Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton is the latest name to be linked with the vacant head coach position at Ashton Gate.
The popular d3d4football.com website and podcast focusing on League One and Two reports that their understanding is that the Imps manager is City's preferred appointment following the departure of Lee Johnson on 4 July following a 0-1 loss to Cardiff City.
The name of Appleton is no stranger to City fans, and the former Leicester City assistant manager was the favourite to replace Steve Cotterill back in 2016 before Bristol City then appointed Lee Johnson from Barnsley instead.
Appleton also has previous experience of working with Bristol City CEO Mark Ashton, with both having combined at Oxford United previously, and with Ashton well aware of what the 44-year-old would offer City, as Appleton led the 'U's to second place in League Two and promotion and reaching two successive EFL Trophy finals.
The former West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager has found the going tougher this season since joining up at Sincil Bank back in September replacing the Championship-bound Danny Cowley.
Appleton has won just eight games and his side rank 17th in the English third tier from that point.
A record of eight wins, five draws and 12 losses however, is supplemented by the fact that Appleton worked with City midfielder Joe Morrell this season, with the Wales international expected to be a key figure in midfield for City next season.
The report cites 'a source close to the club has suggested that Bristol City CEO Mark Ashton is keen to bring Appleton to Ashton Gate after working with him during a successful spell at Oxford United.
The' Lincoln manager is seen as a perfect fit for the Robins who like to sign young, talented players from other EFL clubs and give them a chance to develop, something the 44-year-old was so good at while with the U’s.'
A list of Appleton's successful developed players under his coaching and sold on to clubs further up the pyramid includes Ryan Ledson, Kemar Roofe, Curtis Nelson and others.
Bristol Live understands that a permanent appointment is not close to being made just yet at Ashton Gate, however there could be news next week.
The club are determined to get the next hiring right as they look for a head coach to help the Robins get promoted to the Premier League.
