Bristol City transfers: Nigel Pearson reveals what he loves about West Brom’s Taylor Gardner-Hickman

Nigel Pearson says Taylor Gardner-Hickman's versatility was a key factor in Bristol City securing his loan signature from West Brom earlier this week.

City confirmed the transfer on Tuesday evening, which marked the club's fifth signing this summer. Gardner-Hickman has 52 Championship appearances to his name, with two goals and an assist, and has been at the Baggies since he was seven.

The Robins were in the market for an adaptable defensive player following long-term injuries to Rob Atkinson and Ross McCrorie, and have made sure to cover for the duo with the WBA man.

“We are always on the lookout for players who potentially are going to make us better,” Pearson said. “We’ve currently got players who are missing like Ross, and Taylor’s played at right-back as well so he gives us cover there.

“He’s played in midfield too and Euells’ has worked with him before so he’s aware of his strengths too.”

Gardner-Hickman is the manager’s first loan signing of his two-and-a-half-year tenure at the club and adds to the Robins’ four additional summer incomers; Rob Dickie, Jason Knight, Haydon Roberts and McCrorie.

“It was just an opportunity for us to get something done relatively quickly, I’m very pleased about it,” Pearson added. “It gives us an option in the short-term but of course, we have options as well which is good.

“I think it’s just one of those where he’s a good age for us, and his versatility gives us a bit of cover where we’re currently short. I’m very pleased and I have to say I’ve been very impressed with him as well.”

Gardner-Hickman trained with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday ahead of the Robins’ trip to face Hull City on Friday night, and the defender made a good impression on his new boss.

“He’s really looking forward to the challenge of coming here and he’s trained very well today. He’s a decent signing for us.”