Nigel Pearson reveals Bristol City’s stance on free agents and Sol Bamba’s status

Nigel Pearson is unlikely to utilise the free agent market after the summer transfer window slammed shut last week on Bristol City.

The Robins conducted their business early and had no senior team arrivals after July 5 with all the new additions at the club for the start of the season.

City were one of six Championship clubs that did not pay a transfer fee for a player with a small compensantion package to Forest Green their only transfer expenditure for the services of Kane Wilson.

The club also snapped up Mark Sykes, Kal Naismith and Stefan Bajic who were out of contract, but City are unlikely to dip their toes into the players who have yet to find new clubs.

A new centre-half was the priority before the window slammed shut and there are several players with second tier experience that are available, but there isn’t as much quality in the market.

Asked about the free agent market, Pearson said: “I will bring players in if they make us better.

“I know we don’t have a lot of numbers but what is the point of bringing players in who aren’t going to affect the quality of the team?

“There is no point for me. There may be players out there, the fact that they are still out there will suggest that there are reasons why deals aren’t done.

“I think you’re aware of what most important is and that is financial implications for the football club.

He added: “Everybody is finding the climate to operate in very different, there are Premier League clubs who are having problems.

“It’s all relative to your own circumstances, we will endeavour to build our squad and develop at the rate we can. That doesn’t mean we don’t discuss it internally that there are discussions we don’t all agree on but that is healthy.”

City are operating with a small group of senior players with defence a particular area that requires strength in depth for the amount of personnel used.

Rob Atkinson, Naismith and Zak Vyner are the preferred central three at the moment with Switzerland international Timm Klose providing cover.

The likes of Duncan Idehen and Ryley Towler however have been loaned out to Carlisle United and Wimbledon respectively but Josh Low and Dylan Kadji are amongst the best of the academy crop.

Despite a reluctance to enter the free transfer market, the vastly experienced Sol Bamba has been training with the club for almost a month.

Bamba is searching for his next venture after being released by Middlesbrough following a lengthy spell at Severnside rivals Cardiff City.

The 37-year-old was a former player of Pearson at Leicester City and an appearance for the Under-21’s prompted speculation as to whether he would be signing for City.

He did not play against Sheffield Wednesday’s Under-21’s this week, which featured five first-team players. Despite his absence for Alex Ball’s side, he remains at the High Performance Centre.

“Yes, yes he is,” responded Pearson when asked if the Ivory Coast international was still at the club.

“It’s to help Sol get fit, that is why he is here. He’s thankful to be able to come in and train.

“He’s a very positive person to have around the place. I don’t have any issues. I have already spoken about trying to help people in the game who need a bit of a leg up. It is really what it is.”