Millen sets his stall out

New City manager Keith Millen has instantly set his targets on entertaining the crowd and will not be talking ‘promotion’.

The 43-year-old assistant has signed a three-year contract to take the reigns at Ashton Gate following Steve Coppell’s decision to bottle it after 112 days, and two games, in charge.

And after enjoying his nine game stint as caretaker manager following Gary Johnson’s departure, Millen believes he knows exactly what City fans want.

Speaking to bcfc.co.uk, Millen said: “I’m excited but I’m still getting over the shock really.

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

“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.

“I’m not going to come in here talking promotion and play-offs, I’m concentrating on doing my best for Bristol City football club.”

Millen’s first game in charge will be Saturday’s league trip to Doncaster and he admits he is also looking to enter the transfer market to add to a squad already decimated by injuries.

“We need to concentrate on getting players fit again, bringing in some new faces and prepare correctly for Saturday’s match at Doncaster,” he added.

Chairman Steve Lansdown said: “We’re delighted to appoint Keith into the role with immediate effect.

“This was not a difficult decision. He’s managed the team on previous occasions, he understands the football club and has great affection and ambition for it.

“I always expected Keith to become a manager one day and now he has the opportunity at Bristol City FC. I look forward to working with him and helping him succeed.”

Millen ended his career as a player with the Robins before going into coaching with the Under-17’s in City’s academy. City legend Brian Tinnion then made him his assistant in 2004 before today’s dramatic events have catipulted Millen into the hotseat.

He tasted the manager’s job at the back end of last season, winning five games and losing only once in nine games.