Liam Manning - CONFIRMED NEW HEAD COACH

[Northern Red]

I can't claim to be overly enthused but good luck to him. As with every City manager he will get my full support until he no longer merits it.

The real spotlight should be on those above him, however if results go badly I fear most will forget all about that and just blame the manager.

[Riaz]

Just now, Mr Popodopolous said:

An inferior replacement I fear but time will tell.

I'm just relieved we have appointed some who has shown some ability and not gone for a big name like lampard who hasnt done anything as a manager

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 minute ago, TV Tom said:

Who realistically wouldn't of been underwhelming in your eyes ?

Someone who is a clear upgrade or an equivalent level to NP but younger.

Manning is younger but has a lot to prove.

[westonred]

The only way the Lansdowns can get the fans back on side is to throw money into the transfer kitty and get in some marque signings in Jan

[supercidered]

1 minute ago, Finley_Smith10 said:

What’s his preferred formation?

Does it matter?

He will be like a rabbit in the head lights. 

[big dosser]

i feel he will need to get off to a flyer as things could turn quite quickly

[38MC]

1 minute ago, Finley_Smith10 said:

What’s his preferred formation?

Whatever Tinnion tells him it is

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, Riaz said:

I'm just relieved we have appointed some who has shown some ability and not gone for a big name like lampard who hasnt done anything as a manager

I didn't want him either.

Or Eustace, Jones, Rowett...

[GrahamC]

4 minutes ago, Ghost Rider said:

Very similar reaction on here to the appointment of Steve Cotterill. 

Not from me, pal.

Cotts had managed Forest & Burnley by then.

[bcfc01]

Glad its all over (assuming it is).

Not an inspiring or exciting appointment, but the very best of luck to him.

https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/liam-manning-interview-mk-dons-west-ham-new-york-city/

 

[Guest]

It seems a little unusual to leave a team in 2nd place with a good chance of getting promotion.  It would be a nice addition to his CV to gain a promotion with Oxford.

[Finley_Smith10]

Just now, supercidered said:

Does it matter?

He will be like a rabbit in the head lights. 

Christ. Give him a chance at least. Agree not the most exciting but his win % is pretty good wherever he’s been

[red panda]

I'm pleased with this (if true).  I liked Nigel but couldn't shake off the feeling that we weren't improving very fast.  LM's career win ratio is 47.9% 

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

1 minute ago, Slack said:

So did Liam Manning actually interview for this position?

Didn't we hear how they had to all interview

Probably all done by email and twitter.

[2015]

3 minutes ago, Riaz said:

One things for sure, how this goes, for me is down to the Lansdowns.

If we struggle - It will be on them.

We had a good manager - they better hope manning is a good manager for us.

Exactly it. Give this Guy a chance. Proof will be in the pudding and will be based on what he will be able to spend. 

I personally think the reason Pearson wasn't given money after the Scott sale was because they knew they wanted a new Man to spend that money. Lets see what Manning can do.

This is the Lansdown's decision so if it doesn't work out and we're relegation fodder in 3 or 4 months time then they will have a lot of humble pie to eat.

[phantom]

2 minutes ago, cityred2000 said:

Does what concern me?

And Declan Rice, not bad, ey?

His whole career is below average at best 

That's the funniest shout crediting him for Declan Rice 

[Hayfield8]

16 minutes ago, supercidered said:

It's a crap appointment. All week OTIB has gone in to meltdown about NP and rightly so. Then just a few days later City fans are lapping it up that we've landed Manning as the replacement for NP. It's embarrassing.

Absolutely, I said people would roll over and accept the Lansdowns' meddling once again, like with Millen, LJ and Holden to name a few. At some point we as fans have to take a stand against those running the club. 

[red panda]

1 minute ago, westonred said:

The only way the Lansdowns can get the fans back on side is to throw money into the transfer kitty and get in some marque signings in Jan

Even if they do that, there will the usual moaners asking why they didn't make the same money available to Nige!

[Scrumpty]

An interesting and exciting appointment, but one hell of a risk.

