Bristol City set to offer Matthew Bates deal until end of season
Bristol City look certain to offer Matthew Bates a short-term contract until the end of the season.
Robins head coach Sean O’Driscoll is short of defensive cover and has opened negotiations with Bates, who has been training with the Championship club since his contract expired in mid-January.
-
Given that injured defender Louis Carey is still not available, Bates could even feature in Saturday’s crucial home game against Barnsley.
O’Driscoll confirmed: “We’re in ongoing discussions with Matthew at the moment.
Bridal hand tied bouquet (Roses)
2 Bridesmaids (Roses)
Groom & Best Man button holes (Roses)
Terms:
Discounted rates apply to larger Bridal party requests.
Not to be used with any other offer.
Contact: 0117 2448228
Valid until: Tuesday, December 31 2013
“Ideally, if we can get a deal sorted until the end of the season that would suit everyone.
“You look at our defensive options at the moment, with Louis out, and think if we lost someone on the eve of a game, we’re going to be short.”
Bates, 26, suffered an illness just after his short-term contract had expired, which has delayed any deal.
“It’s been unfortunate for him; with (former boss) Derek (McInnes) going, I hadn’t seen him play and then he had the illness,” added O’Driscoll.
“He’s stuck with it and we’ll see what happens now.”
The central defender originally joined the Robins on November 17th following his release by Middlesbrough, making eight appearances.
9 Comments
by piledriver
Friday, February 22 2013, 8:34PM
“@manchestergas:
I've seen him play although, given injuries and illness, that hasn't been often.We need better in the NPC.”
by manchestergas
Friday, February 22 2013, 6:39PM
“wow, well done for supporting your players lads.
that positive attitude will really help you”
by johnbristol3
Thursday, February 21 2013, 9:33PM
“I mentioned a few months back , this board is preparing for life in div 1 , it offers Mr Lansdown a very big hand financially when it comes to regrouping , the FFP has different meaning than if we remain in the championship as well , so he won't be needing to inject another £5million in cash to try and keep us inside the levy. I think he has done some sums and is willing to risk relegation , lets just hope he ain't banked on bouncing straight back
Just another thought I wonder how much of what is happening Mr Sexton knew about and didn't agree with, and that's why he jumped the sinking ship.
Let's hope we are all wrong and they are all right
COYR”
by piledriver
Thursday, February 21 2013, 8:01PM
“Not to worry though.I was sent, and I've completed, the catering survey today.
We're a club going in the right direction who prioritise well.”
by Red_Emerson
Thursday, February 21 2013, 6:14PM
“We haven't addressed the problem, since promotion to the Championship.
We only survived last season, by signing expensive Championship standards defenders on-loan, for the last few months of the season.
It isn't going top be repeated this year and i really can't see enough quality in the squad, for the job ahead.”
by marmeliser
Thursday, February 21 2013, 6:07PM
“baffling. cheapskates not interested in keeping the club in this division.
typical city - sign a crock who costs little. wonder how much they paid the ''football adviser'' on this one.”
by Football50
Thursday, February 21 2013, 5:00PM
“I said yesterday central defence has been a long standing issue that has gone unresolved for far too long.
This is not even close to a resolution to the problem.
It seems no one at the club seems to understand that the defensive problems are going to cost the club its' Championship status.”
by piledriver
Thursday, February 21 2013, 4:29PM
“Great.
What an ambitious signing that clearly shows our determination and ambition to retain our NPC status.
Pauses whilst tongue bursts through cheek.”
by Red_Emerson
Thursday, February 21 2013, 4:25PM
“What a terrible state of affairs, signing Bates, when he is no better than Nyatanga or Wilson (J), who are not good enough for the Championship.”