Russell Milton has been appointed the club's new Head of Recruitment.
Russell has a long and distinguished association with the club, stretching back more than a quarter of a century and takes up his new role with immediate effect.
Steve Cotterill initially signed the left footed midfielder in 1997 and the former Arsenal youth product went on to make 164 appearances in six years, scoring 18 goals. He won the FA Trophy in 1998 before achieving two promotions in 1999 and 2002, and was crowned Player of the Season in the club's first ever EFL campaign in 1999/00
He returned to the club as youth team coach in 2010 and became Head of Youth two years later. He took interim charge of the first team during the 2014/15 campaign following the departure of Paul Buckle and was named Assistant Manager later that season, joining Gary Johnson on the touchline and winning the National League in 2016.
He went on to serve both Michael Duff and Wade Elliott with distinction, winning the League Two title in 2020/21 and subsequently played an important role in the club's two highest finishes in League One.
"The Board made the decision to appoint a Head of Recruitment following the departure of Micky Moore," said David Bloxham.
"Russ was one of a number of high quality applicants we interviewed and he shone through. We felt his depth of knowledge both of the game and the club, its values, together with his contacts in the industry will make him an excellent appointment.
"He will work closely with Tom Ware, who has been working on the recruitment side of things with Micky since 2020 and they will make an brilliant team."
Former Director of Football Micky Moore left the club to join League One rivals Shrewsbury Town earlier this month. Micky had initially joined the Robins in September 2018 in the same role before being appointed the club's first Director of Football following promotion to League One in 2021.
"I have really enjoyed my time as Assistant Manager for the last nine years," said Russell.
"But I'm excited by this new challenge to build on what Micky and Tom have achieved and I can't wait to get started. I'm looking forward to continue to working with Wade, Tom and the rest of the staff to give us the best possible chance of another successful season."