Curtis Fleming has left Bristol City after Middlesbrough’s Championship rivals appointed Liam Manning as their new head coach.

Fleming served as Nigel Pearson’s assistant at Ashton Gate after the pair played together at Boro under Bryan Robson. Previously also serving as a Boro coach, Fleming took over Bristol City on an interim basis following the Robins’ decision to sack Pearson last week. In his sole game in charge he led them to a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

But Fleming now departs along with Pearson to make way for Manning’s arrival from Oxford United along with his Middlesbrough-born assistant Chris Hogg. Announcing Flemming’s departure, Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown said: “We’d like to wish Curtis all the best for the future and thank him for what he has done for the club over the past two years and especially in the last week following Nigel’s departure.

READ MORE: Ex-Middlesbrough captain Nigel Pearson breaks silence after Bristol City sacking

“It is never easy to step into the manager’s shoes but he has done it with the same enthusiasm, optimism and dedication he has shown throughout his time at Bristol City. He has been a credit to himself and the club.”

On the appointment of Manning, the Robins chief continued: “Liam is a great fit for the club and the style of play we want. He has a very detailed approach to coaching, improving players and getting the best out of them as his record at MK Dons and Oxford United shows, while he has valuable experience within the (Manchester) City Group and in Belgium.

“As soon as we made the change Liam was our first choice and we are grateful to Oxford United for the extremely professional way they have approached the departure of someone who was doing a fantastic job for them. We are excited about the arrival of Liam and Chris and fulfilling the ambition we all have for the club with this talented and committed group of players.”

Manning’s first game in charge will be away to Queens Park Rangers this weekend. They then host Boro a fortnight later at Ashton Gate in what will be his first home game in charge. That one comes after the upcoming international break