'A coup' - Bristol City lauded for savvy transfer business as exciting '15-20 goals' striker claim made

Bristol City have begun their transfer business early as new manager Gerhard Struber looks to make a strong start to his return to England with the Robins when the Championship kicks off in August.

Struber replaced new Norwich boss Liam Manning in the Ashton Gate dugout and boasts a strong CV which includes spells with RB Salzburg, Barnsley and, most recently, German side FC Koln. He led a struggling Barnsley side to Championship safety in the 2019-20 season, but will be aiming higher in Bristol after putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Robins.

Bristol City had one of their most impressive seasons in recent memory last campaign, finishing sixth after an outstanding spring before falling short in the play-off semi-finals. Struber will aim to build on that next campaign, with an EFL legend claiming one early signing could be a difference-maker.

Don Goodman praises signing of Emil Riis

Bristol City have already done a major bit of business in bringing former Preston North End forward Emil Riis to the club, believes ex-EFL striker and current Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman. Riis signed as a free agent after departing Preston this summer.

“This is a brilliant, brilliant signing for Bristol City. And a surprising one if I’m honest with you,” Goodman said. “If clubs like Coventry and Sheffield United were genuinely in for Emil Riis, it would be a bit of a surprise that he has joined Bristol City.

“I think he is a coup. I’m surprised, with the greatest respect to Bristol City, that they’ve managed to persuade him this is the right move. Because I rate him. I think he’s a very, very good Championship-level striker who could easily get 15 to 20 goals in a Bristol City shirt next season, so absolutely great business from them.”

Emil Riis could be a key signing for Bristol City

Riis spent five years at North End, and scored 12 goals last season in an inconsistent side which fell like a stone down the Championship table and only secured safety with a 2-2 draw at Ashton Gate on the final day. Riis, therefore, cannot be blamed for seeking a step up.

That he has chosen the Robins as his next step could be a game-changer for the club, as 27-year-old Riis could score the goals necessary to fire City back into play-off contention once again. Having scored 46 goals in 186 Preston appearances, Riis is an effective replacement for Nahki Wells and possibly even an upgrade.

Riis said to the club website after his arrival: “It is a club which has the right ambitions for me. I am very happy to be here, and hopefully I can be a part of the dream to go to the next level. I want to score goals and help the team in that way.”

Technical Director Brian Tinnion added: “It is no secret how in demand Emil was, and we are very pleased to have secured his signature. He provides us with extra fire power and is very experienced in the Championship and we cannot wait to see him in action.”