Bristol City have suffered a setback in their search for a new manager after Tommy Elphick decided against taking charge at Ashton Gate.
The former defender, currently part of Bournemouth’s coaching staff, had emerged as the club’s preferred candidate but is now expected to remain at the Vitality Stadium as part of Marco Rose’s newly assembled backroom team.
City had moved ahead of other contenders, including Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala and Portsmouth manager John Mousinho, in their pursuit of Elphick. The 38-year-old has been working in a coaching role at Bournemouth since 2021 after making 145 appearances for the Cherries during his playing career.
Skubala had also been strongly linked with the Championship side after leading Lincoln to the League One title. However, the Imps boss has since committed his future to the club by signing a new contract at Sincil Bank after Bristol City activated the release clause in his previous deal.
Bristol City are still searching for a permanent successor to Roy Hodgson, who took temporary charge in March after the departure of Gerhard Struber.
Hodgson guided the Robins to a 12th-place finish in the Championship, with the club ending the season 11 points outside the play-off places.
The failed move leaves newly appointed sporting director James Ellis, formerly Arsenal’s technical director, continuing the hunt for a new head coach ahead of next season.