Liam Manning has labelled rumours linking Brian Tinnion with a Bristol City exit a "load of nonsense" after speculation emerged around the Robins' fanbase that the technical director had departed Ashton Gate.

Rumours spread quickly on social media over the final days of 2024 that the 56-year-old's time with the Reds had come to an end over the festive period, with some suggesting he had been absent since the 3-0 defeat to Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

With the January transfer window now open the speculation quickly picked up traction among supporters. However, following his side's 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, Manning was keen to dismiss suggestions Tinnion had left City.

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"I'm not on social media so I didn't see and I got asked about it yesterday morning," Manning told Bristol Live after the Robins' draw with Argyle. "Me and Brian spoke on the phone and it was news to Brian as well.

"I had the chat, Brian was as surprised any anybody. Rumour is the most accurate word. We had the chat yesterday and it's a load of nonsense in my opinion."

Tinnion, who played more than 450 times for City before also having a spell as the Robins manager is now Bristol City's technical director after experiencing plenty of success as the club's academy director. He played a huge role in the Reds' recruitment last summer and works regularly alongside both Manning and the Lansdown family.

Manning, Tinnion and Jon Lansdown appeared alongside Jason Knight at the Robins' fan's forum in November of last year and the City head coach believes the trio's alignment has played a major role in the team's recent success.

"I don't see it so I have no idea what people are speculating. All I've heard is the little bits," the 39-year-old explained. "Me and Brian work really closely, we sit down and have a coffee every day. We're so aligned, that's probably why we've made the progress that we have because I do think there's such an alignment in terms of with Brian, with recruitment and with Jon [Lansdown].

"We're all so clear with what we're trying to do. It made me laugh when I got asked about it because I speak to Brian numerous times every day and we haven't heard anything so nothing's changed in my opinion. It's business like normal."

Away from the social media speculation, Bristol City twice let a lead slip at Home Park to draw 2-2 with the managerless Pilgrims. Anis Mehmeti had given the Robins a first-half lead but Rami Al Hajj levelled things up quickly after the restart. Knight's second of the season restored the Reds' lead but in the first minute of stoppage time, Julio Pleguezuelo ensured the points were shared with a close-range finish.

Although Manning felt his side showed plenty of quality and would have been worthy of all three points, he did admit that he was frustrated to see City drop points from a winning position again this term.

"It's something Plymouth have done numerous times this season and it's not a surprise," admitted the Reds head coach. "It happens and that's probably the frustration. It kind of came out of nowhere a little bit. I thought we managed the game well, got good control in terms of trying to keep things in their half and it's a slightly frustrating one."

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