‘I would like to keep him’ - Nigel Pearson delivers verdict on out-of-contract Bristol City defender

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has expressed his desire to keep hold of experienced defender Timm Klose at the football club.

Klose has started every match for the Robins since joining on a free transfer back in January, adding experience to what has been a youthful back line.

The 33-year-old, who scored his first goal for the club against Derby County last week, earned his third clean sheet in the 5-0 win over Hull City.

But having played their final home game of the season, the City boss is hopeful that won’t be his last appearance at Ashton Gate, as he states his intent to keep hold of him.

He would like to work once more with the Switzerland international but contract negotiations are out of his remit and are likely to be dealt with in the summer.

“I can’t tell you where we’re at, I don’t get involved in that side of it,” said Pearson in the aftermath of City’s biggest win of the season.

“I think he’s done really well and I would like to keep him.”

Klose’s defensive partner Robbie Cundy is another player whose future is uncertain with his contract also up in the summer with his future to be decided.

Cundy after joining in 2019, didn’t make his senior debut for the club until January, coming on in a 2-2 draw with Preston North End.

The 24-year-old has played in the last nine matches and has earned three clean sheets alongside Klose and Rob Atkinson, in the absence of Tomas Kalas and Nathan Baker.

Cundy’s issues with injuries is slightly different to Klose who in a short period has shown his durability by playing a consistent amount of games.

Pearson said: “It’s a slightly different situation just because of his injury record and his robustness. I think he’s done well when he’s been in the side.

“He does what he is good at, which is defend. He isn’t flamboyant, he doesn’t try to do something that he’s not. He does what he is and he is still adjusting to the Championship.”