Bristol City confirm appointment of new chief executive ahead...

Prior to the 2025–2026 Championship season, Bristol City has appointed Tom Rawcliffe as its new CEO.

Tom Rawcliffe has been appointed as Bristol City’s new CEO. This summer, the Robins’ COO will assume a new position at the Robins

High Performance Centre.

Prior to being appointed the Reds’ financial director in January 2023, Rawcliffe joined Ashton Gate’s leadership team in 2021 as head

of finance. He climbed up to combine his current position with that of chief operational officer after Phil Alexander left as CEO in

September 2023.

Since Alexander left Ashton Gate nearly two years ago, City has been functioning without a CEO. Although he only held the position

for eight months, the former Crystal Palace manager had succeeded the well-liked Richard Gould, who is currently the CEO of the

England and Wales Cricket Board.

Since then, in his capacity as technical director, Brian Tinnion has been in charge of the men’s team’s footballing choices, working with

the head coach, Rawcliffe, Gavin Marshall, and Jon Lansdown. Rawcliffe will now be in charge of the club’s daily operations.

“Over the last four years, Tom has proven his worth to the club and fully deserves his appointment as chief executive officer with

overall control of running this great club,” owner Steve Lansdown stated in response to Rawcliffe’s appointment.

“Having specialised in finance and then operations of the club he is in a good position to lead our next stage of development.”

The announcement of Rawcliffe’s appointment coincides with the Robins adding three new players to their roster during the summer

transfer window, along with a new head coach and assistant head coach.

Just last month, Gerhard Struber was announced as Liam Manning’s replacement. Bernd Eibler joined him as his deputy at BS3, and

Adam Randell, Joe Lumley, and Emil Riis left Plymouth Argyle, Southampton, and Preston North End for Ashton Gate, respectively.

Rawcliffe said: “I am excited to lead the club in the next stage of its journey. I have been at the club for several years now and believe

this evolution is an exciting one.

“We are progressing on and off the field, but I am clear there is a lot of work to do, which starts now.”

The coming 12 months promise to be a period of vital importance both on and off the pitch for the Reds.

A number of first-team players, including Haydon Roberts, Mark Sykes, Anis Mehmeti, Max O’Leary, and Zak Vyner, are approaching

the end of their contracts. Even while extensions can still be negotiated, if the Robins don’t sign new contracts, the upcoming weeks

will be their last opportunity to get paid a fair price for these players.

After ending their 17-year wait for a top six finish under Liam Manning’s leadership last time around, City is still working to improve

year after year on the pitch. Wrexham and Birmingham City are both predicted to make an impression in the second division after

winning automatic promotion the previous time, so it won’t be simple this time.

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