Johnson is happy with new Bristol City arrivals

Gary Johnson was relieved to welcome three new faces to Bristol City's squad in time for the start of pre-season training yesterday.

Scotland striker David Clarkson, former Colchester United goalkeeper Dean Gerken and young left-back Andre Blackman have all put pen to paper at Ashton Gate.

Bristol City boss Johnson is hopeful of adding at least two more faces in the next few days and he said: "It is a relief because it is important to have the lads you want in as quickly as you can at the start of pre-season.

"You want them to be here for the first day and I have been really pleased with the three signings we have made. They are good personalities and they all have got that sort of ambition I like to see.

"It is great to have new faces and it is something you need to do at times to liven things up."

Blackman arrives from Portsmouth carrying an ankle injury but Johnson believes that, when he is fit, supporters will know 'very quickly' why he moved to snap him up.

Gerken is likely to start the season as Adriano Basso's understudy but is expected to offer stiff competition.

Johnson labelled Scotland international Clarkson the 'best-known' of the three and added: "David broke his hand at Motherwell last season and still managed 14 goals in 30-odd games.

"He has improved and grown in stature and if we waited any longer we would have had to pay out a few million to get him."