Former Southampton, Leicester City, Hull City, Derby County and Watford manager Nigel Pearson has taken over at Bristol City.

The club are currently in 15th place in the Championship.

Pearson takes over from Dean Holden, who was sacked after a run of six defeats in all competitions.

The 2-0 loss to Reading was the final straw, and Pearson is now tasked with securing the club's status in the division for next term.

Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown said: "Nigel gives us the leadership and direction we need to lift the players' confidence and to turn our form around.

"The initial appointment is until the end of the season, when we will re-assess the situation, hopefully with a view to the long term. However, the immediate priority for Nigel and the coaching team is to stop the current bad run and move us back up the table."

Bristol City chief executive Mark Ashton added: "Nigel is a highly respected and experienced manager with a proven track record of success and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the club."