Bristol City

The former Reading, Crystal Palace and Manchester City manager only took over at Ashton Gate in April but has decided to walk away from the Championship club after a disappointing start to the season.

The Robins were humbled 3-0 by newly promoted Millwall on the opening day of the season before being embarrassed by League Two outfit Southend in the Carling Cup, losing 3-2 to the Shrimpers.

The Robins (23/10 v Doncaster- 90 minutes) were one of the pre-season favourites to gain promotion having appointed Coppell, who has a great deal of experience getting sides promoted to the Premier League.

City’s hopes of reaching the top flight were given a further boost after they signed England international goalkeeper David James on a free transfer.

However, despite the big build-up Bristol City’s season has been undone before it has even got going following Coppell’s announcement.

The 55-year-old hasn’t given a specific reason as to why he has left Ashton Gate but did confirm that he was retiring from football management.

He said in a statement released through the League Managers’ Association: “It is with the deepest regret that I confirm my departure from Bristol City. 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.

“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.

“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.”

Bristol City (6/1 – to be promoted) chairman Steve Lansdown has now been forced to turn to Millen, who acted as caretaker manager for much of last season following the sacking of Gary Johnson.

Millen, who applied to become the permanent manager at the end of last season, has been given a three-year contract having done well during his time in charge last season.

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