Another summer full of rumours, but as promised Vital Bristol City did not fuel the rumour fires and will only reveal news officially confirmed by the club.
The players reported back for pre-season training today on the hottest day of the year in Bristol so far with one noteable absentee. Nick Carle, signed in the January transfer window moves to Crystal Palace who he faced four times in his short spell at Bristol City. Neil Warnock didn’t hesitate to recognise the ability Carle shows by awarding him a four year contract. The fee is officially undisclosed but is thought to be in excess of the £500,000 City paid. It is not a bad return and City have already signed a replacement in Gavin Williams who, when fit, is widely regarded as one of the best Championship midfield players.
In a series of interviews on BCFC World Marvin Elliott rubished rumours regarding his exit from the club saying he had three years left on his contract and asking why he would want to leave. Scott Murray also said that he would today complete the paperwork on a one year extension of his stay at the club. Both had been rumoured to be leaving BS3.
Gary Johnson confirmed that he had a few bids on the table, with several of them being abroad. He reasoned that Carle had left to guarantee first team football and boost his international prospects with the Australian national side. He hinted that the deal was business related and said that he hoped that, as the season progresses, the value of the deal would become apparent to fans who admired Carle’s undoubted talents. He urged fans to trust him and his team.
Time will tell. At the moment I am disappointed to see Carle depart to a potential promotion rival, but if it means that the transfer budget is increased and if it leaves scope in the wage structure for two or three more summer signings then it could well prove to have been a good business decision. One thing is for certain Nick Carles skill on the ball will continue to scare Championship defences for another season and I wish him and his young family all the best.
In other news a new membership scheme was introduced today (‘smart’ cards go on sale on 9th July) which gives non season ticket holders priority on match day tickets. Home match tickets remain at last seasons prices. And season ticket holders get free entry to the Dolman Exhibition Hall before games. With only 1,300 allowed in for a pre-match pie and pint, entry will be on a first come first served basis to the 13,500 season ticket holders only.
For more info please see bcfc.co.uk
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