Ex-Bristol City and Rangers star seals return to former club after retained list status confirmed

Bristol City are preparing for another year in the Championship. They have an important couple of months ahead of them coming up. The Robins have the chance to bring in some new signings and also have the opportunity to let some players leave.

Liam Manning has recently left Ashton Gate for a new challenge with fellow second tier side Norwich City. It remains to be seen at this stage who will come in to replace him. The club’s hierarchy are weighing up their options as they consider who to bring in next.

Kal Naismith joins Luton Town after Bristol City exit

Kal Naismith has re-joined Luton Town after his exit from Bristol City. His contract with the Robins expired at the end of the last campaign. They have decided not to hand him a new deal and that has paved the way for him to go back to Kenilworth Road on a permanent deal.

Naismith, 33, was given the green light to spend the second-half of last term on loan with the Hatters. He went on to play 10 games for Matt Bloomfield’s side. They were relegated to League One after finishing in the bottom three along with Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City.

Bristol City snapped up the Scotsman back in 2022 and he made 52 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with three goals. He rose up through the academy ranks at Rangers as a youngster before playing 24 times for their first-team, as well as having loan spells away from Ibrox at Cowdenbeath and Partick Thistle to get some experience. The Glasgow-born man has since played for Accrington Stanley, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic.

What now for Kal Naismith after Bristol City departure?

Naismith will be looking to help Luton get promoted from the third tier at the first time of asking. His departure from Bristol City has freed up space and funds in their squad to pave the way for new arrivals. He featured on seven occasions under Manning last season.

After re-signing for the Hatters, he said: “I’m delighted to be back. Coming back on loan was amazing, but coming back now as a Luton player is special, and I’m so happy. The intention was always to come back, and as soon as the season was done, it was evident, speaking to the people at the club, speaking to the manager, that we all wanted the same. I wanted to continue the journey, so there was no other option in my head.

“I think a lot of people are like me and they think the same: when they come here, you get attached – it is a special club that does that. Some clubs just fit, and this club just fits for me. At the stage of my career, I’m still so hungry to be successful and play games.

He added: “I’ve not signed a life-time contract but look, I would love to, I would tomorrow, because this is where I want to play until I’m done. I’ve still got so much left and so much I want to achieve. This is my club, and that feels just special. I feel wanted, I feel content. I feel every sort of bit of fire inside me when I’m here.”