Bristol City have shortlisted two names in their hunt for their next manager, with a current Premier League assistant still in the running.
Sources close to Football Lowdown have revealed that AFC Bournemouth assistant manager Tommy Elphick is one of the names being considered, while a current EFL boss is the other candidate. Elphick has entered the running relatively late, but is said to have impressed after speaking to the club.
They’re set to make a decision shortly, with new sporting director James Ellis now in place. His arrival was announced by CEO Charlie Boss this week, with an update on the hunt for a new manager.
“I am delighted to be able to tell you that James Ellis – the former technical director of Arsenal – will join us as our new sporting director ahead of the 2026/27 season,” said Boss, as reported by Bristol Live.
“I can also confirm he has already been advising on candidates for the head coach role. He has done some excellent groundwork in identifying and meeting with those candidates.”
That fuelled a switch in betting patterns over the weekend, with Elphick entering the running. Sources have revealed that the former Hull City player has impressed in discussions with the Robins, and is now one of two candidates the club is considering.
Elphick appeared mainly for Brighton and Bournemouth as a player, captaining the Cherries to their first Premier League promotion. After retiring from playing, Bournemouth appointed him to a coaching role with their development squad. He stepped up to the first-team set-up on an interim basis following Scott Parker’s dismissal in August 2022, before being confirmed as assistant coach in December that year after Gary O’Neil was given the head coach position permanently.
He is considered a bright young coach with a big future, and having worked in the Premier League, Ellis is believed to have championed the 38-year-old, who recently spoke of his desire to be a head coach in his own right.
“I must admit it was a nice feeling standing there at the front and being honest, it reaffirmed to me that one day, when I am ready, I do want to be that guy rather than the assistant sitting behind,” Elphick told the Premier League website.
“I’ve always wanted to manage, and down the line I’d like to put my principles and ideas into practice. It’s an itch I will need to scratch, but there is no rush.”
His opportunity may come sooner than he thinks, although there are other managers who have been mentioned. John Mousinho was heavily linked with the role over the weekend, while Michael Skubala was initially ruled out the week before. However, Ellis and Skubala are friends from their time at Loughborough together, which may change the complexion of the current hunt.
