McStay’s Bristol move

Former Celtic defender Willie McStay has been appointed Bristol City’s new Academy Head of Coaching.

The 50-year-old spent last season as assistant manager at Stockport County but announced in April his decision to step down from his role as No 2 to former Motherwell boss Jim Gannon.

After his playing career was played out in the shadow of younger brother Paul, McStay made his name as a youth coach at old club Celtic and he has also had two spells as reserve manager at Parkhead. The ex-Sligo Rovers, Ross County and Ujpest Dozsa manager will now return to working with young players in his new post under Bristol boss Derek McInnes. He said: “I can’t wait to get started. The prospects (are) to really build something for the future of the club and assist the manager by bringing through players for the first team.”

McInnes aims to rebuild the Ashton Gate outfit he took over in October and saved them from dropping out of the Championship with an improved second half to the season. And the former St Johnstone manager believes McStay can help bring through homegrown talents capable of making it as first-team stars.

McInnes added: “Willie brings with him bags of experience and knowledge from working in various countries. We’re keen that he bridges the gap between Academy and youth football and the first team.”