Championship round-up: Bristol City appoint captain, ex-Sunderland striker wanted, West Brom boss rejects Leeds move

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Bristol City face one of their biggest threats yet to their eight-game unbeaten run as they host Norwich City at Ashton Gate on the weekend.

The Robins haven’t lost in 2023 yet and have won four and drawn three since the turn of the New Year. A goalless draw at Millwall is what started their unbeaten run and a Boxing Day loss to West Brom is the last time they have tasted defeat.

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Norwich arrive at the Gate on Saturday, and will be backed by more than 2,100 supporters with just 400 tickets left with no pay on the day available. The Canaries suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Burnley last time out, but have enjoyed a resurgence under new boss David Wagner.

In September, Norwich won 3-2 at Carrow Road, with goals from Tommy Conway and Antoine Semenyo not enough. City were in a similar vein of form when they last played Norwich, so can they get a different result this time around?

We take a look at headlines surrounding Bristol City and their Championship rivals.

Captain Weimann

Andi Weimann has been chosen by his peers to captain Bristol City, after Dan Bentley left the club. Bentley joined Wolves in January, and was the official club captain, and now the Austrian has taken up the role.

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He has made 177 appearances since joining four-and-a-half-years ago, scoring 48 goals. Last season he had a career-best campaign with 32 goal contributions and was the captain on several occasions when Max O’Leary was preferred then.

“It’s a great privilege to be the captain of Bristol City and always a proud moment leading the team out,” said Weimann to the official club website.

“We’ve got so many leaders and it’s nice that the lads have that faith in me. There’s a positive spirit within the squad and I’m looking forward to what we all believe will be a positive second half of the season.”

Former Manchester United and Leicester City midfielder Matty James takes the role as vice-captain.

Ex-Robins defender suffers debut blow

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Bailey Wright, who was at Bristol City between 2017 and 2020, made his debut for Rotherham United on the weekend after joining from England. He came on as a substitute in the 70th minute but after just 30 seconds he was substituted off after challenging for a header.

Wright was substituted as a part of concussions protocols and the Millers took swift action to remove him from play. Wright is now likely to miss Rotherham’s clash with Blackpool.

Cardiff consider Wikcham

Cardiff City are taking a closer look at free agent striker Conor Wickham, who left Forest Green Rovers last month. WalesOnline say that they are considering offering him a contract after working with their physios.

Corberan extends stay at West Brom

Carlos Corberan has shown his commitment to West Brom by signing a new contract, despite only being appointed back in October on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

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Corberan, worked as an assistant to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United and was linked with a return to Elland Road, given how well he did with Huddersfield Town last season. The 39-year-old’s contract at The Hawthorns will now run until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

“I have enjoyed my time at Albion, and I am pleased to have secured a contract extension,” he said. I would like to thank my staff, the players, and our fantastic supporters for their help in making my time here so positive.

Cornick’s goodbye to Luton

Harry Cornick has already made his first appearance for Bristol City, coming on as a substitute for Nahki Wells in the 70th minute against Preston last Saturday.

Cornick along with Anis Mehmeti joined on deadline day, and it took a lot for him to leave the Hatters. The 27-year-old was at Kennilworth Road from 2017 and left after 234 appearances, helping them to two consecutive promotions.

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In a parting message posted by Luton, Cornick said: “Just wanted to thank everyone at Luton Town over my 6 and a half year long journey at the club.

“I’ve made so many incredible memories including 2 promotions, a play-off run and survival on the last day of the season which will stay with me forever.

“To all the staff and players I’ve met, thank you for letting me be me and making it so special.

"I’ve made some friends for life.

"Finally thank you to all the Hatters who had faith in me over the years and have travelled up and down the country.”

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