Championship round-up: Bristol City sell 13k+ season tickets, Robins’ rivals set sights on Gareth Bale

Despite there still being almost two months to wait until the Championship kicks off again, there is already a buzz around Ashton Gate after some brilliant early business from Bristol City.

The Robins snapped up Oxford United midfielder Mark Sykes a week after the 2021/22 season finished, before shocking fans by signing Kal Naismith.

The defender was exceptional for Luton Town as they reached the Championship play-offs and was expected to earn a big move away, however opted to join Nigel Pearson’s side.

With City’s preparations for the next season well underway, we take a look at all the latest Championship news and transfer rumours...

Robins sell over 13k season tickets

Sykes and Naismith’s arrival, as well as Timm Klosse’s new contract, has set fans’ tails wagging and has led to a lot of excitement ahead of next season.

As a result, the club today revealed that they have already sold over 13,000 season tickets for the 2022/23 campaign.

You are still able to buy your own via the club website and can also get yourself, or your child, a free home shirt if you buy an Under-19 or Under-12 season card.

Midfielder set to depart Ashton Gate

Bristol City’s Kasey Palmer is close to completing a move away after three years at Ashton Gate.

Coventry City are closing in on the signing of Palmer and a medical is arranged ahead of his transfer to the Midlands club.

The 25-year-old only started on league game for the Robins last season and a move away has been on the cards since January, when a number of Championship sides expressed interest.

Latest Blackpool manager favourites

Former Blackpool boss Neil Critchley left fans heartbroken last week when it was confirmed he had left to become Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Aston Villa.

The 43-year-old helped the Seasiders win promotion to the Championship then led them to a 16th place finish, however they have now been forced to search for his successor.

According to Sky Bet, the current favourite to take up the hotseat at Bloomfield Road is Michael Duff.

The former Burnley defender became Cheltenham Town’s manager in 2018 and since helped them return to League One for the first time since 2009, before finishing 16 points above the drop:

Michael Duff 5/4

Dave Challinor 4/1

Ivan Evatt 6/1

Simon Grayson 7/1

Dean Holden 10/1

Tony Mowbray 10/1