Bristol City's mind-blowing £607m all-time greatest XI

A look at the best Bristol City XI of all time - according to AI

Bristol City fans are currently experiencing one of their best seasons in recent memory and fans are growing increasingly optimistic that this could be the year that they finally end their long wait for top-flight football. As it stands, the Robins are seventh in the league - level on points with sixth placed West Brom - and only two points away from high-flying Coventry City, who have enjoyed an incredible resurgence under the stewardship of Frank Lampard.

A look back at some of the best players to have represented Bristol City - according to AI. | Getty Images

placeholder image — A look back at some of the best players to have represented Bristol City - according to AI. | Getty Images

The Cider Army have eight games to go in the remainder of the season in a nail-biting battle which will see them go head to head with the likes of Burnley, Sunderland, Leeds United and crucially West Brom in the final furlong of the season. The Ashton Gate faithful will be hopeful that the current day team will have sufficient quality to get over the line, but just how many of them would be good enough to get into an all-time XI.

We asked AI to name an all-time Bristol City XI and what each player would be worth today based on modern day inflation - and it’s fair to say it fetched up some very questionable results, particularly on the valuation front.

Please note that this is based on AI Grok’s tool which is known to make some odd calls at times. So take most of it with a pinch of salt - it’s just a bit of fun!

Goalkeeper and defence

Goalkeeper: Adriano Basso - 2005–2010. A fan favourite, Basso played over 160 matches, helping City to promotion from League One in 2007 and the Championship play-off final in 2008. His agility and commanding presence made him a standout. Today’s worth: Elite goalkeepers like Alisson or Ederson command £50–60 million. Basso’s peak, adjusted for today’s market, would place him at around £25–30 million, reflecting his reliability but not quite top-tier global status.

Defender: Gerry Sweeney - 1971–1982: With over 500 appearances, Sweeney is City’s sixth-highest appearance holder. A versatile right-back who also played midfield, he was a stalwart during the club’s First Division years (1976–1980). Today’s worth: Modern full-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold fetch £70–80 million. Sweeney’s consistency and versatility suggest a value of £40–50 million.

Defender: Billy Wedlock - 1905–1921 : A centre-half with 21 England caps, Wedlock was key to City’s highest-ever league finish (second in Division One, 1906–07). Known for his toughness and skill, he’s a club icon. Today’s worth: Top centre-backs like Virgil van Dijk are valued at £80–100 million. Wedlock’s historical stature and defensive prowess translate to £60–70 million.

Defender: Louis Carey (England) 1995–2004, 2010–2014 : Carey holds the record for most competitive appearances (646), embodying loyalty and defensive solidity across two spells. Today’s worth: Reliable centre-backs like John Stones go for £50–60 million. Carey’s longevity and leadership suggest £40–50 million.

Defender: Joe Bryan - 2011–2018: A dynamic left-back, Bryan scored the decisive goal in the 2015 EFL Trophy final and was instrumental in the 2017–18 League Cup run. Sold to Fulham for £6 million in 2018. Today’s Worth: Attacking full-backs like Ben Chilwell are worth £40–50 million. Bryan’s peak form adjusts to £35–45 million.

Midfield

Midfielder: Gerry Gow - 1969–1980

A tenacious midfielder with over 375 appearances, Gow was pivotal in the 1976 promotion to the First Division and the Anglo-Scottish Cup win in 1978. Today’s Worth: Box-to-box midfielders like Declan Rice fetch £100 million+. Gow’s grit and contribution suggest. £50–60 million.

Midfielder: Brian Tinnion - 1993–2005 : City’s creative heartbeat with over 450 appearances, Tinnion scored 36 goals and later managed the club. His vision defined an era. Today’s worth: Playmakers like Kevin De Bruyne exceed £100 million. Tinnion’s skill set aligns with £60–70 million.

Midfield: Bobby De Cordova-Reid - 2011–2018: A versatile academy graduate, Reid’s 19 goals in 2017–18 earned him a move to Cardiff. His flair and work rate shone in midfield and attack. Today’s worth: Multi-positional attackers like Phil Foden are valued at £80–100 million. Reid’s peak suggests £50–60 million.

Midfield: Tom Ritchie - 1969–1981, 1982–1984: A winger with over 400 appearances, Ritchie’s pace and 88 goals made him a key figure in the First Division years. Today’s worth: Wingers like Bukayo Saka reach £100 million+. Ritchie’s goal threat justifies £50–60 million.

The attack

Forward: Nicky Maynard - 2008–2012 : Signed for a club-record £2.25 million, Maynard scored 46 goals in 131 games, including 20 in the 2010–11 Championship season, before injuries hampered him. Today’s worth: Proven Championship strikers like Aleksandar Mitrović (sold for £22 million in 2018) now fetch £50–60 million. Maynard’s peak suggests £40–50 million.

Forward: John Atyeo -1951–1966: City’s record appearance holder (645) and all-time top scorer (314 goals), Atyeo was a prolific striker and England international. A true legend. Today’s worth: Elite strikers like Erling Haaland exceed £150 million. Atyeo’s scoring record translates to £100–120 million.

Bristol City’s all-time greatest line-up: Basso; Sweeney, Wedlock, Carey, Bryan; Gow, Tinnion, Reid, Ritchie; Atyeo, Maynard - Valuation: £607.5m