Analysing the major contenders for the Bristol City managerial role

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John Pemberton

The current caretaker is many bookmakers odds on favourite, but much of that is because he already has three competitive games under his belt, nearly a third of the way towards the ten required to be deemed ‘permanent’ by the bookies rules.

After a win against Middlesbrough in his first game in charge many tipped “Pembo” to stay until the end of the season. Whilst I still believe this to be the most likely course of action for the City board, a defeat against Leeds United conveyed the underlying problems City have: a lack of a clinical goalscorer and a failure to keep opposition teams at bay in the second half.

Pemberton was brave enough to change from the 3-5-2 system used by Cotterill and filled the bench with youngsters – endearing himself to the City fans; but he must show his abilities and pick up points if he wants the job until the end of the season. The board will act if Pemberton loses a few games on the bounce, but any forced appointment will not be their preferred choice.