Lets hope it works out! 

[Rossi the Robin]

He will get my full support once it’s confirmed 

Wont be happy if things don’t improve though and that doesn’t mean I’ll boo - never done that 

[phantom]

3 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

1 minute ago, EstoniaTallinnRed said:

Probably all done by email and twitter.

 

Teams 

[cityred2000]

Just now, phantom said:

His whole career is below average at best 

That's the funniest shout crediting him for Declan Rice 

You aren't including his playing career, are you?!

When did I credit him for Declan Rice? You asked what players he'd helped to develop and I gave you one...

[sh1t_ref_again]

Disappointing to lose Nige and replace him with someone with no experience at this level, I will support him / the team, do not know enough about him and his style so difficult to have an informed opinion if he will be a good fit. 

It appears he failed as a footballer, so has not played the game at any high level, always think its easier for a coach that has been there and done it to get the respect of experienced players, particularly when results are bad as they start to question the plan. Always thought this was GJ problem and to a degree LJ's.

Hope it works out, but not filled with excitement or hope.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, red panda said:

Even if they do that, there will the usual moaners asking why they didn't make the same money available to Nige!

It's a very fair critique. He had more than earned the opportunity, not only for money in January but a longer deal, more outward support etc.

[Tinmans Love Child]

He's taking over a steady ship I'd say so that's in his favour, as normally you are staring relegation in the face.

He will be given money I'm sure as SL was clearly saving the cash for the new man.

His record at the last 3 clubs is pretty consistent, 48% win ratio which is better than NP's so IF he keeps that going he will do well.

His job is different to NP's when he came in so there can be no excuses.

Id never heard of him before, but prepared to back him.

[TV Tom]

3 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Someone who is a clear upgrade or an equivalent level to NP but younger.

Manning is younger but has a lot to prove.

So you don't have a name then

[Ashtongreight]

1 minute ago, red panda said:

Even if they do that, there will the usual moaners asking why they didn't make the same money available to Nige!

It would be a valid point though. 

[Bobtherobin]

This is hugely uninspiring. Not sure how this is any different to going for LJ after Cotts. Hardly shows the betting to be way off as JL said in that interview as this chap has been in the betting mix since day 1. More lies from our illustrious leadership. 

[Cov 77]

5 minutes ago, supercidered said:

Season or 2 !! You really think he will be here that long?

Jeez give it a rest 

[Rossi the Robin]

Just now, Tafkarmlf said:

Exciting times

Liam's worked at Westham Redbull New York, managed Lommel , Oxford and MK Dons.

Plays high press, brings on youth players and has a very good win percentage.

Absolutely fits the description given last week.

Not seeing downsides 

Hopefully will use that wealth of Championship experience and rocket us up the table 

[richyy66]

Totally underwhelming. A nice YES man for Steve and John. 

[95red]

11 minutes ago, Curr Avon said:

We could have said the same thing about Gary Johnson. And what about Ipswich fans when Kieran McKenna was appointed. Kieran who? 

Time will tell ,I won't hold my breath. Let's hope the players  take this young rookie  on board .

[AberRed]

2 minutes ago, LoyalRed said:

It seems a little unusual to leave a team in 2nd place with a good chance of getting promotion.  It would be a nice addition to his CV to gain a promotion with Oxford.

My flatmate is an Oxford fan and this is his line of thought.

"I can't understand why you'd leave a promotion chase for a team that will probably finish 15th in the championship for the 10th year in a row"

The money we're offering must be good.

[italian dave]

3 minutes ago, westonred said:

The only way the Lansdowns can get the fans back on side is to throw money into the transfer kitty and get in some marque signings in Jan

Problem is, marquee signings tend not to available in January.

Although…..I’ve heard there will be one available, going cheap, in North Bristol - current owners are replacing it with some meccano. 

[UncleRed]

9 minutes ago, phantom said:

Does this not concern you? 

Out of interest which youth players has he developed in his short managerial career? 

