Steve Coppell insists Bristol City can learn from the example set by Ian Holloway's Blackpool side. Widely tipped to be relegated before the start of the season, the Seasiders have instead surprised everyone by reaching the Championship play-offs. And Holloway's team can complete an incredible season by beating Cardiff City in Saturday's play-off final at Wembley to win promotion to the Premier League. New City manager Coppell has an excellent track record when it comes to taking clubs from the English second tier to the top flight, having guided both Crystal Palace and Reading to the Premier League. Charged with the task of taking the Robins to the Premier League for the first time, the Liverpudlian believes Holloway's methods at Blackpool represent a blueprint for success. The Bristolian has been forced to operate within tight budgetary confines at Bloomfield Road, relying on free signings and loans to build a side capable of challenging for promotion against all the odds. Coppell said: "What Ollie has achieved at Blackpool and the way he has gone about it is an example to us all. Just about everyone thought they would go down at the start of the season and those people have all been proved wrong."
Bristol Evening Post

Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown has rejected talk that striker Nicky Maynard will join Fulham for £4million this summer. The Robins top scorer is being eyed up as a potential replacement for Bobby Zamora should the Cottagers decide to cash in on their star asset during the off season. With Aston Villa and Everton ready to pay £10million for Zamora Hodgson eyes a £4million investment in Maynard as a good bit of business. Lansdown says he has yet to receive a firm offer for the 23-year-old.
Clubcall

Steve Coppell has said that he will resist the urge to poach some of his former Reading players for new club Bristol City this summer. The 54-year-old Royals legend took over at Ashton Gate at the end of the season and is looking to rebuild his City squad after their 2009/10 campaign. He said: "It will be difficult for me in many ways. I speak with Brian McDermott, quite regularly. I think he is conscious of the hovering cloud of Steve Coppell at Bristol City and whether I will be interested in any of their players."
Reading Evening Post

Championship side Bristol City have signed two of their most promising players on professional contracts. Defender Danny Ball and winger Joe Lennox will join the remainder of the first-team squad when they report for pre-season training on 1 July.
BBC Sport

Former Bristol City left-back Mickey Bell has been appointed new manager of Southern League side Clevedon Town.
Bristol Evening Post