Four Michael Skubala replacements Bristol City should consider as pressure mounts

Bristol City appointed Michael Skubala as their new head coach during the summer, but questions are already beginning to emerge over his future at Ashton Gate following a disappointing start to the campaign.

The 44-year-old has managed just five victories from his opening 14 league matches, with the Robins recording only one win in their previous six outings.

Their latest setback came against Wolves, despite initially taking the lead through Scott Twine in the 34th minute. However, a second-half collapse saw Sean Neave score twice late on to secure a comeback victory for the visitors.

The defeat has increased the pressure on Skubala, with Bristol City facing an important period ahead of the November international break.

With the upcoming break potentially offering the club an opportunity to reassess their managerial situation, attention is beginning to turn towards possible alternatives should the board decide to make a change.

Here are four ambitious managerial candidates Bristol City should consider if they decide to part ways with Skubala.

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards would be an attractive option for Bristol City, particularly given his previous achievements in the Championship with Luton Town and Middlesbrough.

The former Luton manager masterminded the Hatters’ promotion to the Premier League in 2023, establishing himself as one of the division’s most promising coaches.

He also enjoyed an impressive spell at Middlesbrough, guiding them into contention for automatic promotion before leaving to take charge of Wolves midway through the previous campaign.

His experience of managing Championship clubs with promotion ambitions makes him a potentially excellent candidate for the Ashton Gate job.

However, Bristol City would likely face competition if they decide to pursue his services, meaning the club may need to move quickly to convince him to take the opportunity.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is another high-profile name Bristol City could consider as they assess their options.

The former Liverpool captain has been without a managerial position since departing Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in January 2025 and could be interested in returning to English football.

His most successful spell in management came at Rangers, where he ended the club’s decade-long wait for a Scottish Premiership title in 2021.

Gerrard also guided the Glasgow giants to the Europa League final the following year, where they eventually lost to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

A major part of his success in Scotland was built around a well-organised defensive structure, which made Rangers difficult opponents domestically and in European competition.

His subsequent spell at Aston Villa was less successful, but the former midfielder still has considerable managerial experience and could view Bristol City as an opportunity to rebuild his reputation.

If he can assemble the right coaching staff and establish a clear identity at Ashton Gate, Gerrard could potentially become an exciting appointment for the Robins.

Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane would represent a more adventurous appointment for Bristol City, considering his limited experience of managing in English football.

The former Republic of Ireland international previously worked within the coaching setups at Middlesbrough and Leeds United, but his managerial reputation has largely been established abroad.

Keane enjoyed considerable success with Maccabi Tel Aviv, guiding the Israeli club to the league title in 2024.

He subsequently moved to Hungary, where he led Ferencvaros to the 2025 league championship before adding the Magyar Kupa to his achievements in 2026.

His success in different European football environments suggests he has the qualities to make an impact at another club.

Moving to the Championship would nevertheless represent a significant challenge, particularly given the demands and competitiveness of English football.

There would be an element of risk in appointing someone without previous experience managing at this level, but Keane’s achievements abroad make him an intriguing possibility for Bristol City.

Carlos Corberan

Carlos Corberan could arguably be one of the most appealing candidates available to Bristol City if they decide to replace Skubala.

The Spanish coach was dismissed by Valencia in September following a disappointing beginning to the new La Liga campaign, potentially making him an attainable option for Championship clubs.

Corberan has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the top end of the second tier, having guided Huddersfield Town to the Championship play-off final in 2022.

He also enjoyed a successful period at West Bromwich Albion, where his team remained firmly in contention for a play-off position before he accepted the opportunity to move to Spain.

The 43-year-old is regarded as a tactically astute coach who favours an organised, possession-based approach.

His preferred 4-2-3-1 system could also suit several players within Bristol City’s current squad, potentially making the transition to a new managerial philosophy relatively straightforward.

Corberan’s previous Championship experience would be particularly valuable, given that Bristol City should be targeting someone capable of pushing the club towards the promotion places.

The biggest obstacle could be his ambitions beyond the Championship, with the Spaniard potentially waiting for another opportunity in the Premier League rather than taking charge at Ashton Gate.