New Bristol City Chief Operating Officer Mark Ashton says he won't be hiring Michael Appleton as head coach
Bristol City's new Chief Operating Officer Mark Ashton has told ITV West Country he will not be bringing Oxford United manager Michael Appleton to the club as head coach.
He's been put in charge of all day-to-day football operations as the club searches for a new manager after the sacking of Steve Cotterill last week.
Speaking to our presenter Ian Axton the new man at Bristol City said despite his previous relationship with Appleton at Oxford United he was not a contender for the job.
City picked up a vital win in their battle against relegation thanks to a last minute goal against league leaders Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Appleton had previously been installed as favourite to take over the top job last week but it now looks like one of the other contenders could be set for the role.
Among the favourites are former Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce, John Pemberton who took charge of Bristol City on a temporary basis after Cotterill's departure and the colourful former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson.
Ashton did make one indication that there could be a quick appointment to the job, saying the club needed good recruitment to fight for survival. The January transfer window closes on February 1st.
You can see the full interview below