Bristol City boss is fuming over loan rules

Frustrated Bristol City boss Gary Johnson is urging the Football Association to review their transfer regulations.

His call comes in the wake of Chris Weale's failed move to Rotherham United this week.

City's second-choice goalkeeper was set to join the League Two club on loan, only for the deal to founder upon a technical hitch.

Johnson was prepared to allow Weale to move to Rotherham providing City could recall him at short notice. But he pulled the plug on the deal after learning that a 24-hour recall was only possible in the event of first-choice Adriano Basso and back-up Stephen Henderson being injured.

"It's a ridiculous situation that doesn't seem to benefit anyone," complained Johnson. "I spoke to Mark Robins (Rotherham manager) and he was happy for Chris to go there and get some games while their regular keeper, Andy Warrington, was out injured.

"Chris wanted to go because he's not getting first-team football here and I wanted him to go as well. It's a move that would have suited all parties, but we're unable to do it because of these FA regulations.

"If Basso or Henderson suffered an injury, we wouldn't be able to recall Chris and would then be a goalkeeper short. Only if both of them were injured, could we then bring Chris back at 24 hours' notice. But then, we'd still be short of cover and would need to bring in another keeper from elsewhere. It doesn't make sense."

Weale is now resigned to biding his time and playing reserve-team football.

Johnson said: "It's hard lines on Chris, because these rules effectively prevent him going out on loan at a time when he needs to be playing first-team games.

"I think that's something the FA need to look into, because it's not fair on the players involved. Goalkeeper is a specialist position and I think they should ease the restrictions in this case."

Weale has started five times for City this season, but has not featured since the 2-0 defeat at Wolves at the end of September.