Bristol City chief executive Colin Sexstone has dismissed reports suggesting a breakdown in the relationship between former manager Steve Coppell and chairman Steve Lansdown. Coppell stunned City by quitting his post on Wednesday, claiming he had lost his passion for football management. Dissatisfied with that explanation, some national media sources have attributed Coppell's sudden departure after just three months in charge to a rift with millionaire businessman Lansdown caused by the signing of England goalkeeper David James. They claim James was not a Coppell signing and that the manager wanted money to be spent on strengthening other areas of the team instead.
Bristol Evening Post

New Bristol City boss Keith Millen admits he is under pressure to prove he can handle the top job. Millen, who has worked his way up from youth coach, was overlooked at the end of last season - even though he took 18 points from nine games as caretaker following Gary Johnson's exit. City's board went for Steve Coppell because they wanted a big name to lead their push to reach the Premier League. But after Coppell sensationally quit this week, former Brentford and Watford centre-half Millen, 43, is ready to build his own reputation. City face a tough trip to Doncaster today and Millen said: "This is definitely a chance to make my own name."
Daily Star

Bristol City's new boss Keith Millen pleaded with Steve Coppell not to quit. Coppell stunned City by walking out of Ashton Gate on Thursday after only two games in charge. Millen, who has signed a three-year deal and takes charge for today's clash at Doncaster, said: "It came as a massive shock for me. I was looking forward to working with Steve and learning from him. I asked him if there was anything we had done wrong as staff or as players and he said he had no issues with any of that or with anyone he had worked with. I tried to change his mind, but it was already made up and, knowing him like I do, I knew there was no point trying to persuade him to change it."
The Sun

Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown has denied he forced Steve Coppell to sign David James from Portsmouth. Coppell quit City and retired from football yesterday, with some reports claiming that the arrival of James was central to his decision. However, Lansdown said: 'It's nonsense. I may have come up with the idea and put it to Steve. I asked him if he would be interested. From that point on it was in Steve's hands.
Daily Mail

Keith Millen is likely to restore David James to Bristol City`s starting line-up when he takes charge of the club as permanent manager for the first time at Doncaster following Steve Coppell's surprise resignation. The England goalkeeper, who was beaten three times on his debut during the home defeat to Millwall last weekend, was rested against Southend in the Carling Cup as Dean Gerken was given a run-out.
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