Coppell quits management

Steve Coppell has resigned as Bristol City boss and retired from football management after just 112 days in charge of the npower Championship club.

The former Reading manager, who lasted just 33 days as Manchester City boss in 1996, has been replaced by assistant Keith Millen who has penned a three-year deal to replace the 55-year-old.

"It is with the deepest regret that I can confirm my departure from Bristol City," he said in a statement released through the League Managers' Association.

"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 am retiring from football management but still feel I have a contribution to make to the game some time in the future."

Millen, who finished last season in temporary charge of the Robins following the departure of Gary Johnson in March, was surprised by Coppell`s resignation but is excited by the prospect of leading the club on a full-time basis.

"I'm still getting over the shock really," said the 43-year-old. "I knew I wanted to do the job and last season I enjoyed it, but for certain reasons I decided to step aside from it and I was looking forward to working with Steve.

"I did enjoy working with him and we are still friends. We met last night, when he told me the news. He apologised for leaving me in this situation.

"You have to be your own man and go with your decisions. The players know, certainly from last year, how I like things working.

"I know Bristol City fans like to see entertaining football. I've been here long enough to know what their expectations are. I've got high expectations as well. I'll be looking to bring an assistant in and that's going to be an important appointment."