Bristol City crashed out of the Championship play-offs with a massive 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sheffield United, but Liam Manning has been humble about the lesson he’s learned.
Going into the Championship play-offs, Bristol City were always the underdogs. Taking on third-placed Sheffield United was a big ask for the Robins, and the difference in quality showed over the two legs.
It was a ‘cruel’ defeat for Bristol City, really, who suffered a 3-0 battering at Ashton Gate which ultimately killed the tie, before the same scoreline was inflicted on them again at Bramall Lane last night.
Still, Bristol City have earned their plaudits across the campaign, and Liam Manning has carried himself well in his post-match interview after seeing his side give it all and fall short on Monday night.
Liam Manning is proud of Bristol City progress
Speaking to the club’s social media after the 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane, Manning was in positive spirits and admitted his side simply came up against one of the very best in the division.
He said: “You have to put [your chances] away, you’re not gonna create bundles against such a strong opposition… We were up against one of the most dominant aerial threats in the division.
“Extremely strong opposition, huge credit to Chris Wilder and his staff and players for getting over the line and going to the final.”
Manning reflected on the season as a whole and what this adventure — Bristol City’s first go at the play-offs in 17 years — has taught him and his players along the way.
He added: “It’s a really good lesson for us, we’ve had a good taste of it… we now need to come back a better version of ourselves… it’s been a fantastic season of progress.”
What does the future hold for Bristol City and Liam Manning?
A sixth-placed finish and a run at the play-offs was way more than anyone had predicted for Bristol City before the season began, and despite this crushing two-leg defeat, the Robins can take heart in their showing this year.
However, there is now the question as to whether this was a flash in the pan, or a sign of genuine, consistent progress.
Bristol City will have to recruit well this summer. The lack of strength in depth and, in particular, the lack of cutting edge in attack, have really cost the Robins in the final stages of this season.’
There is also the small matter of Liam Manning’s future to deal with. The Bristol City boss has been linked with Leicester City already after his fine work this season, and there are sure to be more interested parties given the managerial merry-go-round set to play out this summer.
If — and it’s a big if — Bristol City can keep Manning and bring in a few strong players, we could see them being a challenger next season again. Fail in those two tasks, though, and they may well fade back into midtable obscurity.
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