Former Republic of Ireland international Chris Hughton could be returning to the world of management soon, as he reportedly enters talks with Bristol City.
The former Republic of Ireland assistant manager under Brian Kerr had spells as manager of Newcastle, Norwich, Birmingham and most recently Brighton. Where he was sacked following the conclusion of the 2018/19 season.
The vacancy at Ashton Gate has become available since the sacking of Lee Johnson three weeks ago.
Bristol City finished the season 12th in the Championship after nine matches without a win.
Johnson was the Championship’s longest-serving manager having taken charge of the Robins back in February 2016.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was heavily linked with the Championship club. However, Gerrard is determined to stay put in Glasgow with an aim to stop Celtic winning their tenth consecutive league.
Hughton has been out of a job for 14 months. The 61-year-old is now in pole position to take charge of a club that have not been in England's top-flight since 1980.
The former Spurs defender has previous form in taking sides up to the Premier League. He did so with Newcastle United in 2010, and Brighton in 2017. Hughton also took Birmingham City to the play-offs in 2012.
It has been reported that Hughton turned down six jobs since being sacked in May 2019, including Birmingham City and newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion.
Hughton’s former Republic of Ireland teammate Mick McCarthy, who has been out of management since leaving his role as the Irish international manager last month, was also said to be on Bristol City's shortlist.
McCarthy's previous club job was Ipswich Town, who he stewarded for six years and took to the 2014 play-offs but failed to get promotion.
