Steve Coppell's exit comment.

Thu 12th Aug 2010 | Football Club Management

Steve Lansdown, chairman of Bristol City, said: “Steve’s prestigious career as a player, coupled with his experiences and successes as a manager are in no doubt. His footballing pedigree made him our prime target to manage the club early this year.  It is disappointing for any club to part company with its manager at this stage of the season.   However, we respect Steve’s decision, one that allows us the opportunity to appoint his successor and give that individual the full season to work with the squad”.

Steve Coppell said: “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”.

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA said,” Steve has had a fantastic career both as a player and manager during which he has shown tremendous commitment to the game.  He is one of a very select band in the LMA Hall of Fame 1000 Club for managers who have taken charge of 1000 domestic league and cup matches.  We wish Steve all the best for the future”.

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