Exclusive: David Prutton issues exciting Bristol City claim after Sheffield United heartbreak | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes that Bristol City can sustain a promotion push under Liam Manning in 2025/26.

Bristol City fell short in their quest for Premier League promotion this season against a vastly more experienced Sheffield United side. But despite the heavy defeat, the mood around Ashton Gate remains one of optimism.

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes that the Robins could be gearing up for a serious promotion charge in 2025/26.

"Absolutely no disgrace" - David Prutton reflects on Robins' play-off defeat

When asked about what is next for Liam Manning and Bristol City, Prutton outlined that their heartbreaking play-off semi-final defeat against Sheffield United should be put into perspective.

"Rob Dickie's red card, absolutely correct. What is next for Liam Manning and Bristol City, though? Well, you have a squad there that cost £22 million. Rhian Brewster cost more than that on his own," Prutton said exclusively to FLW.

"To get yourself into the play-offs like that, obviously, with the 20-point disparity between the two sides by the end of the season shows the difference in quality. That is by no means a disgrace, given that Sheffield United are a very recent Premier League side with the finances to show."

"For Bristol City to get somewhere near that is admirable, and I mean that with no condescension."

The Robins went into the two-legged affair facing an uphill battle, and while the eventual 6-0 aggregate defeat may sting, Prutton believes that the long-term view remains encouraging.

Robins tipped to be promotion contenders in 2025/26

Having secured their second-best points tally (63) since winning promotion to the Championship in 2015, Bristol City now have a solid platform to build upon.

"I think having got there, they will be looked at as one of many favourites with an eye on the top six next season," Prutton said.

"I think it's only Nahki Wells out of contract. He's been a key player for a few seasons now, but I think that there is a real nucleus there of a team that can make a dent in the Championship."

"Maybe with the addition of a few goals up top, and a bit of experience, you might see a Robins promotion push."

Manning attracting interest from Premier League-chasing clubs

City head coach Liam Manning has seen his stock rise sharply following an impressive first-full campaign in charge at Ashton Gate, and that has not gone unnoticed.

As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs, Manning has now been added to recently relegated Leicester City's list of managerial candidates ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Foxes looking to bounce back immediately.

According to reports from Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett, others on Leicester's list include Sheffield Wednesday's Danny Röhl, England U21 boss Lee Carsley and former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton head coach Russell Martin.

Having taken Bristol City to a rare play-off appearance, reigniting belief at Ashton Gate, it is only natural that Manning's name is part of any discussions across the division.