Coppell's Bristol City player search is under way
NEW Bristol City manager Steve Coppell is already looking at potential transfer targets.
Appointed only last week, the 54-year-old former Reading boss does not officially take up his post until May 11 and is currently on holiday in the United States.
But far from taking it easy, Coppell is already working hard to bring in new signings during the summer recess.
He is in daily contact with Robins caretaker manager Keith Millen and chief scout Pete Johnson and the trio are discussing players they wish to bring in for next season.
Millen revealed: "I've worked out the time difference and was on the phone to Steve only last night. We're chatting on a regular basis and talking about what happens after the final game. Pete Johnson is also involved and we're discussing various names and targets.
"We cannot afford to be slow off the mark and, if there are one or two targets Steve wants and they are available, it makes sense to bring them in sooner rather than later.
"We're not that far down the line just yet, but it makes sense to go for them early rather than risk losing them.
"Just because Steve is away and not due to start until May 11, does not mean things are not happening.
"He has his ideas about what he wants and there will probably be three or four new faces over the summer."
City urgently require cover on the left of defence and midfield, while a commanding centre-half and a physically-robust striker are also considered priorities.
But Coppell and Millen have been told they must trim the squad to make room for new signings and City are expected to issue their retained list next week.
Youngsters Tristan Plummer, Frankie Artus and Ashley Kington have been told to find new clubs and others seem sure to follow them out of Ashton Gate.
Meanwhile, striker Danny Haynes appears to be winning his race against time to be fit for Sunday's Sky-televised clash at promotion-chasing Blackpool.
Substituted after suffering a thigh strain during the second half of last Saturday's 2-1 win over Derby County, the former Ipswich raider was given little or no chance of facing the Seasiders.
"Danny is in with a chance," said Millen. "He's making good progress and the likelihood is he will travel. We'll leave it late before making a decision, but we're hopeful he will be okay."
8 Comments
by Chris, Bristol
Wednesday, May 05 2010, 8:42AM
“This just shows what a clueless numpty you are Glenn. For starters, Corr, Savage and Smith played for us in League One, i knew you werent a long time City regular.
As for Saborio, John and Webster, they have all proved to be decent players given the chance, ok, it didnt work here but if you play for your country numerous times and in Websters and Johns case top clubs you must have something about you. Indeed, Webster played in the same team as the revered Hartley for years, and of course, you recall he had injury problems here.
As R&W says, its clear some City fans are just ignorant to the facts that are usually right in front of their faces.”
by DAVE MASSEY, LONDON
Saturday, May 01 2010, 9:26AM
“i'm sorry to say it beggars belief that pete johnson is still at the club. i mean nothing personal in this.
steve coppell needs to undertake a 'root and branch' overhaul of the footballing side of the club. he may come to realise that when he fully takes over.
i pay tribute to gary johnson's work at the club, but in order to get into the top flight - and stay there - everything on the scouting side - locally, nationally and internationally - in particular needs attention. it's not been up to scratch for decades.”
by Mike Shore, Nuneaton (since last November)
Friday, April 30 2010, 6:50PM
“I agree with the comments raised here, we need to start the new season afresh: watch out Mr Millen!”
by Glenn, Backwell
Friday, April 30 2010, 6:12PM
“Have to agree with the majority of comments on here. Pete Johnson has proved he knows very little about signing quality Championship players.
We should all be worried if he is recommending players.
Red and White; don't be fooled.
You have listed some players - I also have a list, namely:
Styvar, Andy Smith, Bas Savage, Ireikpen, Maierhofer, Agyemang,Saborio, Andy Webster, Stern John, Barry Corr.”
by Red and White, BS3
Friday, April 30 2010, 5:31PM
“Yea, because Basso, Elliot, Maynard, Fontaine, Nyatanga, McAllister, Clarkson, Haynes, Sproule etc are all clangers arent tehy? some people are so ignorant to the facts.”
by Andy, Totterdown
Friday, April 30 2010, 5:27PM
“hopefully uncle pete & nephew lee, will both be gone
by the start of next season,”
by john, Swineford
Friday, April 30 2010, 3:38PM
“Is this possible that Pete Johnston is still involved with transfer dealings. For goodness sake pay him off and free us from any more clangers.”
by Robin, Knowle West
Friday, April 30 2010, 1:01PM
“By now surely uncle Pete would know of a few players available at Peterborough. Perhaps posh could use a new chief scout I think I know of one that will be available soon.”