Robins Confirm Cisse Signing

Bristol City have confirmed that manager Steve Coppell has returned to Reading to bring Kalifa Cisse to Ashton Gate.

The 26-year-old arrives for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around the £500,000 mark, and can play at the back or midfield.

"Every signing you make as a manager is a gamble. You hear so many tales of a player going somewhere and that it didn't quite work out." Coppell told the club's official website.

"I've put the odds more in my favour because I've signed a player I know and one I've bought before.

"I'm delighted he's accepted the chance to come here and begin a new challenge. It's an opportunity for him with an emerging club with real ambition to go on."

Coppell was responsible for bringing the Mali international to England, signing Cisse for Reading from Boavista in 2007.

Since then the player has gone on to make 83 appearances for the Royals, scoring seven goals.

"He played for me at Reading and I signed him there," Coppell added.

"He's an international who brings a wealth of experience with him; he played in the Premier League.

"He's a good team player and that's critical for any team these days."

Cisse will form part of the squad that heads off on a three-game pre-season tour of Sweden on Monday.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.