Manager Steve Coppell has warned Bristol City fans not to raise their expectations too high before the start of the new Championship season.

The former Reading and Manchester City boss told BBC Radio Bristol: "You can feel the warmth from the fans, but that translates into expectation as well.

"We don't have a head start on anyone else and it's going to be so competitive this year."

Coppell continued: "It's going to be a massive challenge for every team.

The hard work has begun on the training pitch as the City players reported back for their pre-season preparations.

Former Barnet winger Albert Adomah was the only new face among the players, but Coppell stressed that he has inherited a strong squad from former manager Gary Johnson.

I think the core of the squad here is terrific and it's proved itself over time Bristol City manager Steve Coppell

He said: "Transfer activity doesn't guarantee success. I wouldn't like people to think that if we're not busy we're not going to be successful.

"I think the core of the squad here is terrific and has proved itself over time. If I can make the odd addition here and there, and make us a little bit deeper in areas that will make us more robust as the season develops, then fine.

"Lots of transfer activity doesn't guarantee that we're going to be promoted or be successful."

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