JL also said we expect a top 6 finish 

 

Sub standard playing career doesn’t always mean his managerial career is going to play out the same

[Merrick's Marvels]

3 minutes ago, phantom said:

That's the funniest shout crediting him for Declan Rice 

Don't forget the emoji 

[Barrs Court Red]

Maybe he’s an absolute nobody, but sod it, I’ll give the guy a year of full support at a minimum- that’s 2 windows and ample time to improve what is a squad that should be top*
 

*As stated by the hierarchy. 

[phantom]

Just now, cityred2000 said:

You aren't including his playing career, are you?!

When did I credit him for Declan Rice? You asked what players he'd helped to develop and I gave you one...

Experience comes from playing and managing, he's not got either of any note 

Declan Rice... So you said he helped develope him?? 

I'd have thought the West Ham coaches may disagree, we know how much an U23s manager gets involved 

[Ashtongreight]

1 minute ago, Tafkarmlf said:

Exciting times

Liam's worked at Westham Redbull New York, managed Lommel , Oxford and MK Dons.

Plays high press, brings on youth players and has a very good win percentage.

Absolutely fits the description given last week.

Not seeing downsides 

I can hardly control my excitement. Look at the teams he’s worked for, very inspiring…not

[Ian M]

24 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

That’s the key for me. It’s not Liam Mannings fault he is coming here for a pay rise, further his career and is probably being promised funds to spend. I will judge his performance fairly and if he achieves what I would expect with what he has available then no complaints are on him. If that achievement doesn’t match the Upstairs Mob then that’s on them now, not Manning who is only in the firing line if he turns us from being as bang average as you can get into a relegation battle.

As an Alma Mater of CFG, he may be trusted with some of Citeh’s starlets at a “promotion chasing” Championship club on loan?

[supercidered]

3 minutes ago, red panda said:

Even if they do that, there will the usual moaners asking why they didn't make the same money available to Nige!

Yup and I'll be one of them!!

[robin_unreliant]

Where is the evidence it's him - have I missed something?

[lenred]

5 minutes ago, westonred said:

The only way the Lansdowns can get the fans back on side is to throw money into the transfer kitty and get in some marque signings in Jan

I dont think they give a flying **** about getting us onside but they will undoubtedly give him cash as they will not want him to fail.   Rinse and repeat……

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, TV Tom said:

So you don't have a name then

I was intrigued by the recently available Svensson from Mainz. Still of Reims too, Evatt like Gary Johnson had recent promotions at Barrow and Bolton and I read on here he presses high.

Hassenhuttl would have been unrealistic of course, perhaps Svensson and Still too.

Any of them. Otherwise if you don't upgrade you may as well stick with the incumbent and increase the backing.

[Ian M]

1 minute ago, AberRed said:

My flatmate is an Oxford fan and this is his line of thought.

"I can't understand why you'd leave a promotion chase for a team that will probably finish 15th in the championship for the 10th year in a row"

The money we're offering must be good.

Did you look at them quizzically and retort “15th? We’re going up mate!” ?

[phantom]

1 minute ago, Tafkarmlf said:

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-news-declan-rice-liam-manning-leaves-nycfc-a8914651.html

Just saying 

 

It's behind a pay wall 

But the headline says he discovered him.... 

[Neuilly]

1 minute ago, Tafkarmlf said:

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-news-declan-rice-liam-manning-leaves-nycfc-a8914651.html

Just saying 

 

Good read that, cheers for sharing

[Tinmans Love Child]

2 minutes ago, UncleRed said:

Sub standard playing career doesn’t always mean his managerial career is going to play out the same

The Special One for example or Wenger

Edited November 6, 2023 by Tinmans Love Child

[phantom]

Just now, Neuilly said:

Good read that, cheers for sharing

Could you please copy it? 

I'm getting a pay wall - thank you

[Ecko]

5 minutes ago, Scrumpty said:

An interesting and exciting appointment, but one hell of a risk.

Lets hope it works out! 

Please tell me how this is an exciting appointment?

