Nigel Pearson has a few decisions to make before the season is out for Bristol City, which will help shape his squad for next season.
The Robins are hoping to better their finishes of 17th and 18th under the former Leicester City boss, and after four points from a possible six over Easter, they could finish as high as mid-table. City have gone on various unbeaten runs this season, but it just hasn't transferred in to a play-off push, but there's a feeling both internally and externally that they could be dark horses in the promotion picture next season.
City have had to cut their cloth accordingly to meet Financial Fair Play regulations, and have avoided points deductions, unlike the likes of Reading, and Wigan Athletic. During Pearson's two-and-a-half year tenure, his job has been to keep the club competitive whilst getting rid of the big earners. He's had some money to spend but not a lot, and has mainly brought in players from the lower leagues.
The sale of Antoine Semenyo allowed for him to sign Anis Mehmeti and Harry Cornick, and depending on whether Bournemouth stay up there could be more money available. Technical director Brian Tinnion hinted at perhaps four signings but that could be more if the most sought after player in the Championship Alex Scott, is sold this summer. Scott is under contract until 2025 and the club are in a good negotiating position but a dozen Premier League clubs are reportedly in for him, with Liverpool the latest name to be linked.
Is Scott going to depart at Ashton Gate or can City get one more year out of him? Here, BristolWorld takes a look at the six players likely to leave at the end of the campaign - and 13 others that could
1. Joe Low - could
Low will return to City having played men’s football for Walsall. Low had a taste of football with the Robins, but needed that loan move. A move to a League One club like Cheltenham could work. Photo: Darren Staples AFP via Getty Images
2. Alex Scott - could
Speculation continues to follow Scott around with Liverpool the latest club to be interested. No bids have come in for him yet but this will be a massive summer for City with bids anticipated. It’s a massive decision to have because of how much he can be worth. Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
3. Owura Edwards - likely
At 22-years-old, is it time Edwards is moved on? The likes of Sam Bell, Anis Mehmeti, Andi Weimann and Mark Sykes will be ahead of him in the pecking order. He’s had loan moves with Colchester United and Ross County and a move elsewhere could be beneficial for him. Photo: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images
4. Han-Noah Massengo - likely
No doubts about this one. Massengo is off this summer. He was frozen out after not signing a new deal and is now on loan at Auxerre, who are paying his wages in full. City will get a small amount of compensation for him wherever he ends up. Photo: Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images