Bristol City are yet to appoint Gerhard Struber’s permanent successor, with Roy Hodgson’s interim spell at Ashton Gate now over

Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala has been linked with Bristol City’s vacant head coach position(Image: Photo by Andrew Vaughan/Getty Images)

Bristol City have reportedly activated Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala’s release clause, as they continue their hunt for a new boss following the end of Roy Hodgson’s interim tenure.

According to BBC Sport Lincolnshire, the Robins – who are searching for a permanent head coach ahead of the start of the 2026/27 Championship season – have triggered the release clause included in Skubala’s Lincoln contract following the Imps’ League One title success.

However, reports from elsewhere suggest Lincoln are confident of keeping the 43-year-old at the LNER Stadium amid the interest from the Reds, having won promotion to the Championship this term. When asked about the speculation by Bristol Live, Bristol City declined to comment.

READ MORE: Blackburn Rovers join Bristol City in searching for new manager as Michael O’Neill call confirmedREAD MORE: Every Championship free agent so far as retained list deadline nears for Bristol City and EFL clubs

Skubala took charge of the Imps in November 2023 after a spell in charge of Leeds United’s Under-21s. In his first campaign as head coach, he guided his new side to a seventh-place in League One, which was followed by an 11th-place finish last term.

It was this season, however, where the 43-year-old was able to build from the foundations laid in the East Midlands. Lincoln secured the League One title and a place in the Championship for the first time since 1961 as they collected 103 points on their way to topping England’s third tier.

Sign up for our City newsletter

Bristol City looking to build on last season’s play-off finish under Gerhard Struber and you won’t miss a beat with our free newsletter.

All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Robins, delivered straight to your inbox.

It’s completely free and you can sign up HERE

Naturally, Skubala’s work with the Imps has seen him linked with other vacancies across the EFL, but reports earlier this week suggested he had made the decision to remain at the LNER Stadium despite interest from the Robins.

The Lincoln boss isn’t alone in being backed to fulfil the vacancy at Ashton Gate. Portsmouth boss John Mousinho, former Rangers and Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard, and Steve Cooper have all been mooted as potential successors to Hodgson, while Russell Martin has been a popular suggestion amongst the bookmakers.

Hodgson was tasked with overseeing the final seven games of City’s Championship campaign on an interim basis after the decision was made to part company with Gerhard Struber and his assistant, Bernd Eibler, during the March international break.

Bristol City Live on Whatsapp

Join Bristol City Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone

Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.

Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.

To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.

We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.

To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to join our WhatsApp community.

A run of performances that had not met expectations was cited as the reason for the change in the dugout, which came just nine months after Struber had been named as Liam Manning’s successor, following his move to Norwich City.

From the moment he arrived in the West Country, Hodgson made it clear that he was not intending on taking on the role beyond the end of his interim tenure, with the Robins’ initial release revealing their yet-to-be-confirmed sporting director would be tasked with appointing a permanent head coach.

Hodgson’s short-term deal with the Reds expired at the end of last week and, as a result, City now find themselves without a manager, interim or otherwise.

READ MORE: Former Bristol City boss Liam Manning departs Huddersfield after period of compassionate leaveREAD MORE: Yu Hirakawa and ex-Bristol City boss set for Wembley trip after Hull book play-off final spot