Coppell resigns from Bristol City

Less than a week into the new season, Steve Coppell has decided to resign as Bristol City manager with immediate effect. After losing to Millwall on the opening day, and in the Carling Cup against Southend on Tuesday, he has decided he has had enough.


He released he following statement upon his departure –

‘I have made my decision after very careful consideration and I believe that it is in the best interests of both the club and me personally that we go our separate ways.

‘Bristol City is an excellent club, with brilliant support and a chairman with great ambition for the club’s future. Whilst I was looking forward to the challenge of leading the players in this season’s campaign, unfortunately, it has become clear over recent weeks, that I found I could not, for whatever reason, become passionate about the role and give the commitment the position demands.

‘I appreciate that the timing of my departure is not ideal, but I believe it is best for the club to appoint a new manager or indeed appoint Keith Millen, who has a deep knowledge of the club and the squad, at this stage of the season. That individual can then make decisions on signing players before the window closes and work with the squad for the full campaign.

‘I am retiring from football management but still feel I have a contribution to make to the game sometime in the future. I would like to sincerely thank the chairman and the board for their understanding and I wish the club and its supporters every success.’


So it appears that Coppell’s football management career is over, and he will be best remembered with Royals fans as the man who led us to the Premiership.


I am sure there is more to come out of this story, but it is a shame he will not make a return to the Mad Stad with his side on boxing day.