCity #Imps #Pompey pic.twitter.com/a8r9iWdKhe
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) May 8, 2026
Lincoln City’s phenomenal campaign has caught the eye of the nation. The Imps recorded a record 29-game unbeaten run to finish the season, eventually winning the League One title with 103 points.
It was inevitable that Skubala – who has just won his fourth Manager of the Month award this season – would attract interest from other Championship outfits. Whether the 2025 play-off semi-finalists can prise the 43-year-old away from the LNER Stadium is another matter altogether though.
How Likely Is A Move For Mousinho Or Skubala?
Mousinho has been in charge at Portsmouth since 2023 and may feel it is time for a fresh challenge. He has remained loyal to his current employers and despite being linked to a number of positions over the past couple of years, made it clear he was happy at Fratton Park. However, he has achieved his objective of stabilising Pompey in the Championship and a move to Bristol City could be a tempting one.
As for Skubala, there’s little doubt that he has emerged as one of the hottest up-and-coming coaches in the country. He is sure to be on the radar of a number of teams. Therefore, it is understandable that Lincoln’s new Championship rivals would hope to steal a march. The ex-Leeds United caretaker boss is enjoying hero status at Sincil Bank though and is likely to take some convincing to up sticks just yet.
