Moyes wanted City job

Moyes played 109 games in City's defence from 1985-87

Everton boss David Moyes has revealed how close he was to becoming manager of Bristol City in 1999.

Moyes, who brings the Toffees to Ashton Gate for a Carling Cup tie on Wednesday, played more than 100 games for the Robins in the mid-1980s.

He was willing to leave Preston to take over at Ashton Gate in 1999, but the job eventually went to Tony Pulis.

"There are no regrets but I'd have liked the chance to work at City," Moyes told the Robins' website.

"My playing days there were among the happiest of my career.

"I'd retained such a feeling for the club that in my mind I was thinking towards taking the opportunity.

"My interest was conveyed to the City board and I was ready to meet them when I got back from holiday.

"It went as far as fixing up a hotel and a time when we could get together. I was even prepared to go there straight from the airport before driving home.

"I was close to boarding my flight in America when I received a message to say they had decided to appoint Tony as manager."