Keith Millen says he is "excited" but still getting over the shock of becoming the club's new manager.

In a whirlwind 24 hours former assistant boss Keith has seen Steve Coppell resign from the manager's post, and has signed a three-year contract to lead the club forwards.

Speaking in his only one-to-one interview on Player, Keith explained the background to one of the stories that has stunned football.

He said: "I had a phone call from Steve Coppell yesterday afternoon asking if we could meet up in the evening. I met him near where he was living.

"I'm excited. I am still getting over the shock to be honest."  Keith Millen

"I thought we were meeting up to chat about the squad and the team for the trip to Doncaster on Saturday, which was strange anyway because we did a lot of talking over the phone.

"We sat down and he told me that he had decided to resign. It was a major shock and was met with disappointment from myself. He explained his reasons why and apologised for leaving me in this situation.

"We chatted for about an hour then went our separate ways and I went home to discuss things with the chairman and my wife."

PLAYER: Keith Millen video exclusive

Asked if he had any inkling at all, Keith replied: "None at all. I knew he wasn't happy with certain things; he was quiet at times. It was mainly because he didn't have the drive to be a manager anymore.

"He came to Bristol City to be successful but over the two months he was here he found it difficult to find the enthusiasm to do the job. There wasn't anything sinister going on in his decision. I asked if there was anything more myself or the club could do - he said there wasn't and it was a personal choice."

Keith Millen: Three-year deal to take charge of City

On his three-year contract and being named manager of Bristol City, the new gaffer commented: "I'm excited. I am still getting over the shock to be honest.

"I knew I wanted to do the job since last season. I decided last year to step away from the role with Steve coming in. I was looking forward to working with him and really enjoyed the time I did work with Steve. We are still friends, he wished me well.

"Now, short term, we have a few issues to resolve. I want to get the lads playing with a smile on their faces. I know we have only had one game and we need to get players fit and need to look in the transfer market.

"I still want to do some coaching but my time is going to be taken away from that. That is why you need a good coach and assistant that you can trust. "  Keith Millen

"I have learnt my own personality for the job. You have to be your own man and go with your own decisions. Hopefully the players know me from last season and how I work. I want the players to be happy coming to work; I want them to be professional in what they do, on and off the field.

"The lads know I am very conscientious on the opposition and how I want things doing. I will obviously be looking at bringing someone in to help me with what I am doing - that is obviously going to be a big decision.

"I have learnt how to play different systems. I have been at the club long enough now to know what the City fans like to watch and what their expectations are. I have high expectations myself but I am not going to sit here and say I want promotion straight away, I am at the moment thinking short-term."

PLAYER: Colin Sexstone video exclusive  PLAYER: Press Conference video in full

At his press conference unveiling earlier today, Keith admitted he had "two or three" names in mind for the assistant's role.

Speaking on Player, he insisted: "It is totally my decision. I have been thinking about it over night if I am honest. It is all about the personality and character needed to work with me and someone I think the club needs.

"We have some great staff here already but we are a man down now. It is probably going to be one of the first things I look to address.

"I have come across the situation before at the end of last season. It was tough last season as I had to do most of the work myself. I realise you have to delegate a lot of the work.

"I still want to do some coaching but my time is going to be taken away from that. That is why you need a good coach and assistant that you can trust.

"I know my time management now is going to be difficult but I am really looking forward to it. I have known for a long time that I have wanted to do this but circumstances dictate when you can take the job and what has happened over the past 24 hours has given me a chance and I plan to take it with both hands."

Keith Millen unveiled at Ashton Gate as the new boss

Keith's immediate thoughts turn to his first game in sole charge away at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday in the npower Championship.

He said: "I don't think there is a lack of confidence in the squad, they are a little bit down and this will be a shock to them.

"Players are quite resilient and bounce back quickly. I want to get the injured players back as soon as possible and get our strongest team out on the pitch.

"I am going to have a look at Doncaster. We know what to expect from them and hopefully we can get a good response from the players.

"I think this will take a while to sink in. I have learnt you have to take every day as it comes. You have to prioritise on what is needed on that day and make sure you do that well and progress from there.

"My priority is to get the lads settled down and then focus on Saturday's game and hopefully a good performance."

bcfc.co.uk and Bristol City Player has been the number one place for news as the day has unfolded. The club's official website was the first with the news of Steve Coppell's resignation and Keith Millen's appointment on a three-year deal. Player was the first place to see an interview with the new manager - and is still the only place for a one-to-one exclusive chat. City's chief executive Colin Sexstone also spoke exclusively to Player, which also hosts full coverage of the Ashton Gate press conference.

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