a.stockhausen@bepp.co.uk

Bristol City have delayed naming a new manager and placed Keith Millen in charge for the final two games of the season.

Negotiations are ongoing between Robins chairman Steve Lansdown and former Reading boss Steve Coppell, who remains the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Gary Johnson as boss.

City were hoping to unveil their new manager this week, but sources within the club claim there has been a delay.

The decision to leave caretaker boss Millen in charge for the remaining Championship fixtures at home to Derby County and away to Blackpool has inevitably led to speculation that the Coppell deal could be in doubt.

Club officials remain tight-lipped and Lansdown refused to comment when contacted by the Daily Press.

Instead, City issued a brief statement confirming Millen as the man who will see the team through to the end of the season.

Millen took over when Gary Johnson parted company with the club in March, since when City have lost only once in seven games.

Lansdown told the club's website: "Keith will remain in charge for the remainder of the season.

"He has done an excellent job so far and therefore we would like him to see the season out for the club.

"The club continues to work towards an appointment and will make any further announcements when it is appropriate."

As revealed in the Daily Press on Saturday, former Manchester United and England star Coppell is the man Lansdown wants to succeed Johnson in the long term.

Although City's chairman has spoken to other potential candidates, Coppell has been the front-runner for some time and bookmakers are now refusing to take bets on him becoming the next manager.

Negotiations have been continuing in recent weeks and Coppell and Lansdown were due to speak again yesterday to discuss the details of a contract.

In the meantime, it has been reported in the media that Coppell was the subject of an approach by Premier League strugglers Burnley.

But the Daily Press understands talks are ongoing between Coppell and City, who are still hopeful of appointing the 54-year-old.

City defender Jamie McAllister has been told to rule out a comeback from his calf injury this season.

Millen said: "Jamie will not play again this season.

"If you ask Jamie about it, he will tell you he wants to get back quickly. But that is just his attitude – he loves playing football and wants to be involved.

"That said, he has to listen to the physios and the specialist and they say there is clearly a problem there.

"The timescale they have given him for recovery means he will unfortunately run out of time."