GIVEN that people tend to distrust change, Bristol City fans may harbour misgivings about Steve Lansdown's decision to invest in Bristol Rugby.

Today's announcement may cause some to doubt his long-term commitment to the football club he has effectively bankrolled for a decade.

And if, as seems likely, rugby eventually comes to Ashton Gate, City supporters are sure to voice concern over the wear and tear involved in hosting two sports on the same pitch.

While such concerns are understandable, all the available evidence suggests they are equally without foundation. Lansdown's commitment to City was first questioned when he announced his decision to stand down as chairman at the end of last season.

He did his best to assuage any fears at the time and his actions since suggest he remains as committed as ever to helping the Robins achieve their long-cherished ambition of playing Premier League football in a brand new 30,000-seater stadium at Ashton Vale.

Since resigning his position on the Ashton Gate board of directors, the multi-millionaire businessman has continued to dip into his fortune to support the football club, underwriting debts of close to £30 million and supporting former manager Keith Millen and, his successor, Derek McInnes. These are hardly the actions of a man whose commitment is on the wane and there is nothing to suggest Lansdown's decision to act as benefactor to Bristol Rugby will in any way dilute his support for City.

Although Lansdown, pictured, and the rugby club have signed up for another 12 months at the Memorial Stadium, home to cross-city rivals Bristol Rovers, it seems reasonable to assume Ashton Gate will end up hosting rugby as well as football in the fullness of time.

Those City fans who doubt the efficacy of such a move, need only look to Reading and Swansea for reassurance. Aided by state-of-the-art 'desso' pitches, the Madejski and Liberty Stadiums have hosted top-flight rugby union without any appreciable damage to the playing surface. The fact that the Ospreys also play at the Liberty has not prevented Swansea City from playing a brand of football that has won them many admirers, both in the npower Championship and Premier League.

City have plans to install just such a pitch at Ashton Vale, providing the project is given the go-ahead.

Of course, pitches containing artificial fibres are not cheap, but there is nothing to say City, backed by their owner, will not invest in a 'desso' system should they remain at Ashton Gate.