Bristol City chairman: There is still money for players
Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown insists his decision to plough more of his own money into the club's new stadium will not affect financing of the team.
Last week Lansdown sold off £47million worth of shares in his stockbroker business, Hargreaves Lansdown, to fund the development at Ashton Vale.
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But he insists it will not detract from the support he gives to Gary Johnson's Championship side.
He said: "Nothing has changed. The announcement was that I had sold my shares and the statement was made to make clear it was to provide funds for the stadium.
"We have been performing successfully and we will continue to try to do that.
"We are coming to the summer and we will look at how we restructure the squad to move forward."
Lansdown is keen to take the positives out of a season that is ending with the play-off places already out of reach.
"We are right to be disappointed," he said. "Our expectation and ambition was to be competing right to the end of the season for promotion.
"But when you stand back and look at the season as a whole we have achieved a lot and we look forward to building on what we have done this year."
As is club policy, Lansdown declined to comment on speculation linking star midfielder Marvin Elliott with Wigan and Blackburn.
But no firm bid appears to have arrived at Ashton Gate for a player who has also interested Wolves and Portsmouth.
Meanhwile, Bristol City have added four players to their squad for next season from their academy ranks. Handed first professional deals are striker Marlon Jackson, winger Rob Stambolziev, midfielder Ashley Kington and full back Joe Edwards.
City's final home fixture of the season takes place against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
5 Comments
by MendipMan, Wurzel Country
Thursday, April 23 2009, 10:39AM
“I agree wholeheartedly with the comments below re Steve Lansdown and Gary Johnson.
SL is a man with a wealth of experience in money matters, one of the most able of all football chairmen in this field, and he will ensure the club does not get out of its financial depth whilst chellenging for the Premier League.
GJ is a manager who enabled Yeovil Town to fulfil its potential and is doing the same at Bristol City. Those who jeered him have no idea about football management and no appreciation for what he has already done for the club.
I've not been disappointed with this season at all. After last year's incredible efforts (one goal in one match away from the Prem) this season could easily have been a real anti-climax - indeed, many from elsewhere were predicting City would endure the so-called second season syndrome.
I believe steady progress is being made and, whilst I don't expect promotion next season (if it came it would be great of course) , the necessary building blocks, on and off the field, are being put in place for a serious challenge within two or three years, one that would stand a good chance of sustaining a Premier League place.
True City fans should unite behind the board and management, not cry like babies and stamp their feet at the manager when setbacks occur along the way.”
by Cider Red, BRRRRISTOL
Thursday, April 23 2009, 10:28AM
“Thank you Mr Lansdown - us true Bristol City supporters appreciate very much what you have done - and what you are doing to OUR football club.”
by CityPete, Bristol and proud of it
Thursday, April 23 2009, 10:04AM
“You've got to look at where we were and where we were heading when SL and GJ came together. Answer NO WHERE. Now we've been so close to getting in the Premiership twice and have a new wonderful staduim planned. Not since Mr Dolman was about has it looked so good and any fan who shouted abuse at last game isnt welcome on saturday. We're still No1 in the west country and will be for years to come. Support your team on saturday make players want to stay as bids will be coming in the summer.”
by DW, Bristol
Thursday, April 23 2009, 7:26AM
“You would think not reading some of the "fans" posting on here!
The Ipswich chairman has spent £12m on players and they finished lower than we did for the last 2 seasons. Just goes to show what a great job GJ has done.”
by ade, bristol
Thursday, April 23 2009, 7:15AM
“are we lucky or what to have SL at the helm and GJ as manager!”