Out of contract Bristol City star prepares retirement plan as Aston Villa man issues plea

Andy King has taken a major step in his next steps in his life once he ends his playing career.

The 34-year-old’s contract at Bristol City runs out this week, and there is a hope from Nigel Pearson that he will sign a new deal this week. Boyhood Robins fan King has been at the club for two seasons and is an influential figure in the dressing room.

He made 31 appearances last term, and even filled in as a centre-back, which was an unfamiliar role for him. King combined playing duties with his coaching duties, and is a member of Pearson’s coaching staff.

In the last year, King has mulled over his career, and whether he will prolong his playing days. He has played for the last 17-years, and boasts a Premier League title with Leicester City as his best career achievement.

King now however is making progress off the pitch, as he has recently obtained his UEFA A and UEFA B Licences. He has been studying with the Football Association of Wales, which has seen the likes of Thierry Henry, and Mikel Arteta graduate from its coaching courses.

He posted on Instagram: “UEFA A&B coaching licence completed,” which was accompanied with a photo of him holding his two certificates.

It drew a hilarious response from his City teammate Kal Naismith, who said: "Can’t wait to see you in chinos and a quarter zip on the touchline. Plenty of soccer to be played before that guvnor."

Meanwhile Alex Scott responded “love it gaffer,” and then his former teammate Timm Klose said: “We see each other on the sideline.”

Naismith, Scott, and Klose’s comments are echoed by Nigel Pearson, who previously said he could see King one day managing the club. King’s recent qualifications will now allow him to manage in the Championship, or be a head coach at a youth team, reserve team. He is one step below the UEFA Pro Licence - the highest qualification a coach can obtain - which would him to take charge of a top-flight team.

King’s recent good news stresses his importance at the club, and there is a hope he will continue his playing career for one more season at least, before hanging up the boots, and becoming a full-time member of Pearson’s backroom staff.

In other news, former defender Nathan Baker is on the hunt for memorabilia after putting out a call on social media. The 32-year-old was forced to retire on medical grounds in August 2022, but received a full wage from the club, as Bristol City honoured his contract.

He posted on his personal Twitter account: “‘Reflecting on my footballing career and realised how little personal memorabilia I have collected over the years, from trading cards to match shirts (opposition too) I’ll be interested in sourcing some. Appreciate any help.”

Baker made 148 appearances in total for Bristol City, getting four goals and four assists. He spent six seasons in the West Country, and played under Lee Johnson, Dean Holden, and Nigel Pearson.

As well as playing for Bristol City, he also made over 100 appearances for Aston Villa, with 80 coming in the Premier League. He counts Lincoln City and Millwall as the other clubs that he spent a portion of time at in his 13-year playing career.