The Derby County view on Haydon Roberts as Bristol City transfer ‘confirmed in 24 hours’

Bristol City have two players through the door and a third could soon follow in the form of Haydon Roberts.

Rob Dickie and Ross McCrorie have been confirmed as the Robins’ first two signings of the summer transfer window and another looks set to join on the eve of the transfer window opening. The transfer registration period isn’t meant to open until Wednesday, June 14, but three new faces are almost certain to meet their teammates when their pre-season begins. Football Insider reports that the Robins have agreed a deal to sign Roberts on a free transfer. It is said they have 'moved quickly' to get ahead of the other clubs who were chasing his signature.

The 21-year-old is a free agent after leaving Brighton and spent the last season on loan at Derby County. To get more of an idea of Roberts, who is likely to be the third arrival of the summer, we spoke to DerbyWorld writer Dylan Oakley to give us an insight.

Firstly, what kind of player is Haydon Roberts?

Haydon Roberts was a very impressive part of Derby’s squad last year. He didn’t break into the team straight away but once he did he was a crucial part of the first team.

He’s very effective as an attacking full-back as he has pace but also very good ball control, he’s not someone that often makes mistakes. He played as a wing back and in a back three so his versatility makes him a great asset.

What are his key strengths, and then elements of his game that he can improve on?

His key strengths are as I’ve touched on:

His versatility, speed and control, but he’s also got a good motor and will keep running without running out of energy.

In terms of improvement, I think he has all the tools to develop but it’s more of a case of getting regular first-team football which he didn’t have in his career until last season at Derby when he really started to develop. In that sense his biggest weakness is inexperience.

He looks to have played left-back last season, how did he fare there, but can he also play centre-back?

He is primarily a left back, which draws on the strengths of his game (running and good ball control) but equally, he was reliable at centre back when we needed him to be, but if that would be how Bristol would want to play him then maybe a bit of positionally focussed training wouldn’t go a miss

Do you think he’ll be able to adapt to Championship football?

He’s very capable of playing in the Championship as he was a very good player in league one, again a lack of experience could be an issue but nothing that can’t be fixed.

Did Derby feel there was a chance to re-sign him, and do you think Rams fans are disappointed he’s likely not to return?

It was virtually nailed on that Roberts was going to sign for Derby at one point as Paul Warne was very vocal in his desire to keep him. But obviously strong interest from a team in the league above has scuppered that which many Rams fans will find disappointing because he became a bit of a fan favourite especially once he’d become a staunch member of the first team.

Roberts joining Bristol City fits the mould of young hungry players, how far can you see him going in the game, and what’s he like as a person?

He’s definitely got the potential to go far, his natural ability is clear to see, and aged only 21, the upside is massive. He always seemed to be a very chilled, calm person in interviews but also quite mature for such a young age. He strikes me as the epitome of a team player, he doesn’t necessarily have the leadership qualities in him but I think he’s great for a dressing room overall.

And anything else we need to know?

Finally, if you haven’t seen it, you should check out his goal against Shrewsbury at home.