Steve Coppell Quits from Bristol City
Bristol City’s boss, Steve Coppell has resigned from his management position just after two cut throat matches with his team in the NPower Championship Club.
Just as fifty year old Coppell retired from professional football, Keith Millen, the assistant manager, came up and took his place. Coppell also took the managerial position at Manchester City for only a period of thirty three days but this was back in 1996.
After replacing Gary Johnson at the end of last season, Coppell came on with a full year’s rolling contract. Though his contract did start off with a demoralizing start; his team was beaten with a score of three to nil.
This loss came as a shock as the team lost at their home and by the recently promoted team Millwall. Bristol City had a quick knock out from the Carling Cup in the first round stage too as they lost both opening matches against League Two clubs.
At a press conference held at the League Manager’s Association, Coppell said that it was with deepest regret that he confirms his departure from Bristol City. He said that he was very careful when making this decision, as him leaving the club is in best of interest for both the club and for himself.
Coppell continued that he was officially retiring from professional football but says that he will try to contribute for football what he can. It is rumoured that Stephen Lansdown, the Chairman of the club was bringing down sanctioning a high profile signing of David James, the English Goal Keeper.
The Chairman commented on the matter by saying that it is a disappointment that Coppell is leaving as he is no doubt a very successful and experienced manager. His players (pedigree) made him the clubs primal target to be boss.
Lansdown commented further by saying that it is always a disappointment if your club manager leaves at this stage of the season. He continued by saying that even with the ill timing he still respects Steve and appreciates that he has given them the opportunity to choose a successor and give that individual a full season to work with the team.
The successor chosen for the job is Keith Millen, he finished his career in 2004 at City and since joining back the club last year he has been a part of the coaching staff.
The forty three year old was actually shocked and surprised with Coppell’s resignation and is excited with the idea of bossing the club in his way and continuing this job as a full time thing and not only as a temp.
Millen commented on the matter by saying that he was still getting over the shock of being offered the job and he knows that this is something that he wants, but he did move on the sidelines for a bit, but now is ready to get back into the chair.
Millen said that he enjoyed working with Lansdown and still maintains a good relationship with him. He also stated that Lansdown informed him of Steve’s retirement a day before and apologized for leaving in this time frame.
Millen said that you need to be your own man and make the decision that you really want and stick to it. He also said that he has high expectations form the club and so do the fans. He believes that he has worked with them long enough to know what the fans really want.
He finished by saying that the most important step right now is to get an assistant and that is a very important step.
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