STEVE Coppell has warned Bristol City fans not to expect big-money signings this summer.

The appointment of a high-profile manager has generated immense optimism among supporters, many of whom anticipate big-name signings at Ashton Gate ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Eager to quash mounting speculation, Coppell instead issued a cautionary note, reminding fans of the need to balance the books during these recessionary times.

Although ambitious City chairman Steve Lansdown will once again make funds available for his manager to spend in the transfer market, Coppell has said he is prepared to work with the existing squad and add "two or three new faces".

Referring to his past managerial record at Crystal Palace and Reading, the Liverpudlian said: "I've been brought up with clubs who have faced a deficit every year and I've always been challenged by the need to be successful on the field, while balancing the books and selling players as I go along.

"I've never spent a great deal of money and it is in my nature to be careful. One of the biggest challenges in football is to get the best out of the players who are already at a particular club and bring in others with potential, who are going to grow and accept the ethos of what you are trying to build.

"I've always been that way and I cannot see myself changing at the moment. I cannot see the chairman saying to me 'here is a cheque book, now go out and buy success'.

"It would be lovely were that to happen, but it has not happened to me yet. I fully understand where Bristol City are in the hierarchy of things and I know the chairman is very committed to things off the field, such as building a new stadium.

"That is part of his long-term plan for the club. My job is to try and get success on the field with the resources I have available and that is all I am concentrating on."

The Robins have been linked with various players since the end of last season and Coppell is using agents to keep his finger on the pulse of the transfer market.

He has already spoken of the need to correct "certain imbalances" within the squad and is understood to be in the market for a goalkeeper, a left-sided defender and a striker to partner top-scorer Nicky Maynard.

But, despite media speculation, Coppell is biding his time and waiting for his targets to become available. He does not envisage making any new signings until he has had time to assess the current squad of players, who report back for pre-season training on Thursday, July 1.

He said: "There is plenty of talk at the moment, but that is all there is. I know people would like to see an impact signing, but I will treat the chairman's money as though it were my own and bring in the right players at the right time."