McInnes says goodbye to Saints in Bristol City move

“Derek was the unanimous choice of the board of directors and majority shareholder,” Robins chairman Colin Sexstone told the club’s official website.

“He’s an impressive character who is very highly-rated in the game and comes here on the back of a superb stint at St Johnstone.”

McInnes led St Johnstone to promotion to the Scottish Premier League in 2009 and leaves them in fifth place in the table.

Sexstone added: “His passion, his great track record, he’s a manager on the up with a real understanding of the game. Derek has the drive and energy that proved to us he was the right man to take the club forward, both in the short term and – even more importantly – in the medium to long term.

“Throughout this process we received applications from a host of very strong candidates but in the end Derek stood out above all others.

“I’m sure our supporters will give Derek their full backing, starting this Sunday for our home game with Birmingham City, as we begin a new era and strive to move up the Championship table and beyond.”

Former Scotland midfielder McInnes’ first managerial job in England is certainly a tough challenge. He succeeds Keith Millen in charge of a side who are rock-bottom of the table, two points behind second- bottom Doncaster, have won just once in 12 league games and not tasted victory at home in any competition this season.