[AberRed]

1 minute ago, Ian M said:

Did you look at them quizzically and retort “15th? We’re going up mate!” ?

I did but he correctly reminded me I say that every year

[fisherrich]

Don’t the Lansdownes just piss you off with all there lies.

[Bobtherobin]

2 minutes ago, sh1t_ref_again said:

Disappointing to lose Nige and replace him with someone with no experience at this level, I will support him / the team, do not know enough about him and his style so difficult to have an informed opinion if he will be a good fit. 

It appears he failed as a footballer, so has not played the game at any high level, always think its easier for a coach that has been there and done it to get the respect of experienced players, particularly when results are bad as they start to question the plan. Always thought this was GJ problem and to a degree LJ's.

Hope it works out, but not filled with excitement or hope.

I am really not happy about this if its true, but failing as a player doesnt necessarily make a bad coach. Think of Wenger or Jose or in more recent time someone like Potter. 

[North London Red]

This made me laugh.

[luke_bristol]

9 minutes ago, Cov 77 said:

Reaction on here scathing before the blokes got on the stage yet , booing him off

Tough crowd

I’m not booing him off, I’m not saying he’ll fail, and I certainly don’t want him to, but “at least it’s not Ben Garner or Joey Barton” is not a good reason to employ Liam Manning. 

[cityred2000]

1 minute ago, phantom said:

Experience comes from playing and managing, he's not got either of any note 

Declan Rice... So you said he helped develope him?? 

I'd have thought the West Ham coaches may disagree, we know how much an U23s manager gets involved 

I get that, but out of interest would you have been up for us appointing Will Still? His playing career is inferior to Manning's and arguably so is his managerial career before he joined Reims.

Correct, I said he helped to develop him. I know as much as you when it comes to that being the truth, however I'm not sure multiple articles would've been written about something that is nonsense... https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12521497/WONDERS-PYRAMID-Liam-Manning-coach-credited-nurturing-Declan-Rice-West-Ham-flying-Oxford-PLUS-three-games-watch-weekend.html

[Rob k]

12 minutes ago, Riaz said:

One things for sure, how this goes, for me is down to the Lansdowns.

If we struggle - It will be on them.

We had a good manager - they better hope manning is a good manager for us.

And vice versa to be fair. If this goes well then fair play to them for making the decision.

Edited November 6, 2023 by Rob k

[italian dave]

Just now, luke_bristol said:

I’m not booing him off, I’m not saying he’ll fail, and I certainly don’t want him to, but “at least it’s not Ben Garner or Joey Barton” is not a good reason to employ Liam Manning. 

You’ve got to admit it’s a start though!!

[Riaz]

3 minutes ago, Ghost Rider said:

What if we get promoted? Will that also be on them? 

Absolutely. The gamble has paid off if that happens 

[Super]

1 minute ago, Rob k said:

And vice versa to be fair. If this goes well then fair play to them for making the decision.

This is Bristol City. It won't.

[Fjmcity]

Cautiously optimistic about this. Will try and instil attacking football and likes to bring on youth.

nige was bringing on youth but in the end seemed to be doing to begrudgingly or to make a point (pre injury crisis - see yeboahs minutes beyond his ability)

someone who can perhaps galvanise this into a defined and attacking style of play is exciting.

no experience beyond xy and z blah blah blah. They’ve all got to start somewhere and would be nice to try and get the ‘next big thing’ in nearer the ground floor.

good appointment, has my full support. I would love someone who’s team inspire the fans because let’s face it nige was beyond functional but did well to steady us through a period of financial instability. His sacking and subsequent outrage more a convienant stick to beat the lansdowns with I feel than a real footballing loss.

But lets kick on now, some nice football and the crowd are right behind the team again, some togetherness at full time and maybe team and fans can be united in spite of any concerns about the ownership 

COYR

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

If its him then he's clearly not an upgrade on Nige but I'm sure he will bow and kow-tow at the appropriate times. That said, if he's what we have then I will get behind him to support the team. Who knows perhaps he will be an inspired appointment, he's got the youth to improve. 

