World Cup goalkeeper David James has given new Bristol City manager Keith Millen his total backing. And England's former number one says he has no intention of quitting Ashton Gate following Steve Coppell's shock resignation. Coppell stunned the Championship club when leaving his post last Thursday, just three months after succeeding Gary Johnson as boss. Assistant to the last three City managers, Millen's appointment on a three-year-contract sparked fears that star signing James might undergo a change of heart. Although he admits the chance to work with Coppell had a major bearing on his decision to quit the Premier League, James insists he is prepared to work under Millen and claims he is committed to helping the Robins win promotion. Once Coppell's departure was confirmed, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa keeper sought a meeting with Millen to clarify the situation. "I wanted to talk to the new manager and see what he was all about," revealed James, who returned in goal for Saturday's 1-1 Championship draw at Doncaster. "I needed to know what direction he was going in and I wanted to know that he knew what he was doing."
Bristol Evening Post

One of Keith Millen's first actions upon succeeding Steve Coppell as Bristol City manager was to offer reassurance to the club's new signings. Although his reign proved surprisngly shortlived, Coppell still managed to recruit half a dozen players, including Kalifa Cisse pictured below, and Albert Adomah, pictured right, during his three-month sojourn, including England goalkeeper David James. While the loyalty of those players of long-standing is not in question, the Coppell factor undoubtedly played a part in persuading the new additions to commit to City and they are sure to feel the loss of the man who brought them to Ashton Gate more keenly. If Millen is to forge a successful team and improve upon what has been a lamentable start to the season, he will need to take those players with him.
Bristol Evening Post

Thrust into the pressure-cooker environment of management at perilously short notice, Keith Millen is quite rightly taking things one step at a time. Although his avowed long-term goal remains promotion to the Premier League, his thoughts are necessarily rooted in the here and now while the shockwaves generated by Steve Coppell's sudden departure continue to reverberate around Ashton Gate. Conducting his first post-match press conference as City's permanent manager pitch-side at the Keepmoat Stadium, Millen said of his new role: "It's quite a daunting task if you look at the bigger picture, a bit like standing at the foot of a big mountain and looking up. Experience has taught me you have to take one day at a time. There is so much that goes with the job, you have to prioritise."
Bristol Evening Post

Doncaster Rovers' club-record buy Billy Sharp paid off the first instalment of his £1m transfer fee when converting an 89th minute penalty to secure his side a share of the spoils at home to Championship rivals Bristol City. Sharp salvaged a 1-1 draw for Rovers after the Robins had taken the lead against the run of play four minutes after the restart. "They came here to do a job on us and they did that," said Rovers No 2 Richard O'Kelly. "It was a typical Championship game in that it was very tight. We didn't want to get bored with what we were doing, which was very good, and also we didn't want to switch off because they were always a danger on the break."
Sheffield Star

Doncaster Rovers converted a last-minute penalty through Billy Sharp to snatch a point after Jamie McAllister's foul on substitute James Coppinger. Manager Sean O'Driscoll felt his side were good value for the draw and praised record signing Sharp for holding his nerve to beat former England goalkeeper David James from the penalty spot. "I thought we were the better side by far in the first half. All the things you want your players to do we were doing." said O'Driscoll.
Yorkshire Post

Keith Millen is chucking away the golf clubs as he bids to lift Bristol City out of their current bunker. The new Robins boss, in charge for his first game since Steve Coppell quit, is determined to drive the club into the big-time. He said: "I'm throwing away the golf clubs and will be devoting myself to the task in hand. It's daunting but the players are behind me and I like a challenge."
The Sun

An 89th minute penalty from Billy Sharp denied Bristol City's new boss Keith Millen a dream start. Millen took charge following the shock departure of Steve Coppell and seemed set for victory when Damion Stewart gave his side the lead against the run of play in the 49th minute. Doncaster had far more of the first-half play but were denied a goal when George Friend forced the ball home following a 19th minute corner only to have the effort disallowed although video replays showed it was clearly over the line.
Daily Mail

David James insists he is happy at Bristol City despite the surprise resignation of Steve Coppell. The former Reading boss quit Ashton Gate last week after only 112 days in charge of the Championship outfit. Coppell was a factor in persuading James to sign for City, but the veteran insists he is also looking forward to working under new boss Keith Millen. James, who was part of the team that was denied a win at Doncaster on Saturday by a late penalty, said: "I spoke with Keith on Thursday to find out where he was going to go and it was all very positive.
Sporting Life

David James has admitted he didn't even watch England's friendly against Hungary on TV after being axed from Fabio Capello's squad. "The wife had me watching Come Dine With Me on the other side. That's married life for you," said the Bristol City goalkeeper. Asked how he felt Manchester City's Joe Hart did as his replacement, he added: "I heard Joe did well and I expected that. He's a class act."
Mirror