Bristol City's double-winning captain Wade Elliott has become the club's Under-21s manager, and Steve Cotterill believes he will excel in the position.
The appointment will see Elliott retire from professional football after a career spanning 706 appearances, for the likes of Bournemouth, Burnley, Birmingham City and the Robins.The 36-year-old's final outing came on the last day of the 2014/15 season, when City thumped Walsall 8-2. In total, he played 42 times last term, as the Robins romped to the Sky Bet League 1 title and Johnstone's Paint Trophy glory.
Bristol City manager Cotterill now has high hopes for Elliott in the club's coaching structure, filling the void left by West Brom-bound Mark O'Connor.
Cotterill told bcfc.co.uk: “I’m delighted Wade has accepted the job as our new Under-21 manager.
“Wadey has been taking his coaching badges with a view to becoming a manager or coach after his playing career had finished.
“In truth this opportunity [in coaching] has probably come a little earlier than expected for him because I know he could go on and do a job for a few League 1 teams.
“However, it’s nice that he has accepted because it shows what he thinks of me and the set-up here.
“It’s a job I think he’ll do well in. He’s need some guidance along the way, I’m sure.
“The Under-21 group need some structure and discipline and I think Wade can bring that.
“Additionally he knows how we play and that’s something I want him to replicate on a day-to-day basis with the Under-21s, to ensure we bring that into their play.”
Re-live Elliott's wonder strike for Burnley in the 2009 Championship Play-Off Final against Sheffield United...