Coppell Quits As Manager And Walks Out Of Football

Steve Coppell has sensationally resigned as boss of Bristol City and decided to retire from management after just two games in charge of the club.

The 55-year-old accepted a one-year deal to take over from Gary Johnson in the summer and set his target of getting the Robins into the Premier League.

But he has now walked out on the club after deciding that he no longer has the passion for football management and will retire from the scene with immediate effect.

A statement by Coppell on the official site read: “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.

“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.”

Chairman Steve Lansdown has moved swiftly to install Keith Millen as Coppell’s successor on a three-year contract after impressing in his nine game role as caretaker at the end of last season.