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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Bristol City

The deal will keep the former Portsmouth captain at Ashton Gate for a year with an option for an additional 12 months.

Earlier in the week it looked as though the 39-year-old would be moving to Scottish giants Celtic when he was set to go up to Glasgow to discuss terms.

However he failed to agree terms with the club, who then decided to state that they were no longer interested in the keeper just hours before he was confirmed as signing for City (11/2 to win promotion from the Championship) on Friday.

James was also linked with Premier League side Sunderland but the type of deal the Robins offered and the proximity to where the former Liverpool player lives seems to have been the deciding factors for the move.

The veteran keeper revealed that he had offers from clubs in the top flight but decided to take up the challenge at Ashton Gate.

He said: “I’ve had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football – which I love – for the right club and be a family man.

“I had a long conversation with the chairman Steve Lansdown yesterday and I liked what he said about the club and his ambition. I know all about the plans for a new stadium and desire to win promotion to the Premier League.

“The club is ambitious and that’s what I am. The South West has not had a club in the Premier League and that needs to change,” he added.

James played in three of England’s four World Cup games in South Africa this summer as he battled for a starting place with Robert Green and Joe Hart.

After Green’s mistake in the opening game against the USA, which ultimately cost the Three Lions the win, James was brought in and performed well in the remaining group fixtures.

The player’s contract will begin on August 1 after he completed a medical at the club on Friday.

Bristol City begin there campaign to try and reach the top flight against newly promoted Millwall at Ashton Gate on August 7.

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