How ex-Oxford United star helped seal Bristol City’s first summer transfer arrival from QPR

Mark Sykes played a big role in bringing Rob Dickie to Bristol City, reveals technical director Brian Tinnion.

Dickie became the Robins’ first signing of the summer, joining for an undisclosed fee from Championship rivals QPR. The 27-year-old had been on the radar of City even before Nigel Pearson’s arrival, and they eventually landed him.

City had been in the transfer market for a centre-back and had a list of targets, but it was one of their players who made his manager aware of Dickie’s ability. A transfer happened fairly quickly with speculation quickly turning into a deal and he was unveiled as the first signing of the summer.

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol pre-match, Tinnion said: “He’s been one that we’ve liked for the last four years since he’s been with Oxford.

“We’ve got a phone call from Mark Sykes actually who was sitting in a restaurant. I’ve been speaking to Rob Dickie and he’s available.

“As soon as we knew that he wanted to come here within two days we contacted QPR, and it started moving very quickly.

“It was pretty easy because he was desperate to come here, he’s a better player than I thought he was.”

Dickie made his debut against Preston, and looked a strong physical presence, but was turned inside out when Will Keane propped up from their equaliser. It was one of the first few opportunities that he had been partnered with Zak Vyner, having played alongside his defensive rivals Jamie Knight-Lebel and Raphael Araoye.

Despite not getting off to a winning side, City legend Tinnion is pleased with hisa arrival:

“His passing from the back has been outstanding, he gives us a new dimension and he’s six foot four or five.

“He’s dominant in the air, his passing has been unbelievably good.

“He’s talking, he’s a communicator, he’s played alongside young Ralph and Jamie Knight-Lebel. He’s talked them through the games, and he’s been brilliant.”