Steve Coppell walked out on Bristol City because he felt he couldn't give his all to the club and had no passion for the job.

But The Sun reports also suggest he became dismayed when club chairman Steve Lansdown forced him to sign England goalkeeper David James rather than use the money on purchasing other players.

The former Portsmouth, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool gloveman joined the Championship club in late July against Coppell's wishes and it is understood that this contributed to his decision to step down from the post.

Coppell did not state that it was James who made him quit but it is believed it had a big factor in his retirement from football management.