Bristol City terminate contract of Premier League winning defender Danny Simpson after falling out favour

Bristol City and first-team defender Danny Simpson have both agreed to mutually part ways with the termination of his contract.

The 35-year-old was limited to just four appearances this season and hadn’t turned out for the senior side of the Robins since October.

He did turn out and captain the under-23’s in a match against Cardiff City in February but didn’t appear in any of their other games after that.

Simpson’s last involvement with the first-team was taking his place amongst the substitutes bench in their defeat to Luton Town back in January, he had been a substitute 17 times that season.

In his pre-match press conference last week, first-team manager Nigel Pearson was asked whether Simpson was close to the first-team, but responded with an affirmative ‘No.

He added: “Danny has had a frustrating season on a personal level for him, it’s life.”

And four days later, the club had confirmed that the two had agreed to part company.

“Danny Simpson has left City after his contract was ended by mutual agreement,” said a short statement from Bristol City on their official club website.

“Simpson joined the Robins 12 months ago having won promotion from the Championship on three occasions with Sunderland, Newcastle United and QPR as well as a Premier League winners’ medal with Leicester City.

“Injury restricted him to four appearances in the 2020/21 season and he has made a further four this season.

“The club wishes Danny well for the future as he explores options away from BS3.”

The 35-year-old joined City last March and featured in four matches in the 2020/21 season, with his contract extended until this summer but now the club have decided to cut their losses on a player who wasn’t in their plans.

Simpson has been low down in the pecking order when it comes to right-backs with Pearson at times even preferring to try attacking players in the role. Alex Scott, who’s natural role is as an attacking midfielder, had a spell there before reverting to his usual position alongside Han-Noah Massengo.

George Tanner signed from Carlisle United can also play in the position but he has struggled with injuries this season. Academy product Zak Vyner has also filled in the role at times.

Most recently, Sam Bell, son of legend Mickey Bell, had been tried there with Pearson trying to convert him from his usual position as a forward.