Huge boost as defender and Bristol City agree new deal and admits ‘instant connection’ with club

Bristol City have persuaded experienced centre-back Timm Klose to sign a new one-year deal with the club with a few of a further extension.

The 34-year-old was one of the three senior players to be out of contract this summer and now the Switzerland international has put pen-to-paper on a deal that will see him ply his trade here for a full Championship campaign.

Klose was ever present for the Robins after joining on a free transfer at the end of January, having initially joined to boost the clubs defensive options.

He made 18 appearances and scored in the 3-1 win over Derby County and the team recorded three clean sheets from his arrival, adding an experienced presence after his arrival.

Acting as the most senior figure in a three-man central defence, he alongside Robbie Cundy and Rob Atkinson played for the majority of the club’s end-of-season run where they lost just three of their last ten matches.

“I’ve really enjoyed by time at the club since arriving in January and I felt an instant connection with the players, staff and fanbase,” said Klose to Robins TV.

“I’m glad that I’ve come into the squad and managed to contribute at both ends of the pitch as we finished the season with a bit of momentum, which hopefully we can bring into the season ahead.

“I’d also like to thank Nigel and the club for giving me the opportunity to continue my journey with Bristol City.”

Now it is only left to the futures of Andy King, who has been offered a player-coach role, as well as Klose’s centre-back partner Cundy to sort out their future.

Pearson is keen for King to take up the role given their strong relationship that has had them work together at three clubs with the offering of a role to a player something he has replicated during his management career.

Cundy meanwhile had his breakthrough time with City from the turn of the New Year after enduring a difficult three years through injury and loans away.

A report from BristolWorld a few weeks back claimed that the 25-year-old has had offers from elsewhere and is mulling over his options.

Academy graduate goalkeeper Will Buse is the other player that has been offered new terms. The 19-year-old won the Southern League with Taunton Town and played in the U23’s play-off final against Coventry City upon his return.

City have already made a positive start to the transfer market by making two early additions, even before the summer transfer window opens on June 10.

Kal Naismith, taken from losing play-off semi-finalists Luton Town last week was the second player to be unveiled on the roof of Ashton Gate.

Snatched from under the noses of the Hatters, who were in discussions over a new deal with the Scotland international, City tied him down to a three-year contract, offering him security at his new club.

The 30-year-old is a utility player that can play on both flanks of the defence as either a left-back or right-back which will be of benefit given the lack of options on the right hand side.

He is also capable of playing as a centre-back and captained Luton during the earlier part of the season, winning their Player of the Year award.

Naismith’s arrival was in addition to Mark Sykes, who joined on a free transfer from Oxford United on May 16, getting the ball rolling in City’s early season business.