Bristol City’s Championship rivals part company with manager after defeat to Robins

Bristol City’s Championship rivals Barnsley have parted company with their manager Markus Schopp.

The 47-year-old was given the boot by the Tykes on Saturday after they had their seventh straight defeat inflicted on them by the Robins.

Schopp could only guide Barnsley to one win in the league all season with the Yorkshire side currently occupying a place in the relegation zone.

The Austrian was afforded the opportunity to address the supporters of his departure.

"I would like to thank all those who have accompanied me in this short but very intense time,” he said.

“It is a pity that our hard work was not reflected in the results. I wish the club all the best for the future and that they will achieve all their goals."

Barnsley’s CEO Khaled El-Ahmad in addition said: “On behalf of everyone at Oakwell, I would like to thank Markus for the last few months and wish him well for the next step in his career.

“I would like supporters to know that the process for finding a suitable replacement is underway and we will announce a new appointment in due course.”

Barnsley were in the top six last season but lost out to Swansea City in the play-offs and later lost manager Valérien Ismaël to West Bromwich Albion.

His former assistant manager Joseph Laumann has been placed in caretaker charge for their game against fellow strugglers Derby County tomorrow.

In the match that delivered the killer blow to Schopp, Bristol City had reasons to celebrate after winning their first home game since January and their first in over 500 days in front of fans.

It took the weight off of the shoulders of manager Nigel Pearson, relieving some pressure as they shot up to 15th.

As Pearson remains in the dugout, Schopp, who hadn’t managed in England before, will now have to find a new job.

Coincidentally, two out of the three Championship clubs who have parted company with their manager this season have conceded a brace to Andreas Weimann,

Weimann scored a first-half brace on Saturday at Ashton Gate, whilst he was also on target against Cardiff City in the Severnside Derby, though Mick McCarthy was afforded a further nine games.