James Ellis' first interview as Sporting Director

James Ellis has described Manager Michael Skubala as ‘a winner’ following his appointment as Bristol City Manager. Speaking for the first time following his appointment as Sporting Director, Ellis also discussed the process of appointing a manager, what enticed him to join Bristol City and his priorities and focus for the coming months. On Skubala joining City he said: “It is the most important appointment since I have been here and it sets the tone for where we are going over the next three years. “He is a great human being, a great football coach and ultimately he is a winner and I think everyone at the football club will love not only the way he plays but how he is as a person.” Discussing his own role at the club in detail he added: “I feel like I am the support aid for the performance at this football club. As a Sporting Director, my job is to enable us to perform at every level from the Under-8s to Michael in the first team. “The way I feel we can be successful is through connection, which starts internally.” 00:00:00 Welcome! 00:00:09 James Ellis on appointing Michael Skubala 00:00:50 What does Skubala bring to Bristol City? 00:02:10 The process of appointing a Manager 00:03:38 Manager not Head Coach? 00:05:10 What is a Sporting Director? 00:07:53 Why Bristol City? 00:11:35 Priorities before the 2026/27 season? Follow Bristol City on Social Media!   / bristolcity     / bristolcityfc     / bristolcityfc   https://www.tiktok.com/bristolcityfc For more, head to https://www.bcfc.co.uk