City Transfer Shock

Following the expected departure of Michael Bridges to Carlisle United, all City fans were expecting news of players arriving at the Gate.

It is ,therefore, somewhat disappointing to report another departure and , this time, that of one of our most promising young players. Scott Golbourme , the 17 year old England Junior international, who has made 16 appearances at left back in the current term, has agreed terms with Championship high flyers Reading and will join them as soon as the transfer window opens. An undisclosed fee is involved but the transfer is another brutal indication of our current standing in English football , seemingly as a nursery club to ‘bigger teams’ from smaller Cities or Towns than Bristol.

Scott’s departure following on those of his cousin Matt Hill, Danny Coles and Leroy Lita make one wonder if Bristol City will ever return to a position where their most promising players can be retained. An even more galling aspect of the transfer is that this is the third time in three years that Reading have signed one of our
outstanading players, Scott following in the footsteps of Scott Murray and Leroy Lita. It is only to be hoped that the funds received from this latest sale will give Manager Gary Johnston the wherewithall to strengthen the squad in order to retain our Division One status this season and build for a promotion challenge in 2006-07.

Peter Tully