This former Bristol City star is on the move following release this summer.

Bristol City will be playing Championship football for another year in 2025/26, after play-off semi-final heartbreak at the hands of beaten finalists Sheffield United on the Robins’ 10-year anniversary of promotion from League One.

Robins fans could be forgiven for worrying that their stay in the second tier may never end after a successive run of mid-table finishes, until Liam Manning’s side were able to reach a new level in the spring and mount a serious play-off push. Sixth place was secured on the final day, but the Robins were ultimately outclassed as this squad took to the play-off stage for the first time.

But the club will hope that this is the dawn of a new beginning, the first of many assaults at promotion to the Premier League - though they may have to battle to hold onto in-demand manager Manning if this season’s exploits are to be built on, amidst reports he is close to joining Norwich City.

Former Bristol City star is released by play-off rivals and makes the step down

Former Bristol City ace Jamie Paterson has joined League One outfit Plymouth Argyle, after it was announced he had been released by Coventry City following their own unsuccessful Championship play-off campaign. The 33-year-old joined the Sky Blues on a short-term contract in February, and scored a memorable last-minute winner against Portsmouth during a bit-part role for Frank Lampard’s side.

Paterson was quick to make his move, taking the step down to recently relegated Argyle in what is a major coup for the club in their aim to return to the Championship at the first attempt.

The versatile forward was a key man at Ashton Gate in the late-2010s, arriving from Nottingham Forest in 2016 and scoring 26 times in five seasons with the Robins. He was a part of the side which put up a sensational fight in the EFL Cup semi-finals against Pep Guardiola’s Centurions Manchester City team in 2017-18, as the Robins lost 5-3 on aggregate having taken the lead in the first leg at the Etihad. Lee Johnson’s side knocked out Premier League Watford, Stoke City, Crystal Palace and Manchester United in a wonderful run to reach that stage of the competition.

How Jamie Paterson’s career has developed since leaving Bristol City

Paterson departed Bristol to join Championship rivals Swansea City in 2021, and enjoyed another fruitful spell in Wales with over 100 Championship appearances and 17 goals for the club. Leaving the Swans last summer, he joined MLS outfit Charlotte FC before signing a short-term contract with hometown club Coventry.

Following his latest move to Plymouth as part of a distinguished EFL career, now-former Argyle Head Coach Miron Muslic spoke of his delight at having secured his signature. “I am very happy that we have acted quickly to make our first signing of the summer,” he said. “I spoke to Jamie on a video call last week and I think his character and experience will fit in perfectly in our locker room. He can play in a variety of positions along the front line, and will complement the way we want to play next season.”

Head of Football Operations David Fox added: “It is good to have our first player through the door, and particularly to have Jamie Paterson on board. He has spent virtually his whole career in the Championship, and to have a player of his quality and experience in our squad will be of great benefit.