Bristol City ship out title-winning goalkeeper to National League outfit Yeovil

Bristol City have loaned out young goalkeeper Will Buse to Yeovil Town until the end of the 2022/23 season.

Buse, signed a one-year contract extension with the Robins this summer, and has mainly been in around Alex Ball’s development squad.

It was originally planned that Buse would return to Taunton Town, who are preparing for their first season in the National League South.

Despite his young age, Buse was the first-choice goalkeeper for the semi-professional club and helped them to the Southern League title, which saw them earn promotion.

He played in a pre-season match against the Glovers for Taunton back in mid July and made a string of good saves including a stop from the penalty spot.

“Will arrives as the perfect candidate to bolster the goalkeeping department,” said Yeovil boss Chris Hargreaves.

“As a local lad, his connection to the club was a huge draw, but more importantly, he is a very good goalkeeper as those who watched our friendly against Taunton saw.

Buse is the second player to link up with Yeovil this summer from City after Wales Under-21 international Sam Pearson was sent there.

Pearson had been on the fringes of the first-team squad in 2020/21 but found first-team opportunities hard to come by last year and was loaned to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The 20-year-old is at Huish Park for what is an initial one-month deal but that could be extended should both parties agree.

“I’m delighted to be here,” said Pearson to the official club website, last week.

“I got a text the other week about coming here, now it’s about trying to play in as many games as I can and helping the team progress.

“The first time I spoke to the manager was yesterday, he called me when I was having my haircut! He sounds nice and willing to help me progress, so that’s why I’m here!”

Manager Hargreaves added, “Sam is an exciting young player who adds a new element to our squad. “He comes from a strong background at Bristol City and already has first team experience under his belt.”

Tommy Blackwell and Zac Bell headed to National League South side Bath City whilst Prince Henry and Omar Taylor-Clarke have gone to Yate Town, who played the Under-21's on Tuesday afternoon.

Midfielder James Taylor meanwhile joined Cheltenham Town, but was not named as a substitute by Wade Elliott in their 3-2 defeat to Peterborough United on the opening day of the League One season.