Steve Allen to depart City

Allen has led the club’s physiotherapy department since December 2013, and was a central part of the club’s successes in their double-winning campaign of 2015. In the summer of 2017, Allen was handed the Longstanding Service Award by the Football Medical Association.

Allen said: “I’ve loved my time here but after five seasons I feel I’m ready for a fresh challenge. I’d like to thank all of the medical, coaching and office staff that I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to help so many players across the years; I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

“After 31 years of experience in the football industry my desire is still as strong as ever to serve the game and I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity. I’d like to wish the club every success for the future and I’m sure I will be back at BS3 again at some point!"

Bristol City’s chief executive Mark Ashton said: “I’d like to thank Steve for his great service to the club. It has been a pleasure to work with him and his skill and professionalism has been of huge value to the team.

“We accept that it is the right time for him to leave and wish him the very best in his next endeavours.

“Finally, I would like to make special mention and thanks for all the work Steve has done off-the-pitch in our community. Steve was fundamental in setting up our links with the Children’s Hospice South West and the significant amount of money and support that we have been able to generate for them as part of our partnership.

"I’m sure everyone here and at CHSW appreciates his involvement and the link that he has helped establish between us.”