Nicky Maynard reached the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career as City commenced the Steve Coppell era with victory at Ashton Gate. Pre-match talk was of Coppell's appointment as manager, but it was striker Maynard who stole the show, scoring once in each half to ensure the Robins passed last season's tally of 61 points. The former Crewe raider took just three minutes to open the scoring, bundling the ball over the line from close range after Marvin Elliott's header had prised open Derby's defence. He added his and City's second from the penalty spot 11 minutes from time, beating keeper Saul Deeney after being tripped by Nicky Hunt.
Bristol Evening Post
Nicky Maynard made sure the Steve Coppell era started with a bang - although Bristol City's new boss was not around to see the striker's double. The ex-Reading chief was unveiled as Gary Johnson's successor on Thursday but will not take over until next month because of family commitments. He plans to watch a video of this match and is sure to be impressed by Ashton Gate favourite Maynard who set City on their way with a clinical close-range finish and netted his 20th goal of the season from the spot. Caretaker boss Keith Millen fears a Premier League club will swoop for Maynard but insists it would take a "fantastic" offer to part with their top marksman. He said: "It's not rocket science that Premier League clubs will now be looking at him because he's one of the top scorers in the Championship. Steve and I don't want to lose him. I'm sure the chairman doesn't either. He's a big part of our future and I'm sure Nicky is happy at the club."
News of the World
Nicky Maynard claimed an early opener and added a second-half penalty as Bristol City defeated Derby at Ashton Gate. Derby midfielder Stephen Pearson scored a consolation late on as he collected Cywka's cross and fired home from the centre of goal but they failed to find an equaliser.
Mail on Sunday
Nicky Maynard claimed an early opener and added a second-half penalty as Bristol City as City started the Steve Coppell era with victory at Ashton Gate.
Sunday Mirror
Keith Millen admits Bristol City face a battle to keep hold of Nicky Maynard after his brace against Derby. The Robins striker took his tally to 20 with both goals in the 2-1 win over the Rams and caretaker manager Millen knows that the highly-rated 23-year-old is going to attract interest in the summer. "When a player scores 20 goals for a Championship club it is sure to attract interest and we are aware of that," said Millen.
Sky Sports
Stoke flop David Kitson is Steve Coppell's first target as Bristol City manager. Striker Kitson, 30, was part of the Reading team Coppell led into the Premier League in 2006 before a £5.5million switch to the Britannia. Stoke boss Tony Pulis is ready to offload Kitson for a reduced fee to pave the way for a move for Newcastle hitman Andy Carroll. Coppell, who takes charge at Ashton Gate from next month, will also snap up Reading defender Ivar Ingimarsson on a free.
News of the World
