Bristol City boss Johnson plans January window raid for a wide boy
Gary Johnson has revealed plans to sign a left-sided player in January.
Bristol City's manager has drawn up a shortlist of possible targets and chairman Steve Lansdown has made money available to spend when English football reopens for business in the new year.
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Bristol City boss Johnson - thinking left field
Johnson has yet to replace Scottish winger Michael McIndoe, who left Ashton Gate to join Coca-Cola Championship rivals Coventry before the start of the season.
But he promised Bristol City supporters at the club's annual meeting last night that strenuous efforts were being made to sign a replacement during the January transfer window.
"It's something we're aware of and we're trying to alleviate the problem," said Johnson.
"We have a list of names and we're looking extensively for the right player to give us balance on the left.
"I realise we don't really have cover for Jamie McAllister on that flank and we cannot rely on him to keep making a miraculous recovery from injury and playing in every game.
"We need cover and we need another option and we're doing our best to redress the balance."
Addressing an audience of around 300 inside Ashton Gate's Dolman Exhibition Hall, Johnson defended his decision to sell McIndoe, claiming the time was right for him to leave.
He said: "I can't go into details about Michael because it would not be professional to do so. But I had good reason to let him go and the time was right for him to move on.
"I wanted a left winger who could affect the game and Michael had stopped doing that as often as we needed him to.
"The search has been on for a naturally left-sided replacement ever since, but there are not many players of that type out there. People are always coming up with names but it is not as easy as that.
"Half of the time, the ones you want are not available and, because out and out wingers who get at defenders and cause problems are few and far between, clubs do not want to part with the best ones. Johnson took the opportunity to respond to those fans who have criticised him for not deploying wingers this season.
He said: "We have wide players here, but they have to be consistent when they come into the side.
"Lots of teams play a 4-3-3 system these days and, if you go with a 4-4-2 with wide players, you can leave yourself open in the middle of the park.
"Chelsea do not play with wide players and they're not doing too bad."
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by Ben, Clevedon
Thursday, November 26 2009, 9:54AM
“I wish we would open up a bit, get at least one (Left) winger in, and play with width & a bit more attacking committment...especially at home to weaker teams..we are currently too narrow & timid...there is a complete lack of entertainment value in many games.....saying that, as long as we're not down the bottom of the league, then its hardly a crisis...”
by Wurzelm, Bristol
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 1:12PM
“Fred the red - does it really matter? McIndoe was great in first season, crap last year. Same old story with him wherever he goes...look at the number of clubs he's had for a 28/29 year old. 2 years then he's off....says it all. He was a bad egg and no good for morale, always quick to criticize team mates without looking at his own "Team McIndoe" attitude. Glad we got shot of him personally !
Blackman breached clubs rules more than once (driving without licence and insurance I heard...depsite 2 previous warnings he continued to do so) Does that not say anything about the character of the lad? Rules are Rules and you cannot keep faith with people like that. No other business would so why should football be any different.
Lack of quality on both wings is an issue, not just Left. Bring back Trundle to play there is what I say. Becks proved you don't need pace when you have quality in the feet...Trundle has that in his magic daps !
McSheffrey for me but depends on how much we are willing to spend. Victor Moses another option given Palace's financial issues but doubt Jordan would sell to us.
So long as it's not another "who" from the SPL !!
Time will tell I guess but instead of all the negative comments around Johnson, lets get behind him and have faith in him to get the right player. True results this year have been frustrating but just look at how far we've come in circa 3-years with Gary. Promotion, Championship play off final beaten by an absolute quality finish, mediocre last year and OK so far. Go back 3-years, would we all not have taken the past 3-years then? Time to push on granted but lets walk before we try the Sproule Sprint...look what happens when he does that !”
by Fred the Red, Bitton
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 12:46AM
“I seem to recall Gary saying earlier in the season that he would reveal the reasons why McIndoe was surplus to requirements once he was sold.
Now he is saying it would be "unprofessional" to do so.
Gary - you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all the time.
Your conflicting statements are coming back to haunt you.
And what about Andre Blackman?
Wasn't he brought in to provide cover down the left?
Oh I forgot, he's another player who has provided the manager with some "problem" the fans have yet to be told about.”
by Royal Joe, Brislington
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 5:20PM
“Re Blue Bristol. Gary should pick himself. If he can pass a ball as good as he passes the buck we will have a star on the field”
by Mike, Bristol
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 3:40PM
“People need to get their heads out of the clouds and realise Cit arent one of the big fish in the championship, to suggest we should (as to say we ought to, or deserve to) be near the top of the league is crazy.
As others have said, its about slow but steady progress and that is what we are getting now - I for one am grateful for the stability and ambition that the board and manager are showing.
Its a sign of the times that people want everything right here and right now, but it isnt realistic. I would rather those fans DID go to London or Manchester to watch their football and left the rest of us to get on with supporting the club.”