Town have announced that Gary Probert will be joining the club as director of football operations on November 1st.

Probert joins the club having previously been with Bristol City since 2013 in a variety of roles, most recently academy manager, a position he was appointed to by current Blues CEO Mark Ashton during his time at Ashton Gate.

Prior to his spell with the Robins, Probert was county development manager with Gloucestershire FA and before that was youth development manager and further education manager at Forest Green Rovers between 2005 and 2007.

Probert, who has a BSc in Sports Coaching from the University of Wales Institute, an UEFA A Licence and an FA Advanced Youth Award, will oversee the Blues’ recruitment, academy, analysis, U23s and loans programme, playing a pivotal role in the development of emerging talent within the youth set-up.

“I’m looking forward to getting started,” Probert told the club website. "I think it’s a really exciting project to find out about, add some value to and play a part in.

“From afar, it looked like something big was happening here. Having spoken to Mark in the last few days, it’s brought it home to me how inspirational and big it could be.”

In addition to Ashton, Probert has also worked with director of performance Andy Rolls, chief executive officer Luke Werhun and head of sports science Andy Costin, who all joined the club from the Robins earlier in the summer.

“Having a relationship with people I’ve worked with previously is advantageous for hopefully hitting the ground running," he added.

“The role will help support Lee O’Neill and the academy, and help that transition from playing in the academy to senior football.

"I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and playing my part to help move the club forwards.”

CEO Ashton added: “I’m delighted to be able to confirm that Gary will be joining us. I worked with Gary for a number of years and he was instrumental in bringing through a stream of players into the first team with some of those going on to play in the Premier League.

"Gary will work closely with Paul Cook and Andy Rolls to oversee a number of crucial areas at the club.”

Current Bristol City CEO Richard Gould told his club's official website: “We wish Gary Probert all the best and thank him for the nine years’ service he has given to the club and the academy, which has developed greatly under his leadership.”

Photo: ITFC

algarvefan added 13:31 - Oct 15 It's been obvious for many years that we have lagged behind other clubs in terms of development and improvement as a whole club. The new owners seem determined that we become more professional at every level, I like what I'm seeing, the future is looking brighter, the development & progress with the team is steady and being built on solid foundations.
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Gforce added 13:40 - Oct 15 I'm all for any new addition that will improve the overall running and future success of the club. On a side note ,I would imagine the clubs total wage bill ,especially backroom staff is about 3 times higher than under Evans.But hopefully 3 times more successful.
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brendenward35 added 13:44 - Oct 15 Slowly Ashton is putting together the jigsaw which has had bits missing for years. Future looks a lot more positive with him at the helm. Certainly has the passion to make it a success. Onwards and hopefully upwards
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CraigEdwards added 14:10 - Oct 15 Peter Reid also joined the coaching staff as well
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blues1 added 14:34 - Oct 15 Craig Edwards. Peter Reid hasn't joined yet. And if he does, it won't be as part of the coaching staff. Will be joining as a director of football.
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Broganonthewing added 14:41 - Oct 15 I hate to be cynical but we have more background staff than the government has civil servants and more coaches than National Express. I know the game has changed but Bobby Robson seemed to manage it with 3 assistants, 1 working alongside him, 1 with the reserves and 1 with the youth team. We produced much higher quality players then!
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SickParrot added 18:11 - Oct 15 This shows that the new owners are not depending upon a quick return on their investment.
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CraigEdwards added 19:47 - Oct 15 Blue1 He has joined the coaching staff as a consultant I never said he was joining as a coach I just said coaching staff He hasn't joined as director of football as you are stating ! Not sure where you got your info from
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PortmanTerrorist added 10:54 - Oct 16 We have to be pleased this is happening, but can't help wonder what was possible with the generation of undoubtedly talented youth we have recently discarded with the right structure. Better late than never!
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