(Credit: Getty Images)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 3 May 2026 12:00, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Steven Gerrard has emerged as a leading contender to become the next Bristol City manager in the summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Following Gerhard Struber’s departure in March, Roy Hodgson stepped in to take interim charge until the end of the season, and has now fulfilled his duties.

Hodgson led the Robins to a solid yet uninspiring 12th-placed finish, and their sights have now been set on a long-term replacement as part of their ambitious plans.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Gerrard has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the Bristol City job.

While they are still considering a number of potential candidates for the role, the Liverpool icon and former Aston Villa and Rangers boss would be a big-name appointment if they could pull it off.

Could Bristol City appoint Steven Gerrard?

Football Insider reported on 29 April that Gerrard is among the favourites for Burnley to replace Scott Parker, with a move to the Championship on the cards.

However, recent reports have seen Burnley distance themselves from the former Rangers boss, potentially opening the door for Bristol City to swoop.

Gerrard’s last stint in management came in Saudi Arabia will Al-Ettifaq, and now that he is clear of any tax-related roadblocks, he is eyeing a return to England.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He is keen to return to the dugout sooner than later, and he would be open to the possibility of a move to a Championship club.

“There’s been links with Bristol City in the Championship. Obviously, Roy Hodgson won’t continue at Bristol City.

“He’s now free of any tax issues from his time managing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq. That clears the path for any potential move back into management in England as well.

“Maybe he’s thinking he could follow a similar path [to Frank Lampard], make a move to the Championship and take over a club where he could maybe lead them to Premier League.”

How does Gerrard feel about returning to English football?

Gerrard turned down a return to Rangers earlier this season as the role was not seen as the right option at the time, but did not rule out a return to management.

There is a growing feeling he could be tempted back into English football, with a number of clubs looking at him, and Bristol City are now hopeful of pulling off a deal.

Football Insider revealed on 2 May that Gerrard is open to managing in the Championship and is keen to replicate the success of Frank Lampard at Coventry City.

Despite some difficult spells at both Everton and Chelsea, Lampard dropped into the Championship where he has managed to reignite his managerial career.

There is now a feeling that Gerrard could do the same, having seen the success of his former England teammate, and he will hope to follow in his footsteps.