[supercidered]

13 minutes ago, Cov 77 said:

Reaction on here scathing before the blokes got on the stage yet , booing him off

Tough crowd

Something to do with being let down over and over again. Proper sick of it.

[red panda]

3 minutes ago, phantom said:

Experience comes from playing and managing, he's not got either of any note 

Declan Rice... So you said he helped develope him?? 

I'd have thought the West Ham coaches may disagree, we know how much an U23s manager gets involved 

Don't know why you're so negative about this.  Obviously others were involved, but Manning's on the list of coaches that had a direct influence on Rice's progress and helped him get where he is today.  Straight from the horses' mouth here.

Welcome Liam, and don't worry about the grumpy naysayers.

[hinsleburg]

Really not sure how I feel about this if we are being honest.

Seems very bizarre to be bringing somebody in mid-season who needs to change the whole teams playing style to fit what they want to do. Could be an absolute disaster for everybody if it goes horribly wrong and sadly for Manning he will always he compared to LJ/Holden. (Not saying that's fair, but it will happen). Ultimately, he's also completely unproven at this level, everybody needs to start somewhere and maybe this is the one that we get right, but recent history isn't on his side.

However, he does have a much better reputation in the game than those mentioned above. He has been bought in as a 'Coach' with a very clear remit and whilst I feel very uncomfortable with what happened with NP, there is a different structure there now and Manning seems to fit in better with it. 

As others have mentioned, I'd love to know what the expectation is on him this season and what he will be given to do it. Don't care what the club says, this squad is three players light of being a top 8 squad and believe NP had us slightly above where the squad sits in my opinion pre-injuries.

[italian dave]

Interesting piece here on why we didn’t hear the usual ‘permission to talk’ moves and how much it might cost us. (If true!!)

https://fanbanter.co.uk/oxford-fans-left-gutted-with-agreement-in-place-for-manager-to-leave-for-bristol-city/

[Ian M]

If this is the appointment my reaction will be:

Phew, could have been worse.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I don't know enough about him really to have a strong opinion one way or the other.

I can see the rationale behind this appointment, but they've really made it hard for him by sacking a popular manager in almost universally accepted unfair circumstances by the supporters.

As others have said, it is in-line with what JL stated regarding new manager a few days ago - but does feel like yet another lurch towards a completely different direction after almost 3 years of a more typical autocratic football manager type in charge.. and it's a strange time of the season to do such an about face.

If there was an understanding that Pearson was to leave at the end of his contract, you'd think the idea of Manning joining now with Pearson effectively taking on a DoF role for a few months would give a bit of continuity and seems logical.. but that impacts Tinnion's autonomy and then the obvious issues the board had with Pearson as a person.

This appointment has to work for the Lansdowns, as otherwise I can see their position becoming completely untenable.

Edited November 6, 2023 by Phileas Fogg

[Manor Born]

Oxford fan here - I came on the site last year posting about Mark Sykes signing but thought I'd drop in and see the reaction to Manning's possible appointment.

Not surprised at the general reaction, I was a underwhelmed at best when he took over from the odious Robinson. However, he's done a good job - avoided relegation and then recruited and rebuilt in the summer, to good effect up to now. If he goes, I'll be very disappointed, as will most Oxford fans.

He wants to play football, a lot of it, hasn't been afraid to players youngsters - we've had 4 to 5 18/19 year olds contributing regularly and he's got older heads playing better. Oh and playing players in the right position, which wasn't a Robinson trait.

He's generally a level headed bloke - doesn't get too up or down and press conferences don't give much away. In fact they are boring compared to someone like Pearson, who is admittedly upfront. 

It will be a big step for a relatively unproven coach but I'll be sad to see him go.

[Flinty’sForehead]

14 minutes ago, Slack said:

So did Liam Manning actually interview for this position?

Didn't we hear how they had to all interview

I’d imagine with the games at the weekend an in person interview may have been difficult, but no reason they couldn’t have had a Teams interview. Fairly common place now in a lot of industries.